IMPORTANT: Given the common functionalities across the elections that OBS supports, a standardized set of user guides and videos has been created to be applicable to all election processes. The few significant distinctions between the various elections are addressed where relevant. The dates, names of localities, and other data found in the user guides and videos are created at random and are used only to provide examples for the concepts presented.
Your Tasks as the Chief and Assistant Chief Teller
The chief teller and assistant chief teller(s) should work together to create an appropriate environment for tallying the ballots. Shoghi Effendi assures us “that every Assembly elected in that rarefied atmosphere of selflessness and detachment is, in truth, appointed of God….”
The service that the tellers provide is an integral part of the election. The rarefied atmosphere described above applies as much to tabulating the votes as it does to casting ballots.
Consider actions to create bonds of unity. You might present a brief deepening and devotional service to inspire
the hearts and focus the minds of the tellers.Open and close tabulation work with prayers and devotions.
The final responsibility of organizing the work of the tellers rests with the chief and assistant chief teller(s).
Arrange the room so that each teller will have space to work at a table.
Work in teams whenever possible to avoid errors and verify the accuracy of the work.
Proceed through the work in a systematic order so proper information can be recorded at each step.
It is vital that each team of tellers completes each step of the process before moving on.
User Guide for Chief/Assistant Chief Teller
User guide explains how to start telling process, set up and launch telling stations, merge and report results for national delegate elections, Riḍván elections, local delegate elections, by-elections, and Regional Bahá’í Council elections.
Processing Physical Ballots
This video demonstrates the handling of physical ballots from beginning to end, including determining valid and invalid ballots, verifying voters, and entering ballots into OBS. This applies to tellers in any Bahá’í election.