The first stage is verification, where enumerators count the constituency and West Scotland region ballot papers from each polling station to verify that the number of ballot papers matches the number of papers issued, as recorded on the Returning Officer’s ballot paper accounts.
Once all the votes have been verified, the Returning Officer will announce the total votes cast and the percentage turnout.
Staff then count the number of votes cast for each candidate in the constituency contests.
Candidates and Agents can observe the count from specified viewing points on the count floor. They can also view and participate in the adjudication of disputed ballots.
The Returning Officer shares the provisional result with candidates and their agents, who can ask for a recount of the votes. The Returning Officer can refuse the request if they think it is unreasonable.
The Returning Officer will declare the number of votes cast for each candidate and will then announce the name of the candidate with the most votes as the elected Member of Scottish Parliament.
This process is carried out for each of the three constituencies in Renfrewshire: Paisley; Renfrewshire North and Cardonald; and Renfrewshire West and Levern Valley.
The West Scotland Region ballot follows the same process, and the results of the list votes are declared for each of the three constituencies.
These are then combined with the results from all other constituencies in the region and the seven candidates are elected based on the total number of votes combined with the seats already gained by candidates or parties.
Paisley Photographs 