Data Upload

Data Upload

What data files do I need?  

  • Ballot Allocation File(s)   
  • Polling Station Register File(s)    
  • Absent Voter File(s)   
  • Staff Allocation File(s) (containing Polling station staff details, including mobile number and the station that they are assigned to)   
  • Note: The above are exported from your EMS and listed in the Data Prep document.  


Where do I get my files?

  • Your files are on your EMS system. 
  • The steps are outlined in the Election Manager Training Course
  • You can also view the videos and/or download the steps in  Resources.


How to number the polling stations

  • We recommend numbering the Polling Stations. 
  • However, letters can be used.
  • The Polling Station MUST NOT start with a space or special characters e.g. underscore, £, $, !, &Polling station number requirements.  
  • There are no limits to the number of polling stations you can have.  


File verification has failed  

  • If your files fail at verification, a list of errors will display on screen.
  • Please amend the files in your EMS to fix the errors.
  • Export and upload the amended files.  


​Where can I check polling station 4G internet connectivity?  

  • Go to your Modern Polling portal.
  • Select the election.
  • Select a Polling Station to view signal strength in that Polling Station.
  • Scroll to the section Mobile Data Signal Strength.
  • This displays the 4G signal strength for four operators at the location. 


How can I check the data I uploaded? 

  • When you are creating your election, each time you upload all the register file(s) they are validated.
  • Once all files have been uploaded and imported successfully you can open the election from the homepage.
  • Your data is displayed on the Overview page for you to check, ensure the figures match what you are expecting, according to your registers.  


Can I replace the ballot file?  

  • No. Once a ballot file has been uploaded it cannot be replaced or edited.
  • The election must be deleted and a new election created with the correct ballot file. 


Can I replace the register files?  

  • Yes. Register files can be replaced.
  • Replace the register files by uploading the new register files in a batch. 


​There is an error with my polling station register files. Can I upload new register files?  

  • Yes. Polling Station Register files can be replaced. Replace the register files by uploading the new register files in a batch. 
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