Guidance for Candidates and Agents at UK Parliamentary by-elections in Great Britain

Verification and count

The following sections provide guidance on the process of verifying and counting the votes in the election. As a candidate you will be invited to attend and observe these processes.

It includes guidance on the following: 

  • when and where the count will take place
  • who can attend the count
  • what does a counting agent do?
  • duty to maintain secrecy
  • how votes are counted
  • what if the vote on a ballot paper is not clear?
  • doubtful ballot papers
  • declaration of result
Last updated: 1 July 2024