Depending upon how the election process is structured in a given country, ballots may be counted either at voting sites and then tabulated at successively higher levels of election commissions, or, the vote count may be conducted after voting has been closed, delivered to centralised locations. For the purposes of this discussion, counting stations will be used to refer to any location where ballots are being counted or tabulated and results determined.
Counting stations are restricted to specific categories of people. But they can also become gathering places for the public, especially if results are going to be announced from these locations. So educators need to consider what information is required and how to maximise the opportunities that this very important election moment provides.
While there are fewer members of the general public at a counting station, there are likely to be relatively heavy demands for good and accurate information by certain groups of people who will be having access. These may include the candidates and their agents, accredited election observers and journalists. Although it is likely that such people will have received a briefing from their respective organisations and can receive additional information directly from the counting officials, their need for information that is straightforward and which describes their roles, responsibilities, and rights should not be underestimated.
Information for Those Inside the Counting Site
While posters and handouts may be used to help inform those with access to the counting stations, there are also likely to be members of the public present if there are to be any election announcements at counting stations. Counting officers and returning officers should be briefed to enable them to make the opportunity a memorable one for voters.
Information for Those Outside the Counting Site
Counting votes and declaring results provide an opportunity to enhance the importance of elections in ensuring peaceful transitions of power and in encouraging the acceptance of results and reconciliation among winners and losers. While the majority of people are likely to experience this moment through the radio or television where these are available, many will be present in the streets.
Arrangements should be made for amplification of announcements, their subsequent display, and for the display of any final results. Some countries post official protocols of results, whether for the voting site or aggregated totals at higher level election commissions or counting stations, on their premises for review by the public. Certified copies may also be made for distribution to candidate representatives, party agents, election observers, and journalists. The details of publicising results and the limitations thereon are discussed in Progress Reports; Cumulative Statement of Votes and Publicising Election Results
