Issued: 21 December 2009
Angus Voters Asked For Their Views On Election Count Timing
Angus electors are being asked to take part in a debate on the timing of the counting of votes at the forthcoming general election.
The counting of votes at a UK general election has traditionally taken place at the close of the poll, but the issue of overnight counting is currently being debated, with the focus on possible movement of the count to the following day.
Angus electors are being asked to give their views on this proposal by 25 January 2010. They can do so through Angus Council's 'Have you Say' section of the council website at www.angus.gov.uk.
Tom Aitchison, Convener of the Interim Election Management Board for Scotland, points out that the results of overnight counts for the 2010 election are likely to be available several hours later than has been the case in previous elections.
He said: "We're facing the prospect of most Scottish results coming in around two or three hours later, which means the earliest would be around 2.00 am, with most around 4.00 am and some later, and that assumes that everything goes according to plan. Any recounts or unforeseen circumstances would push that even further into the early hours or beyond.
"We've got to consider and ask questions about how the new regulations will affect the counting process and those who will be working on the night. Voters will recall the problems that were experienced in 2007. We all recognise the desire for an early announcement of results and that there is a real drama about traditional overnight counts. However, our priority has got to be delivering accurate results that the candidates, the media and, most importantly, the public can trust."
The extra length of time required to complete the count is largely because of the increase in the number of people using postal votes. New regulations mean the identity of postal voters needs to be checked and technology-based processes are required to support that. New tasks have to be completed when the polls close before the counting of votes can begin. The paper explains that this has potentially significant implications for the staffing of overnight counts.
A consultation paper, produced by the Interim Election Management Board for Scotland, has been issued and the consultation process is seeking the views of political parties, the media and other stakeholders. Views will also be sought at local level throughout Scotland by Returning Officers.
A similar debate is going on south of the border, with a number of Returning Officers having already indicated that they intend to count on the day after the election, allowing postal votes to be processed overnight in preparation for the count.
Angus voters seeking further information can contact Angus Council projects and election officer Shona Cameron, E: cameronsd@angus.gov.uk.