The result of next year’s independence referendum is unlikely to be declared in the early hours of the morning.
While ballots in the historic vote will be counted overnight, a paper from chief counting officer (designate) Mary Pitcaithly says this does not necessarily mean the result will be announced overnight.
“Getting the result right is more important than getting it quickly,” it says.
With intense international interest expected in the result of the referendum, to be held on September 18 next year, Ms Pitcaithly issued a paper looking at issues which could affect the timing of counts across Scotland. Ms Pitcaithly is also convener of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland and chief executive of Falkirk Council.
“An estimate of a final result cannot be given with any confidence,” concludes her paper.
“With the current processes and volumes of ballots, particularly postal votes, it is unlikely to be in the early hours as might have been the experience in previous elections. Turnout, volumes of postal votes and logistical factors dependent on the geography and climate must all come into the consideration.”
Counting of votes on the day will begin once polls close at 10pm, with counts held in all 32 local authority areas. Local totals will be verified by the chief counting officer before being announced, and a final declaration of the overall result will only be made after all 32 local results have been checked in this way. In Argyll and Bute, votes are normally counted the day after an election because ballot boxes need to be brought in from islands in the region, but plans are in place to tally the votes overnight.
Bad weather could still delay boxes being transported a long way either by road, air or sea.
A large turnout is likely to mean the votes take longer to be counted, while counts could be disrupted by observers, the paper also points out.
“The referendum is the subject of intense and emotional debate with great interest from campaigners and the public. There is a risk that counts may face large Yes/No campaign contingents turning up at the venues, especially in urban areas.
“Counting officers will engage with campaign groups to try to prevent any disruption.”