The Practicalities
Getting to the count
- The count will be held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), Morrison Street.
- Agents and Observers can arrive from 8.00am.
- There is no parking at the count venue.
- The EICC is close to many bus routes. Routes to the EICC can be planned from across the city on Lothian Buses website
Security passes
A reception desk for candidates and agents will be located at the entrance of the EICC:
- Arrangements will be made for admission passes for candidates, guests, elections agents and counting agents to be collected in advance.
- If, due to unforeseen circumstances, it has not been possible to collect the passes in advance, you may collect them on the morning from the reception desk.
- Passes must be worn at all times in the count venue.
- Everyone attending the count will have to produce additional photographic identification to gain access to the count centre. This could be a bus pass, workplace ID card, photo driving licence, passport or student matriculation card. Failure to do so may result in a considerable delay to entry.
- Candidate, agent and observer reception will open at 8.00am on 6 May.
Facilities
Refreshments
The cafe will be open from 9:15am serving light refreshments.
Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is available through the count area - EICC - public Wi-Fi. Use
- Network: delegate
- Password: haymarket
First aid
Qualified first aiders will be on duty. If you require assistance, ask security staff or staff with a radio to call for first aid.
Disabled access
Any candidates, agents or observers who may need particular assistance with evacuation should get in touch with the Elections Team in advance so their requirements can be accommodated. A form has been circulated in advance.
Dos and Don’ts in the count hall
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited within EICC. If you leave the building, please remember to take your admission pass and photographic ID or you may not be allowed to come back in.
Mobile phones and other electronic equipment
MOBILE PHONES, CAMERAS OR VIDEO EQUIPMENT MUST NOT BE USED NEAR THE TABLES OR SCANNERS
Mobile phones, laptops, tablets etc are permitted within the building and you may tweet live during the Count process. The hashtag #edincount will be used throughout the Count, with #SLG22 used for the results. However, use of mobile phones is restricted in the count halls.
- You are not permitted to take photos or video footage where the contents of any ballot paper could be identified. This is important to ensure the secrecy and integrity of the Election.
- As most mobile phones are also cameras, you must not use them when you are near the tables as you could be perceived to be taking photographs or videos of papers and thus breaching the secrecy of the vote.
- Please make sure that your phone is on silent in the count halls.
Agents/observers must move well away from the tables when using phones. All are asked to limit their use of mobile phones as this can distract staff and delay the Count.
Media
Accredited media representatives from the press, radio and TV will be present within the count hall. This may include television cameras and photographers. Cameras will not be allowed to approach the tables without supervision or, in the case of television, to focus on the tables in close-up. Media representatives will only be permitted into the counting areas under the close supervision of the Returning Officer’s media team.