Vote Counter Script
Complete guide and script for the Toastmasters Vote Counter role
What is the Vote Counter?
The Vote Counter distributes ballots to eligible voters, collects them after the relevant speaking segments, tallies the results, and announces the winners of Best Speaker, Best Table Topics Speaker, and Best Evaluator at the end of the meeting. This role requires discretion, accuracy, and efficiency — tabulation must happen quickly during the meeting so results are ready on time.
Who Can Vote?
Best Prepared Speaker
All members and guests present
Best Table Topics Speaker
Members and guests who did NOT speak in Table Topics
Best Evaluator
All members and guests present
Tie-breaking
Club President or Toastmaster of the Day makes the final call
Distributing Ballots Script
"Madam/Mister Toastmaster, may I distribute the ballots?
[After receiving permission, hand ballots to all eligible voters.]
If you are distributing at the Table Topics stage, remind voters:
"Please note that if you spoke in Table Topics, you are not eligible to vote for Best Table Topics Speaker. All other categories are open to everyone."
Collecting Ballots Script
"Madam/Mister Toastmaster, may I collect the ballots?
[Collect ballots systematically, row by row or table by table. Once all ballots are collected, excuse yourself quietly to tabulate the results. Work quickly — results are needed before the end of the General Evaluator's report.]
Announcing Results Script
"Madam/Mister Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters, and honored guests.
I have the results of today's votes. It is my pleasure to announce:
The Best Prepared Speaker award goes to — [pause for effect] — [WINNER'S NAME]!
The Best Table Topics Speaker award goes to — [WINNER'S NAME]!
And the Best Evaluator award goes to — [WINNER'S NAME]!
Congratulations to all our winners and to every speaker today. Back to you, Toastmaster."
Handling a Tie
In the event of a tie, bring the tied ballots to the Toastmaster of the Day or Club President for a tie-breaking decision before announcing results. Do this discretely and quickly. The tie-breaking process varies by club — confirm your club's policy in advance.
Tips for Success
Prepare ballots in advance
Have blank or pre-printed ballots ready before the meeting starts so there are no delays during voting.
Work quickly during tabulation
You typically have only a few minutes during evaluations to count and confirm results. Focus and be efficient.
Know the tie-breaking process
Ask your Club President or Toastmaster of the Day in advance how to handle ties at your specific club.
Stay discrete with results
Don't share the vote counts publicly — only announce the winner. Keep exact tallies private to avoid hurt feelings.