The Scottish Government has picked CGI to handle electronic vote counting for upcoming local elections. This £12.7 million deal covers the 2027 polls and any by-elections through 2032, aiming to speed up results and boost accuracy.
CGI, a global IT firm with deep roots in public sector work, will provide key tech services. Officials say this move builds on past successes to make Scotland’s elections smoother and more reliable for voters.
What the Contract Covers
This new agreement focuses on electronic counting needs for Scotland’s local government elections. The Scottish Government chose CGI after a competitive process to ensure high standards in vote processing.
The contract runs from now until 2032, with the main event being the May 2027 elections. It targets the Single Transferable Vote system used in Scotland, where voters rank candidates by preference. This setup often leads to complex manual counts that can drag on for days.
Services under the deal include software development and updates to handle ballot data. CGI will also supply information systems for secure data management and tools for data capture from scanned ballots.
Experts note that electronic systems cut counting time from days to hours. For instance, in past elections, scans took just minutes for calculations, reducing errors that plague hand counts.
- Software development for vote processing algorithms
- Provision of secure information systems
- Data capture and scanning equipment
- Printing services for reports and audits
- Ongoing support for by-elections
The award notice makes it clear that CGI’s role stops at counting votes. Local authorities still run the full election process, from polling stations to voter registration.
CGI’s Proven Experience in Election Tech
CGI brings a strong history to this role, having worked on Scottish elections before. Back in 2012, the company delivered electronic counting that processed millions of ballots across 32 councils in one day.
That effort handled up to 4.7 million papers without major hitches. Counts started early morning and wrapped up by evening, a big win over manual methods that could take three to four days.
In 2017, CGI secured a similar £6.5 million contract for local polls. It partnered with local firms like Idox in Glasgow to tailor the system. Testing phases included bulk runs of over 165,000 ballots and even disaster recovery drills, like simulating power failures.
This background shows CGI’s expertise in high-stakes environments. The firm has extended contracts with Scottish councils, such as Edinburgh until 2029. Such continuity helps in refining tech for better performance.
Recent trends in election tech highlight the push for digital tools worldwide. In the UK, similar systems have faced scrutiny over security, but Scotland’s approach emphasizes audits and transparency to build trust.
Benefits of Electronic Vote Counting
Switching to electronic counting promises real gains for Scotland’s democracy. Faster results mean quicker announcements of winners, which keeps public interest high and reduces fatigue after long polling days.
Accuracy stands out as a key plus. Manual counts risk human errors, especially with ranked preferences under the STV system. Digital scans and algorithms minimize mistakes, and built-in audits allow for double-checks.
Voters benefit too, as reliable counts reinforce faith in the process. In a time when election integrity questions arise globally, Scotland’s investment signals commitment to fair play.
Local authorities save time and resources. Instead of staff laboring over piles of papers, they focus on other duties. This efficiency could extend to by-elections, making ad-hoc polls less burdensome.
| Aspect | Manual Counting | Electronic Counting |
|---|---|---|
| Time Required | 3-4 days | Hours to one day |
| Error Rate | Higher due to human factors | Lower with algorithms and scans |
| Cost Over Time | Ongoing staff expenses | Initial setup but long-term savings |
| Auditability | Paper-based verification | Digital logs and trails |
| Scalability | Limited for large volumes | Handles millions of ballots easily |
Data from past implementations back these advantages. The 2012 rollout, for example, completed all counts by late afternoon, freeing up resources quickly.
Looking Ahead to 2027 and Beyond
As Scotland gears up for 2027, this contract sets the stage for modernized elections. With by-elections included up to 2032, CGI must stay adaptable to any changes in voting laws or tech standards.
Broader context includes rising calls for election reforms across the UK. Recent events, like the 2024 general election delays in some areas due to counts, underscore the need for efficiency. Scotland’s proactive step could serve as a model.
Challenges remain, such as ensuring cybersecurity against threats. CGI plans robust testing, drawing from prior experiences. Officials stress that the system will undergo multiple trials to catch issues early.
This deal also highlights Scotland’s tech sector growth. Firms like CGI employ locals and partner with Scottish companies, boosting the economy. It aligns with government goals for digital public services.
In the end, electronic vote counting in Scotland aims to deliver quick, accurate results that voters can trust. Share your thoughts on this development in the comments below, and spread the word if you find it useful.
