First, they count the number of papers in each ballot box to make sure it tallies with the record of those issued. Once that is completed satisfactorily, the tellers separate out the votes for each candidate and bundle them into groups of 50. These are then added to get the final result. While the counting is going on, it is monitored by the candidates and their representatives to ensure fair play. It is also possible for the parties to get an early indication of how they are doing by comparing the figures from key wards with the same ballot boxes in previous elections.
Every count contains ballot papers that are disallowed.
In cases of doubt, the returning officer makes a decision in the presence of the candidates or their agents. The officer's decision is final but can be challenged by an election petition. This happened in 1997 in Winchester, where the Liberal Democrat Mark Oaten defeated his Tory rival, Gerry Malone, by just two votes. Mr Malone felt that 55 ballot papers in his favour had been incorrectly ruled as spoiled because there was no official mark. He went to court and a by-election was ordered.