Local Government Election 2022: Guidance on count procedures for candidates, election agents and counting agents

Appendix 1 – Requirements of Secrecy

Rule 27, Scottish Local Government Election Rules 2011

PART III

CONTESTED ELECTIONS

Requirement of secrecy

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(3) Every person attending at the counting of the votes shall maintain and aid in maintaining the secrecy of voting and shall not –

ascertain or attempt to ascertain at the counting of the votes the number or other unique identifying mark on the back of any ballot paper;

communicate any information obtained at the counting of the votes as to the candidate for whom any vote is given on any particular ballot paper.

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(8) If a person acts in contravention of this rule that person shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the amount specified as level 5 on the standard scale or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months.