Representation of the People Act 1983

Type Public General Act
Publication 1983-02-08
Last updated 2026-03-13
State In force
Department Statute Law Database
articles Not indexed
Reform history JSON API
174

S. 15(2)(aa) inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 14.5.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 12(7), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(a) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 3

175

Words in s. 15(7) repealed (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, ss. 8(a), 15(2), Sch. 1 para. 8(3), Sch. 7 Pt. I; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

176

S. 15(8) inserted (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 8(a), Sch. 1 para. 8(4); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

177

S. 15(9)-(12) inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 14.5.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 13(1), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(b) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts 2, 3

178

Ss. 15-17 applied (with modifications) (17.2.1994) by S.I. 1994/342, regs. 1(2)(3), 2(2), 13(3)

179

Words in s. 16(b) repealed (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, ss. 8(a), 15(2), Sch. 1 para. 9(a), Sch. 7 Pt. I; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

180

S. 16(c) repealed (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, ss. 8(a), 15(2), Sch. 1 para. 9(b), Sch. 7 Pt. I; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

181

Words in s. 16(d) repealed (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, ss. 8(a), 15(2), Sch. 1 para. 9(c), Sch. 7 Pt. I; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

182

Words in s. 16(e) inserted (6.8.1995) by S.I. 1995/1948, regs. 1(2), 5(2), Sch. 2 paras. 3(b), 6

184

Ss. 12–17 extended (N.I) (with modifications) by Elected Authorities (Northern Ireland) Act 1989 (c. 3, SIF 42), ss. 2, 13(6), Sch. 1 Pt. I

185

Ss. 15-17 applied (with modifications) (17.2.1994) by S.I. 1994/342, regs. 1(2)(3), 2(2), 13(3)

186

S. 17(1) substituted (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 8(a), Sch. 1 para. 10; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

187

Ss. 18A-18E substituted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) for s. 18 by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 16(1), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(c) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 4, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts 2, 4

188

S. 18 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 1 S. 18: functions of local authority not to be responsibility of an executive of the authority (E.) (16.11.2000) by S.I. 2000/2853, reg. 2(1), Sch. 1 D8

189

S. 18(1) applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

190

S. 18(1) applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

191

S. 18(1)(7)(9) applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, arts. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1 S. 18(1)(7)(9) applied (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2 S. 18(1)(7)(9) applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1

192

S. 18(2) extended (11.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/450, art. 6(4) (which S.I. was revoked (29.2.2003) by S.I. 2003/284, art. 1)

197

S. 18(3) applied (11.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/787, art. 5(2)

198

Words in s. 18(3) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 142(2)(a); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(a), Sch. 1

199

Words in s. 18(3)(a) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 142(2)(b)(i); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(a), Sch. 1

200

Words in s. 18(3)(a) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 142(2)(b)(ii); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(a), Sch. 1

202

Words in s. 18(3)(a) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 142(2)(b)(iii); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(a), Sch. 1

203

Words in s. 18(3)(b) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 142(2)(c); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(a), Sch. 1

204

Words in s. 18(5) repealed (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, ss. 142(3)(a), 180(2), Sch. 14; S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(a)(b)(d), Schs. 1, 2

205

Words in s. 18(5) substituted (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 158(1), Sch. 21 para. 6(2)(a) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)

206

Words in s. 18(5) substituted (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 158(1), Sch. 21 para. 6(2)(b) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 2 Pt. II)

207

Words in s. 18(5) repealed (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, ss. 142(3)(b), 180(2), Sch. 14; S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(a)(b)(d), Schs. 1, 2

208

S. 18(5) para. (iii) of the definition of “interested authority” ceased to have effect and repealed (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, ss. 142(3)(c), 180(2), Sch. 14; S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(a)(b)(d), Schs. 1, 2

209

Words in s. 18(6) ceased to have effect and repealed (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, ss. 142(4), 180(2), Sch. 14; S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(a)(b)(d), Schs. 1, 2

212

S. 18(7) applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

214

S. 18(8) substituted (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 8(a), Sch. 1 para. 11; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

215

S. 18(9) applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

216

S. 18(9) applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

217

S. 18A(1) applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)

218

S. 18E applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)

221

Ss. 18A-18E substituted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) for s. 18 by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 16(1), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(c) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts 2, 4

222

S. 23 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

223

S. 23 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

224

S. 23 applied (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1 S. 23 applied (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2 S. 23 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)

225

Words in s. 24(1)(a)-(c) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6), Sch. 16 para. 68(3) (with ss. 54(4)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2

226
227

S. 24(1)(c)(cc)(e) amended (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 7(2)(c) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

229

Words in s. 24(1)(dd) omitted (E.W.) (30.12.2008) by virtue of Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 74, 245, Sch. 3 para. 17 and repealed (E.W.) (prosp.) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 241, Sch. 18 Pt. 3

232

S. 24(2) applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

233

S. 25(1) extended (11.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/787, art. 14(1)

234

Words in s. 25(1) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 130(3)(a)(i); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(b)(c)

235

Words in s. 25(1) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 130(3)(a)(ii); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(b)(c)

236

S. 25(1)(b) amended (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 7(2)(c) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

237

Words in s. 25(2) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 130(3)(b)(i); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(b)(c)

238

Word in s. 25(2) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 130(3)(b)(ii); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(b)(c)

239

Word in s. 25(2) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 130(3)(b)(iii); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(b)(c)

240

S. 25(3) ceased to have effect and repealed (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1)(2), Sch. 13 para. 130(3)(c), Sch. 14; S.I. 1994/323, art. 4(1)(b)(c)(d), Sch. 2

241

S. 26 applied (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

242

S. 26(2) applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

245

S. 27(3) applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

246

S. 27(3) applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

248
250

S. 28(1)(aa) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6), Sch. 16 para. 68(4) (with ss. 54(4)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1)(23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2

251

S. 28(1)(b) amended (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 7(2)(c) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

253

S. 28(4) applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

254

S. 28(5) applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

257

S. 28(6) applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

259

S. 29 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

260

S. 29 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

261

S. 29 modified (S.) by S.I. 1986/1111, regs. 2, 97(1)

262

S. 29 modified (E.W.) by S.I. 1986/1081, regs. 2, 99(1) (which S.I. was revoked (23.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/294, reg. 3)

263

S. 29 applied (with modifications) (11.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/787, arts. 13(5), 18, Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 3 S. 29 applied (with modifications) (11.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/787, arts. 13(5), 18, Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 3

264

S. 29 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)

266

Words in s. 29(4C) added (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and otherwiseprosp.) by 2000 c. 2, ss. 15(1), 17(3), Sch. 6 para. 4; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (with art. 2(4))

267

S. 29(5)(7)(8) modified (S.) by S.I. 1986/1111, regs.2, 97(1).

268

S. 29(5)(7)(8) modified (E.W.) by S.I. 1986/1081, regs.2, 99(1) (which S.I. was revoked (23.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/294, reg. 3)

269
272

S. 30 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

273

S. 30 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

274

S. 30 modified (S.) by S.I. 1986/1111, regs. 2, 97(1)

275

S. 30 modified (E.W.) by S.I. 1986/1081, reg. 99(1) (which S.I. was revoked (23.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/294, reg. 3) S. 30 modified (E.W.) (23.3.2004) by The Representation of the People (Combination of Polls) (England and Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/294), reg. 6(1)(b)

276

S. 30 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1 S. 30 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2 S. 30 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)

277

S. 30(1)-(3) applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 1

278

S. 31: functions of local authority not to be responsibility of an executive of the authority (E.) (16.11.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/2853, reg. 2(1), Sch. 1 D9

279

S. 31 applied (with modifications) (E.) (28.7.2007) by The Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/2089), regs. 8, 11, 13, {Sch. 4 Table 1}

280

S. 31 applied (with modifications) (W.) (24.7.2008) by The Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (Wales) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1848), reg. 8, {Sch. 4 para. 1 Table 1}

281

S. 31(1)(3) applied (with modifications) (E.) (2.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1298, reg. 8(1), Sch. 3 Table 2 (subject to regs. 9-12, 15-17, 20, 25) S. 31(3) applied (with modifications) (W.) (24.3.2004) by The Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/870), reg. 8, {Sch. 3 Table 2} (which S.I. was revoked (24.7.2008) by S.I. 2008/1848)

282

S. 31(1) applied (with modifications) (W.) (24.3.2004) by The Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/870), reg. 8, {Sch. 3 Table 2} (which S.I. was revoked by S.I. 2008/1848)

283

Words in s. 31(1) inserted (20.3.1995) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6), Sch. 16 para. 68(6) (with ss. 54(4)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/546, art. 3, Sch. (with arts. 4-8)

285

S. 31(1B) inserted (14.12.1999) by 1999 c. 29, s. 17, Sch. 3 para. 2 (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 1999/3376, art. 2

286

Words in s. 31(2) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 130(4)(a); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(b)(c)

287

Words in s. 31(2) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 130(4)(b); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(b)(c)

288

Word in s. 31(2) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 130(4)(c); S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(b)(c)

290

Words in s. 31(2) substituted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74(1), 77, Sch. 1 para. 108; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(aa)(bb)(v) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 4

294

S. 35: functions of local authority not to be responsibility of an executive of the authority (E.) (16.11.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/2853, reg. 2(1), Sch. 1 D6

295

Words in s. 35(1) repealed (20.3.1995) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6)(8), Sch. 16 para. 68(7), Sch. 18; S.I. 1995/546, art. 3, Sch. (with arts. 4-8)

297

S. 35(1A) inserted (20.3.1995 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6), Sch. 16 para. 68(7); S.I. 1995/546, art. 3, Sch. (with arts. 4-8); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2

299

S. 35(2A)-(2C) inserted (14.12.1999) by 1999 c. 29, s. 17, Sch. 3 para. 3(1)(2) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 1999/3376, art. 2

300

S. 35(2B) amended (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 7(2)(c), (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

302

S. 35(4) applied (with modifications) (E.) (2.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1298, regs. 8(1), 10(4), Sch. 3 Table 2 (subject to regs. 9-12, 15-17, 20, 25) S. 35(4) applied (with modifications) (W.) (24.3.2004) by The Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/870), reg. 8, {Sch. 3 Table 2} (which S.I. was revoked (24.7.2008) by S.I. 2008/1848) S. 35(4) applied (with modifications) (23.7.2004) by The Regional Assembly and Local Government Referendums Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1962), art. 6, Sch. 2 Pt. 2 S. 35(4) applied (with modifications) (E.) (28.7.2007) by The Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/2089), regs. 8, 11, 13, {Sch. 4 para. 1 Table 1}

303

S. 35(4) applied (with modifications) (W.) (24.7.2008) by The Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (Wales) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1848), reg. 8, {Sch. 4 para. 1 Table 1}

304

Figure 3 now stands within brackets by virtue of Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40, SIF 41:1), ss. 231(7), 235(6), 237, Sch. 12 Pt. II para. 50

305

S. 35(6) inserted (14.12.1999) by 1999 c. 29, s. 17, Sch. 3 para. 3(1)(3) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 1999/3376, art. 2

306

S. 36 amended (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 7(2)(d) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

307

S. 36(2A)(2B) inserted (14.12.1999) by 1999 c. 29, s. 17, Sch. 3 para. 4(2) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 1999/3376, art. 2

308

S. 36(3)(3A)(3B)(3C) substituted (E.W.S.) for s. 36(3) by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 17.

311

S. 36(3AC) inserted (18.3.1998) by 1997 c. 29, s. 33(1), Sch. 3 para. 17; S.I. 1998/694, art. 2

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