Counting agents can be appointed to observe the verification and counting processes. You must give appointed counting agents, notice in writing of the time and place at which the verification and count will begin.1
You must be notified in writing of the appointment of counting agents by not later than five working days before the poll for their appointment to be in force for the verification and count.2
One counting agent at the constituency, the Mayor of London, and the London-wide Assembly Member elections may be authorised to request a recount at the conclusion of a count or recount. These authorisations must be made at the time that the counting agent appointment is made to you.3
Limiting the number of agents in attendance
You are permitted by law to limit the number of counting agents appointed.4
The number that may be appointed by each candidate must be the same and, unless there are special circumstances, must not be less than the number obtained by dividing the number of counting assistants (i.e. those staff counting the ballot papers) by the number of candidates.5
When determining the maximum number of counting agents, each candidate should, as far as possible, be permitted to appoint sufficient numbers of counting agents to enable full and proper scrutiny of the verification and count processes. You should, however, consider any health and safety implications, including fire regulations for the verification and count venue, when deciding on maximum numbers of counting agents.
When determining the maximum number of counting agents you should also bear in mind that the counting agents for all polls being verified are entitled to attend the verification part of the count.
Anyone attending the count has a duty to maintain the secrecy of the count. All Counting Agents must be supplied with the following requirements of secrecy for the count.6