Subsection 7: Counting of votes

The counting of postal votes is processed automatically.

In accordance with the procedures laid down by order of the Minister for Labour, two separate, dedicated and isolated automated processes are created, called the “voters’ file” and the “electronic ballot box” respectively. No link is established between these two processes.

The electoral register contains data relating to the electoral roll drawn up pursuant to article L. 2122-10-4. This file is used to identify voters who have taken part in the ballot.

The electronic ballot box contains data relating to postal votes cast. The data in this file is encrypted.

Once voting is over, the polling station counts the postal votes in open session, in the presence of the National Commission for Voting Operations. The polling station and the Commission Nationale des Opérations de Vote may enter their observations in the minutes.

Before the postal vote count begins, the polling station checks that the vote-counting system has been sealed and is working properly, that the vote counter has been reset to zero and that the electronic ballot box is empty. No partial results are available during the counting process.

The vote registration process is subject to the following two processes: 1° Firstly, the updating of the electoral roll. If, at the time of processing, it is found that a voter who has sent in a postal vote has already voted electronically from a distance, his postal vote is immediately destroyed. This operation is recorded in the minutes; 2° Secondly, the vote is checked for admissibility as defined in article…

The votes shall not be counted and shall be appended to the minutes of the voting operations: 1° Envelopes handed in by a person who does not work for the service provider responsible for postal delivery; 2° Envelopes from electors who have already voted electronically; 3° Envelopes that arrive unsealed or unsealed.