Counting agent
{{Short description|Counting agent oversees the counting of votes during an election, ensuring accuracy and fairness}}
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A counting agent or count agent is a type of electoral observer and may be self-nominated,{{cite web |title=Electoral Administration Act 2006 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/22#:~:text=Accredited%20observers%3A%20individuals |access-date=2022-11-20}} appointed by either the candidate standing for election or the candidate's election agent to oversee the counting at the election count.
In the United Kingdom there is no legal requirement to appoint a counting agent.{{cite web |url=https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/214232/Parliamentary-By-Election-Part-5-Your-right-to-attend-key-electoral-events.pdf |title=Guidance for candidates and agents - Your right to attend key electoral events |publisher=Electoral Commission |date=November 2018 |accessdate=26 April 2019}}{{cite web |url=http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/electoral_commission_pdf_file/0007/108934/The-count.pdf |title=The count |publisher=Electoral Commission (United Kingdom) |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110802161141/http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/electoral_commission_pdf_file/0007/108934/The-count.pdf |archivedate=2 August 2011}} At elections in the Republic of Ireland, counting agents are called tallymen; they keep track not only of first-preference votes but also of transfers.{{cite news|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/politics/art-of-the-tallyman-returns-to-centre-stage-at-vote-counts-93540.html|title=Art of the tallyman returns to centre stage at vote counts|last=Regan|first=Mary|date=6 June 2009|work=Irish Examiner|accessdate=1 June 2013}}
The number of counting agents which can be appointed is determined by the returning officer of the election and is usually dependent on the number of counting clerks at the count. Counting agents are appointed after the period when nominations to the election are made. The election timetable will state when counting agents have to be appointed, typically a week before polling day.
The role of the counting agent is to oversee the count itself, though they may not touch any of the ballot papers and must act through the returning officer.
UK counting agents must follow a code of practice.{{cite web |title=Electoral observation at United Kingdom elections and referendums Code of practice for electoral observers |url=https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/sites/default/files/electoral_commission_pdf_file/Code-of-practice-for-electoral-observers-Web.pdf |publisher=The Electoral Commission |access-date=2022-11-20}}
In the United States, absentee ballots are usually counted at a central location, not the polling place. Rules on who may observe the counting vary by state.{{Cite web |title=Policies for Election Observers |url=https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/policies-for-election-observers |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=www.ncsl.org}}
See also
References
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External links
- [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2006/3304/schedule/2/made The Local Elections (Principal Areas) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 (SI 2006/3304)]
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Category:Political occupations
Category:Elections in the United Kingdom
Category:Constitution of the United Kingdom
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