This file introduces the two files dealing with the differences in where vote counting can take place, viz. the voting station or at another centrally located counting centres, and, the differences in how vote counting occurs.

Where the vote counting takes place

Vote counting takes place either at:

1. the voting station,
2. centrally located counting centres, or
3. a combination of voting stations and counting centres.

Most jurisdictions count votes at the voting stations, rather than transport them to a central counting venue. This enhances transparency as there is no need to transport the ballot boxes and there can be no perception of ballot box tampering during the transportation. It also provides for timeous counting as there is no delay transporting and delivering the ballot boxes. Counting at counting centers may be a cost determining factor as fewer counting officers will need to be recruited and paid.

However, in jurisdictions vulnerable to electoral fraud, counting at centrally located counting centers may be perceived as providing for opportunities to tamper with the ballot boxes, during the period when the ballot boxes are transported.

Some jurisdictions may use a combination of both locations for vote counting, giving the electoral management body the discretion to determine when it may be necessary to count some voting stations’ votes at a centrally located counting centre.

One such reason may be that the voting station is in a politically volatile area and it may be difficult for the security forces to protect the voting station staff once results are announced.

How voting occurs

Each jurisdiction determines, in their legislation, the process of vote counting that will be undertaken. Generally accepted best practice requires that vote counting has the following elements:

• verification and reconciliation of the ballots and other voting material,
• sorting of the ballots into piles representing the different political parties, candidates and, in the case of referendum, choices,
• counting of the ballots,
• completion of the results sheets or statement of votes,
• capturing the results,
• announcement of results.

Each jurisdiction will determine the combination of counting elements, and the content and process of each element, in their vote counting process.

Some jurisdictions will choose to conduct their vote counting manually, others will use and automated process and others, a combination of the two, e.g. where the results are tallied manually but captured and conveyed to a central point electronically.

In determining the process of vote counting it is important to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. Too frequently vote counting is not given the attention that it needs by electoral administrators and managers, whereas it is the most fundamental element of the electoral process, as it is most vulnerable to fraud and manipulation.

It is during vote counting that an election can be won or lost and unless it is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner by the electoral management body, it may be perceived by the public and international observers as being flawed.

Throughout each step of the counting process there needs to be a series of checks and balances to ensure the integrity of the process and to allow for objections and challenges by those contesting the elections; political parties and candidates. A process of checks and balances is seminal to a professional, effective and reflective vote counting process.