Logica puts eCounting technology through its paces
Scottish Government and Logica carry out 160,000 ballot ‘dummy run’ in preparation for the Local Government elections in 2012
A robust test of the innovative eCounting technology being put in place for the 2012 Local Government elections in Scotland is being carried out today by The Scottish Government and Logica, the company responsible for implementing it.
The test takes place in Perth and involves the counting of 160,000 test ballots watched over by Scottish Government Minister for Local Government and Planning, Aileen Campbell.
Martin Ewart, Managing Director, Logica in Scotland said: “This is an exciting and challenging project. Come the Local Government elections next year the new system will need the capacity to scan millions of ballot papers in 32 count centres around Scotland, electronically count the votes and deliver the results to the Returning Officers. Compared to a manual count which would take at least two to three days, eCounting will be much faster and more transparent.”
“This test is a crucial milestone in the project to make eCounting a reality in 2012. Logica is also providing programme management, training services, printing services and over 40 project managers and count centre managers in the run up to the election to ensure it goes smoothly.”
Logica was awarded the contract in October 2010 and has worked closely with the Scottish Government and partner, Opt2vote to test the system over the last eight months.
The system offers greater transparency through better displays of information as the count progresses. The system has been subjected to rigorous testing to protect against the failures and to ensure confidence for the voter, parties and candidates and all those interested in the election. The partnership of Opt2Vote’s proven software experience with Logica’s planning and implementation expertise means all sides are confident of a smooth running election.
Minister for Local Government and Planning, Aileen Campbell said: “This is the third stage of the rigorous testing of the e-counting system ahead of the 2012 local government elections.
“We are working very closely with all 32 of Scotland’s Returning Officers and their staff to make sure we have an e-counting system that counts the votes efficiently, effectively and in a way that increases the transparency of the entire local government election process. Today’s demonstration forms part of this important work.”
About the Single Transferable Vote
The Scottish Government is committed to using the single transferrable vote (STV) system for local government elections in Scotland. Due to the complex calculations involved in the STV system used in Scottish local government elections (the Weighted Inclusive Gregory system), electronic counting is required to deliver a result within a satisfactory timeframe.
Logica and Opt2Vote’s contract covers the following areas:
- Provision of an electronic vote counting system for all 32 local authorities in Scotland to enable the efficient counting of ballot papers cast using the WIG form of the STV system
- Printing and distribution of ballot papers
- Provision and distribution of ballot boxes
- Provision and distribution of supplies (including software and sundries) and services necessary or ancillary to the performance of electronic vote counting system
- All services connected with the development of the above system, (including trials and tests prior to the elections in 2012).
About Logica
Logica is a business and technology service company, employing 41,000 people across 38 countries. The company delivers business consulting, systems integration and outsourcing across all industries and business functions. Logica creates value by successfully integrating people, business and technology to create effective, sustainable business ecosystems. Employees apply insight to create innovative answers to help with business needs.
