HERE are some questions about voting and the count procedure:
Q: What is the best way to mark your ballot paper?
A: A cross, in the box that corresponds to your choice, is the clearest way to vote.
Q: What happens if people are still waiting to vote when polls close?
A: At 10pm a member of polling place staff will mark the end of any remaining queue. All those waiting will be able to cast their vote but for anyone arriving beyond this point it will be too late.
Q: If a voter ticks a box, rather than using a cross, will the vote still be counted?
A: Yes, a long as the voter's intention is clear. Even if the voter writes "Yes" in the No box, it should be counted as a No vote. An "emoticon", such as a smiley face, in one of the boxes would also count, as long as it clearly represents a positive view.
Q: What if a voter leaves a mark which is not in the proper place?
A: If a cross is part inside, part outside a box, it will still be counted. If a voter circles the words Yes or No and leaves the box blank, or puts a cross next to one of the words but outside the box, it should also count. The vote should even count if someone writes "Yes" or "No" next to the question, but marks neither box.
Q: If a voter puts a tick in one box, and the cross in the other, will the vote count?
A: No, this would count as a spoiled ballot.
Q: Will the ballot count as spoiled if the voter also chooses to write words, such as 'Freedom', on their paper?
A: It should be counted as long as their intention is clear. But it will be rejected if the voter's identity can be ascertained from what they have written.
Q: Who decides whether a ballot is spoiled?
A: The decision on whether to accept or reject a doubtful ballot is one for the Counting Officer - or authorised depute - whose decision is final and can be challenged only by judicial review.
Q: When is it decided whether a doubtful ballot is included or not?
A: This should be decided as the count progresses, not left until the end.
Q: What time can we expect the national declaration?
A: Officially, "breakfast time". A survey of councils suggests Aberdeen will be the last council to declare at 6am and the national result will come soon after.
Q: Will we be able to establish early on which way the vote will go?
A: Results will be announced through the night by each of the local authorities. There may be a "tipping point" where it is clear from the total number of votes cast and the result so far that a winning side has emerged.
Q: What about a recount?
A: A counting officer or the CCO can request a local recount if he or she considers it appropriate. A recount would only be requested if there was some doubt over the process - for example if there were concerns over a mix-up with the ballot papers or that some had not been counted.
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