A recommendation over when to count election votes could spell the end of overnight excitement after the polls close.

With a little over 70 days until the electorate next to the polls for Cornwall Council and parish and town elections the potential move to counting the next day was discussed by the council’s electoral review panel.

Among the arguments were that while an overnight count brings early results and is popular with some candidates (and many broadcasters and journalists) the next day plan would be the cheaper option.

Also, according to Cllr Andrew Wallis overnight counting has an impact on polling, counting and verification staff and needs more staff because polling station staff could not be used in the verification and count duties.

There is also the chance that there will be fewer mistakes caused by fatigue.

He added that for an overnight count, the cost is around £97,280, and £72,720 for a next day count, a difference of £24,560.

Following the discussions the panel supported unanimously the option for the count to take place the following day and this recommendation will now be put to the returning officer, who will make the final decision.