SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 8Combination of polls: Northern Ireland
PART 1Provision about combination
Counting of votes
Counting of votes
34
1
The Chief Electoral Officer must count the votes given on the ballot papers, separately in respect of the referendum and each relevant election, but must not do so until—
a
in the case of postal ballot papers, they have been mixed with the ballot papers from at least one ballot box;
b
in the case of ballot papers from a ballot box, they have been mixed with the ballot papers from at least one other ballot box.
2
The Chief Electoral Officer, while counting the votes, must—
a
keep the ballot papers with their faces upwards, and
b
take all proper precautions for preventing anyone from seeing the numbers or other unique identifying marks printed on the back of the papers.
3
The Chief Electoral Officer must so far as practicable proceed continuously with the counting of votes, allowing only time for refreshment, except that—
a
the officer may exclude the whole or any part of the period between 11 pm and 9 am on the next day;
b
the officer may exclude a day mentioned in rule 2(1) of the referendum rules.
4
During the time so excluded the Chief Electoral Officer must—
a
place the ballot papers and other documents relating to the referendum or election under the officer's own seal and the seals of any of the counting agents who want to affix their seals, and
b
otherwise take proper precautions for the security of the papers and documents.