Guidance for Petition Officers

The count process is relatively straightforward as there is no need for any sorting. You must:1  

• count and record the number of signing sheets received via the daily verification process and at the close of the petition 
• verify the final signing sheet account for each petition signing place, and
• count and record the returned postal signing sheets

Throughout the count process, the signing sheets must be kept face up.2  

You will need to provide instructions to staff on your count processes, including how to count and bundle the signing sheets, and record numbers of counted signing sheets.

You must draw up a statement as to the result of the verification.3  

Rejected signing sheets

Doubtful signing sheets should be included in the verification figure but set aside for adjudication. 

You must reject a signing sheet that:4  

• does not bear the official mark
• is unmarked or void for uncertainty

However, the legislation states that a signing sheet on which the signature is marked in the following ways must not be rejected if the intention to sign the petition is clear:5  

• elsewhere than in the proper place
• otherwise than by means of a signature
• by more than one mark

You must draw up a statement showing the number of signing sheets rejected for each category.6  

The decision of the PO on any question arising during adjudication of the signing sheets is final, subject to review on a recall petition complaint.7  The recall competition complaint process is the equivalent of an election petition.