Holyrood election votes to be counted day after polls close

Votes cast in next year’s Holyrood election will be counted the day after polls close, the Electoral Management Board for Scotland has announced.

Counts were carried out overnight before the 2021 election, but that was curtailed by the pandemic, meaning votes were tallied over the subsequent two days.

In an announcement on Wednesday, board chairman Malcolm Burr said votes next year will be counted on May 8.

He said: “Returning officers (ROs) and electoral registration officers (EROs) in this country have a history of delivering results in which voters, candidates and our institutions can have full confidence.

“The directions I make today, with the full support of ROs and EROs, will protect that reputation, promoting resilience and giving clarity to voters and candidates across the Scotland about how the election processes will be run.

“In addition to the usual administrative directions, such as when postal votes will be issued, I am directing that votes are to be counted on the day following the polls rather than overnight. This will add resilience to a complex process.”

Mr Burr added: “Counting during the day allows the use of well-rested staff with quick access to more resources, people and support facilities.

“Our counts are always accurate but working in the day removes some risks, reduces costs and lets us declare the results when more people are engaged.”