# The Local Elections (Principal Areas) (Wales) Rules 2021, Paragraph 64H: The count: general


(1) This rule applies where the returning officer has mixed the ballot papers under rule 64D(10) or 64F(4).
(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the returning officer must, so far as practicable, proceed continuously with the counting of votes until all vacancies have been filled, allowing only time for refreshment.
(3) The returning officer may exclude any hours between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. on the following morning.
(4) During any time that is excluded, the returning officer must—
(a) place the ballot papers and other documents relating to the election under the returning officer’s seal and the seals of any principal area counting agents who wish to affix their seals, and
(b) otherwise take proper precautions for the security of the ballot papers and other documents.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2021/1459/schedule/2/paragraph/64H (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/local-elections-principal-areas-wales-rules-2021/schedule-2/paragraph-64H
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.