How are votes counted in counting?

Correct answer: Separately for each candidate

The direct answer is A: votes are counted separately for each candidate. The purpose of counting is to compare the valid vote totals of candidates, so combining all votes into one number would hide who received support. The reasoning is: ballots or vote records are sorted according to candidate, valid votes are tallied in each candidate’s separate total, and the totals are compared to identify the winner. Option A is correct because separate counting produces a meaningful candidate-wise result. Option B is wrong because one combined total cannot show the distribution of support. Option C is wrong because party colour is not the basis for counting; the vote is associated with the candidate or relevant electoral choice. Option D is wrong because voters’ ages do not determine how their votes are counted. Procedures may include verification and observers, but the essential principle remains candidate-wise counting of valid votes. Memory cue: separate totals make comparison possible.