EU referendum
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Guidance and resources for administering the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union
Part 1
Counting Officer role and responsibilities
This part covers:
- How to use this guidance
- The Counting Officer's role, responsibilities, skills and knowledge
- Our performance standards for Counting Officers
Part 2
Planning and organisation
This part covers:
- Planning (including the identification and training of staff, the selection and booking of venues and management of contractors and suppliers)
- How to maintain the integrity of the election
- Raising awareness
- Access to proceedings by electoral observers and Commission representatives
Part 3
Administering the poll
This part covers:
- The production of notices, poll cards and ballot papers
- Polling station voting
Part 4
Absent voting
This part covers:
- The absent voting timetable
- Proxy voting
- Preparations for absent voting processes and the production of stationery
- Procedures for the issue, receipt and opening of postal votes
Part 5
Verifying and counting the votes
This part covers:
- The principles for an effective verification and count
- Preparations for the count
- Verification and count procedures
Part 6
After the declaration of result
This part covers:
- Storage and disposal of documents
- Post-election activities
- Challenges to the result
- Review of election procedures
Fees and Charges
Counting Officers’ Expenses Guidance
This part covers:
- Legislative background
- Accounting requirements
- Making a claim
- Completing claim forms