Representation of the People Act 1983
[^V_S_0d73baca-1b3e-8e9c-8bcf-c5a03f4127ea]: S. 17(1)(b) repealed (1.10.2014) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 (c. 13), ss. 14(1)(a)(viii), 28; S.I. 2014/2613, art. 2(2)(a)
[^V_S_e001eace-e6e3-fe7a-1bce-55c45b3bb2c6]: S. 17(1)(c) modified (7.5.2024) by 1989 c. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. 2 para. 11B (as inserted by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(1), Sch. 8 para. 9(5)(c); S.I. 2023/1145, reg. 5(b) (with Sch. para. 1(3)))
[^M_E_28d81200-83e7-49a3-dd23-0a4686e57756]: This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only
[^M_E_d293c5bf-0e03-44d9-e67a-79e928679ca7]: This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Northern Ireland only
[^key-f29f5d14cf8b7ce9d2ee320831025e61]: Words in s. 17(1)(c) substituted (E.W.N.I.) (7.5.2024) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(4)(b), Sch. 8 para. 1(7); S.I. 2023/1145, reg. 5(b) (with Sch. para. 1(3))
[^key-3aeb2291b4e25d9ca123531ab9932a09]: S. 49(5)(b)(iiia) inserted (E.W.N.I.) (7.5.2024) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(4)(b), Sch. 8 para. 1(8)(a); S.I. 2023/1145, reg. 5(b) (with Sch. para. 1(3))
[^key-a5c9042d8e8fda70230b9b9e7745fe2f]: Words in s. 49(5)(b)(iv) inserted (E.W.N.I.) (7.5.2024) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(4)(b), Sch. 8 para. 1(8)(b); S.I. 2023/1145, reg. 5(b) (with Sch. para. 1(3))
[^key-bce102c623aca1ff84cf5466ec62eaaf]: Words in s. 93(6) inserted (23.8.2024) by Media Act 2024 (c. 15), s. 55(3)(d), Sch. 7 para. 1; S.I. 2024/858, reg. 2(1)(z1)
[^key-86612c8f3f2af54859d93fb353bf245d]: Words in s. 7B(6)(a)(ii) omitted (24.8.2024) by virtue of Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act 2024 (asc 4), ss. 10(9)(a), 25(2)(b) (with s. 24(1))
[^key-1515e84ba853d397d8c0bd7e15c3b663]: Words in s. 7B(6)(b) omitted (24.8.2024) by virtue of Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act 2024 (asc 4), ss. 10(9)(b), 25(2)(b) (with s. 24(1))
[^key-e36c1eb831c1e5f640e752b99aed67c1]: Sch. 1 rule 37(1H)(b) substituted (E.W.S.) (4.12.2024) by The Voter Identification (Amendment of List of Specified Documents) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1275), regs. 1(1), 2(2)(a) (with reg. 1(5)-(7))
[^key-fd353057323947e688d288976b34327e]: Sch. 1 rules 37(1H)(ga)(gb) inserted (E.W.S.) (4.12.2024) by The Voter Identification (Amendment of List of Specified Documents) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1275), regs. 1(1), 2(2)(b) (with reg. 1(5)-(7))
[^key-dd0ae184904b743ed1fa070aa374cbac]: Words in Sch. 1 rule 37(1J) table omitted (4.12.2024) by virtue of The Voter Identification (Amendment of List of Specified Documents) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1275), regs. 1(1), 2(3) (with reg. 1(5)-(7))
[^key-7e77c302bb6d00872d611b722127be34]: Sum in s. 197(1) substituted (4.12.2024) by The Representation of the People (Variation of Limits of Candidates’ Election Expenses) (City of London) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/1147), arts. 1(1), 2(a)(i)
[^key-d5855edd3e5e940b9c7d03f26eaf2f0f]: Sum in s. 197(1) substituted (4.12.2024) by The Representation of the People (Variation of Limits of Candidates’ Election Expenses) (City of London) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/1147), arts. 1(1), 2(a)(ii)
[^key-c819fb5494866bd9d3cba643fcb63c63]: Sum in s. 197(2) substituted (4.12.2024) by The Representation of the People (Variation of Limits of Candidates’ Election Expenses) (City of London) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/1147), arts. 1(1), 2(b)
[^key-2a5887f6a653add6763cedbd4f128a39]: Words in s. 73(5)(ca) omitted (W.) (1.1.2025) by virtue of Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (asc 5), ss. 35, 72(4); S.I. 2024/1337, art. 2(j)
[^key-ec70603d302154da0eeff84a4a116a04]: Words in s. 90C(1A) omitted (W.) (1.1.2025) by virtue of Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (asc 5), ss. 32, 72(4); S.I. 2024/1337, art. 2(g)
[^key-299daf29bc0d85f4337667185155cd3a]: Sch. 4A para. 14A(1)(c) inserted (1.1.2025) by Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (asc 5), ss. 34(1)(a), 72(4); S.I. 2024/1337, art. 2(i)
[^key-df9e8fdaf1187756270b7cec48d72a71]: Words in Sch. 4A para. 14A(7)(b) inserted (1.1.2025) by Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (asc 5), ss. 34(1)(b), 72(4); S.I. 2024/1337, art. 2(i)
[^key-7c7ebeb523a929924f17b61f77860adc]: Word in s. 10B(7)(b) omitted (24.1.2025) by virtue of The Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/71), regs. 1(2), 7(a)
[^key-a19344776b1eae1e2e712859363de88a]: S. 10B(7)(b)(iii) and word inserted (24.1.2025) by The Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/71), regs. 1(2), 7(b)
[^key-37184cc7b125170daac93b5c1fb6d24a]: Words in s. 115 heading omitted (W.) (18.7.2025) by virtue of Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (asc 5), ss. 64(3)(c), 72(4); S.I. 2025/846, art. 2
[^key-044a7b8d4358ecc958df168cf81e48db]: Words in s. 114A omitted (W.) (18.7.2025) by virtue of Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (asc 5), ss. 64(2), 72(4); S.I. 2025/846, art. 2
[^key-cf4177778198dee6fbd5807a58433eae]: Words in s. 115(1) omitted (W.) (18.7.2025) by virtue of Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (asc 5), ss. 64(3)(a), 72(4); S.I. 2025/846, art. 2
[^key-e1fd86841a90cb49b512b243d7141077]: Words in s. 115(2) omitted (W.) (18.7.2025) by virtue of Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (asc 5), ss. 64(3)(b), 72(4); S.I. 2025/846, art. 2
[^key-8ad7f778c25ca337b7ccbf4982577611]: Sch. 4A para. 7B inserted (W.) (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(4) of the amending S.I.) by The Welsh Elections Financial Assistance Scheme (Disabled Candidates) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/897), regs. 1(2), 16(2)
[^key-b3f956650fa7ad288316697505bcd5e1]: Words in s. 90C(1A) repealed (S.) (1.8.2025) by Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025 (asp 4), ss. 26(2), 73(2); S.S.I. 2025/106, reg. 2(1)(b), sch. Pt. 2
[^M_C_c20f38f9-b3a4-4833-fde8-2c1a004f3ec2]: S. 36C modified (18.7.2025) by The Senedd Cymru (Representation of the People) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/864), art. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 3 (with art. 1(4))
[^M_C_a64bb1f0-2b9c-4a88-d12a-1563d0a5a30e]: S. 59 applied (with modifications) (18.7.2025) by The Senedd Cymru (Representation of the People) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/864), arts. 1(2), 14 (with art. 1(4))
[^key-db92e9c71d9c9bab29c2723d47620d4c]: S. 43A inserted (S.) (1.10.2025) by Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025 (asp 4), ss. 32(3), 73(2); S.S.I. 2025/106, reg. 2(1)(c), sch. Pt. 3
[^key-9de1ffc09711f52e20de875a46a966d2]: S. 43B inserted (S.) (1.10.2025) by Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025 (asp 4), ss. 33(2), 73(2); S.S.I. 2025/106, reg. 2(1)(c), sch. Pt. 3
[^key-e17ea2476abcb6a94e0e41503f301f1e]: Words in s. 43(2)(b) substituted (1.10.2025) by virtue of Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025 (asp 4), ss. 32(2), 73(2); S.S.I. 2025/106, reg. 2(1)(c), sch. Pt. 3
[^key-7fac68542f12b412599a42f16d309a3f]: Words in s. 67(6) inserted (S.) (1.10.2025) by Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025 (asp 4), ss. 38(2)(a), 73(2); S.S.I. 2025/106, reg. 2(1)(c), sch. Pt. 3
[^key-aa297a28eb2cec19679b5031a1a24487]: S. 67(6ZA)(6ZB) inserted (S.) (1.10.2025) by Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025 (asp 4), ss. 38(2)(b), 73(2); S.S.I. 2025/106, reg. 2(1)(c), sch. Pt. 3
[^key-657ce580ca4beb1fb759edf292c56de0]: Words in s. 68(3) inserted (S.) (1.10.2025) by Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025 (asp 4), ss. 38(3)(a), 73(2); S.S.I. 2025/106, reg. 2(1)(c), sch. Pt. 3
[^key-d9e3a7bb817105d482c1d32bc6954df9]: S. 68(3A)(3B) inserted (S.) (1.10.2025) by Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025 (asp 4), ss. 38(3)(b), 73(2); S.S.I. 2025/106, reg. 2(1)(c), sch. Pt. 3
[^key-8964b8a6b21d26daf1e91e0004d69592]: Sch. 2 para. 5ZB inserted (27.10.2025) by Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Act 2025 (c. 27), ss. 1(3), 4(1)
[^key-ae8b67317bb06ffcc38056272a280683]: Words in Sch. 2 para. 1(5A)(a)(ii) omitted (27.10.2025) by virtue of Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Act 2025 (c. 27), ss. 1(2), 4(1)
[^key-fa6a10f1781ed575fcb65343c0f79285]: Word in s. 7B(2A)(a) substituted (S.) (with effect in accordance with art. 1(2) of the amending S.S.I.) by The Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2025 (S.S.I. 2025/313), arts. 1(1), 2
[^key-677b00a32c0e706a2d67328729492ba3]: Act modified (temp.) (S.) (19.11.2025) by The Representation of the People Act 1983 Remedial (Scotland) Order 2025 (S.S.I. 2025/353), arts. 1(1), 4 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 8)
[^key-56beaf61fcaabc9dd7c0f86206a065e8]: S. 3A modified (temp.) (S.) (19.11.2025) by The Representation of the People Act 1983 Remedial (Scotland) Order 2025 (S.S.I. 2025/353), arts. 1(1), 3 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 8)
[^key-62a0a5c47e2d71e1c5c141a61565a76c]: S. 7B modified (temp.) (S.) (19.11.2025) by The Representation of the People Act 1983 Remedial (Scotland) Order 2025 (S.S.I. 2025/353), arts. 1(1), 5 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 8)
[^key-d4b31c2c8e32bb2da3dbd676a498adb3]: Sch. 4 modified (temp.) (S.) (19.11.2025) by The Representation of the People Act 1983 Remedial (Scotland) Order 2025 (S.S.I. 2025/353), arts. 1(1), 6 (with arts. 1(3), 2, 8)
[^key-ecb8543773c3dc2f21a381f070c6160a]: Pts. 1, 2 modified (E.W.) (10.3.2026) by The Surrey (Structural Changes) Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/264), arts. 1(1), 47(5)(11), 49(5)(11)
[^key-6e77b57b256c2b6c62898b7587c88056]: Words in Sch. 4A para. 13A omitted (13.3.2026) by virtue of The Representation of the People Act 1983 (Security Expenses Exclusion) (Amendment) (Wales) Order 2026 (W.S.I. 2026/82), arts. 1(2), 2 (with art. 1(3))
Northern Ireland: timing of canvass
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Method of questioning parliamentary election.
Appeals and jurisdiction.
Presentation and service of parliamentary election petition.
Report as to candidate guilty of a corrupt or illegal practice.
Avoidance of election for general corruption etc.
Application of Act to certain local elections.
General application to Scotland.
Rules of procedure.
General application to Scotland.
Limitation of pre-candidacy election expenses for certain general elections
Appointment of election agent
*Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith to the Returning Officer for the Constituency Greeting
*The name of the sovereign may be altered when necessary.
*The name of the sovereign may be altered when necessary.
Note.—The forms contained in this Appendix may be adapted so far as circumstances require.
†Whereas by the advice of Our Council We have ordered a Parliament to be holden at Westminster on the day of next We Command you that due notice being first given you do cause election to be made according to law of a Member to serve in Parliament for the said Constituency [‡in the place of ]
Note: in relation to any constituency in Wales, “county” in this form refers to a preserved county (as defined by section 64 of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994).
*State the relationship of the companion to the voter.
Computation of time for purposes of Part III.
General application to Scotland.
I hereby certify, that the Member elected for the Constituency in pursuance of the within written Writ is of in the County of
*The name of the sovereign may be altered when necessary.
†This preamble to be omitted execpt in case of a general election. ‡Except in a general election insert here in the place of A. B., deceased or othewise, stating the cause of vacancy.
And that you do cause the name of such Member when so elected, whether he be present or absent, to be certified to Us in Our Chancery without delay
Returning Officer (or as the case may be.)
*State the relationship of the companion to the voter.
Note: in relation to any constituency in Wales, “county” in this form refers to a preserved county (as defined by section 64 of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994).
*State the relationship of the companion to the voter.
†This preamble to be omitted execpt in case of a general election. ‡Except in a general election insert here in the place of A. B., deceased or othewise, stating the cause of vacancy.
And that you do cause the name of such Member when so elected, whether he be present or absent, to be certified to Us in Our Chancery without delay
Northern Ireland: timing of canvass
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prosecution of offences committed outside the United Kingdom.
Costs.
Local government provisions as to England and Wales.
Local government provisions as to England and Wales.
Limitation of pre-candidacy election expenses for certain general elections
Incurring of election expenses for purposes of section 90A.
Method of questioning parliamentary election.
The relevant registration objectives (Northern Ireland)
Maintenance of the registers: registration of electors.
Local elections in England and Wales.
General application to Scotland.
Local government provisions as to England and Wales.
Computation of time for purposes of Part III.
Local government provisions as to England and Wales.
†This preamble to be omitted execpt in case of a general election. ‡Except in a general election insert here in the place of A. B., deceased or othewise, stating the cause of vacancy.
Note.—The forms contained in this Appendix may be adapted so far as circumstances require.
Method of questioning parliamentary election.
Computation of time for purposes of Part III.
Local government provisions as to England and Wales.
†This preamble to be omitted execpt in case of a general election. ‡Except in a general election insert here in the place of A. B., deceased or othewise, stating the cause of vacancy.
†Whereas by the advice of Our Council We have ordered a Parliament to be holden at Westminster on the day of next We Command you that due notice being first given you do cause election to be made according to law of a Member to serve in Parliament for the said Constituency [‡in the place of ]
Returning Officer (or as the case may be.)
Returning Officer (or as the case may be.)
*State the relationship of the companion to the voter.
The relevant registration objectives (Northern Ireland)
Maintenance of the registers: registration of electors.
Publication of registers.
Returning officers: local elections in Scotland.
Non-election of local authority etc. in Scotland.
Registration appeals: England and Wales.
Validity of local elections, and legal costs.
Registration appeals: England and Wales.
Personation.
Where no return and declarations needed at parliamentary elections.
Duty of appropriate officer to forward returns and declarations to Electoral Commission.
Scottish local government elections: meaning of “election expenses”
Delivery of documents to registration officer
Independent candidate
*Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith to the Returning Officer for the Constituency Greeting
*The name of the sovereign may be altered when necessary.
*The name of the sovereign may be altered when necessary.
Note.—The forms contained in this Appendix may be adapted so far as circumstances require.
†Whereas by the advice of Our Council We have ordered a Parliament to be holden at Westminster on the day of next We Command you that due notice being first given you do cause election to be made according to law of a Member to serve in Parliament for the said Constituency [‡in the place of ]
Note.—The forms contained in this Appendix may be adapted so far as circumstances require.
Form of directions for the guidance of the voters in voting
*The name of the sovereign may be altered when necessary.
*Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith to the Returning Officer for the Constituency Greeting
*The name of the sovereign may be altered when necessary.
†This preamble to be omitted execpt in case of a general election. ‡Except in a general election insert here in the place of A. B., deceased or othewise, stating the cause of vacancy.
And that you do cause the name of such Member when so elected, whether he be present or absent, to be certified to Us in Our Chancery without delay
*Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith to the Returning Officer for the Constituency Greeting
*The name of the sovereign may be altered when necessary.
Scottish local government elections: meaning of “election expenses”
Costs.
†This preamble to be omitted execpt in case of a general election. ‡Except in a general election insert here in the place of A. B., deceased or othewise, stating the cause of vacancy.
†Whereas by the advice of Our Council We have ordered a Parliament to be holden at Westminster on the day of next We Command you that due notice being first given you do cause election to be made according to law of a Member to serve in Parliament for the said Constituency [‡in the place of ]
†This preamble to be omitted execpt in case of a general election. ‡Except in a general election insert here in the place of A. B., deceased or othewise, stating the cause of vacancy.
†This preamble to be omitted execpt in case of a general election. ‡Except in a general election insert here in the place of A. B., deceased or othewise, stating the cause of vacancy.
And that you do cause the name of such Member when so elected, whether he be present or absent, to be certified to Us in Our Chancery without delay
Returning Officer (or as the case may be.)
Note: in relation to any constituency in Wales, “county” in this form refers to a preserved county (as defined by section 64 of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994).
*State the relationship of the companion to the voter.
Counting of votes: statement by returning officer
53ZA
- (1) In a contested election, if the counting of the votes given on the ballot papers did not begin within the period specified in rule 45(3A) above, the returning officer shall before the expiry of the period of 30 days starting with the day on which the poll closed—
- (a) prepare and publish a statement giving the information specified in paragraph (2) below, and
- (b) deliver it to the Electoral Commission.
- (2) The statement must—
- (a) specify the time at which the counting of the votes given on the ballot papers began,
- (b) describe the steps taken under rule 45(3A) above, and
- (c) explain why the counting of the votes given on the ballot papers did not start within the period specified in rule 45(3A) above.
- (3) Where a statement is delivered to the Electoral Commission under paragraph (1)(b) above, the Commission shall specify in any election report they produce that a statement has been delivered to them under that paragraph in respect of the constituency to which the statement relates.
- (4) In paragraph (3) above “election report” means a report under section 5(1) or (2A) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 in relation to the parliamentary election in question.
Power to vary provisions about election expenses.
Returning Officer (or as the case may be.)
*State the relationship of the companion to the voter.
5A
In paragraphs 1 and 2 “local authority” has the meaning given by section 579(1) of the Education Act 1996.
199ZA
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To the Returning Officer for the Constituency.
*State the relationship of the companion to the voter.
...
Returning Officer (or as the case may be.)
Returning Officer (or as the case may be.)
1A
- (1) Provision authorising or requiring a person to disclose information to another person for the purpose of assisting a registration officer ...—
- (a) to verify information relating to a person within sub-paragraph (1A),
- (b) to ascertain the names and addresses of people who are not registered but who are entitled to be registered, or
- (c) to identify those people who are registered but who are not entitled to be registered.
- (1A) The following persons are within this sub-paragraph—
- (a) a person who is registered in a register maintained by the registration officer;
- (b) a person who is named in—
- (i) an application for registration in, or alteration of, a register,
- (ii) an application (including a partially completed application) under section 13BD, 13BE or 13C, or
- (iii) a relevant absent voting application.
- (1B) In sub-paragraph (1A)(b)(i), the reference to an application for registration in, or alteration of, a register includes a reference to a partially completed application submitted through the UK digital service.
- (2) Provision made under sub-paragraph (1) may authorise or require the person to whom the information is disclosed—
- (a) to compare it with other information;
- (b) to disclose the results of the comparison to a registration officer for the purpose mentioned in that sub-paragraph.
- (3) The provision that may be made under sub-paragraph (1) or (2) includes provision—
- (a) conferring other functions on a person;
- (b) authorising the Secretary of State to make grants to a person on whom functions are conferred;
- (c) authorising a person to disclose or otherwise process information only in accordance with an agreement;
- (d) authorising or requiring a person to disclose or otherwise process information only in accordance with requirements imposed by the Secretary of State;
- (e) regulating the manner in which information is disclosed;
- (f) requiring the retention or disposal, or otherwise regulating the processing, of information disclosed.
- (4) Provision made under this paragraph has effect despite any statutory or other restriction on the disclosure of information.
- (5) In this paragraph “processing” has the same meaning as in Parts 5 to 7 of the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(4) and (14) of that Act).
- (6) In sub-paragraph (1), the reference to disclosing information includes, in relation to verifying information relating to a person who is named in a relevant registration application or a relevant absent voting application, references to disclosing evidence provided by a person in connection with the application.
- (7) In this paragraph—
- (a) “relevant absent voting application” means—
- (i) an application (including a partially completed application) under paragraph 3, 4 or 6 of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000, other than an application in relation to a local government election, or local government elections, in Scotland or Wales, or
- (ii) an application (including a partially completed application) under section 6, 7 or 8 of the Representation of the People Act 1985;
- (b) “relevant registration application” means an application (including a partially completed application) for registration in, or alteration of—
- (i) a register of parliamentary electors, or
- (ii) a register of local government electors in England,
and includes a form (or partially completed form) in connection with a canvass under section 10;
- (c) “the UK digital service” means a digital service provided by a Minister of the Crown for the registration of electors, and the reference in sub-paragraph (1B) to an application submitted through the UK digital service is a reference to an application submitted using that service as an intermediary.
- (8) A notice, including a partially completed notice, under section 8(9) of the Representation of the People Act 1985 (cancellation of proxy appointment) is to be treated as a relevant absent voting application for the purposes of this paragraph.
8C
- (1) Provision requiring the retention or disposal, or otherwise regulating the processing, of—
- (a) information provided in an application under section 10ZC, 10ZD , 10A, 13BD, 13BE or 13C;
- (b) information provided to a person in accordance with a requirement imposed by a registration officer ... under provision made by virtue of paragraph 1(2);
- (c) information provided to a person by virtue of provision made under paragraph 3ZA , 3A or 8BA.
- (2) In this paragraph “processing” has the same meaning as in Parts 5 to 7 of the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(4) and (14) of that Act).
7A
- (1) Any matter that is reasonably attributable to the candidate’s disability, to the extent that the expenses in respect of the matter are reasonably incurred.
- (2) In this paragraph “disability”:
- (a) in relation to a candidate standing for election in England, Wales or Scotland, has the same meaning as in section 6 of the Equality Act 2010;
- (b) in relation to a candidate standing for election in Northern Ireland, has the same meaning as in section 1 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
- (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publication of registers.
Returning officers: local elections in Scotland.
Power of convener of Electoral Management Board to postpone election
Reports on voter identification requirements in Great Britain
A writ of a new election of a Member for the said Constituency.
I hereby certify, that the Member elected for the Constituency in pursuance of the within written Writ is of in the County of
Returning Officer (or as the case may be.)
...
18AA
- (1) Every constituency in Northern Ireland is to be divided into polling districts.
- (2) The Secretary of State must—
- (a) divide Northern Ireland into polling districts for the purpose of parliamentary elections, and
- (b) keep the polling districts under review.
- (3) The Secretary of State must seek to ensure that all electors in Northern Ireland have such reasonable facilities for voting as are practicable in the circumstances.
- (4) Before dividing Northern Ireland into polling districts under subsection (2)(a) or completing a review under subsection (2)(b), the Secretary of State must consult—
- (a) the Electoral Commission, and
- (b) any other person the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
- (5) If an alteration of polling districts is made under this section—
- (a) the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland must make such adaptations of the registers of parliamentary electors maintained by that officer as are necessary to take account of the alteration, and
- (b) the alteration is effective on the date on which the Chief Electoral Officer publishes a notice stating that the adaptations have been made.
18CA
- (1) The Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland must, during each compulsory review year, carry out and complete a review under section 18B of all the polling places in Northern Ireland.
- (2) The compulsory review years are 2014 and every fifth year after that.
- (3) Subsection (1) does not prevent the Chief Electoral Officer carrying out a review under section 18B of some or all of the polling places in Northern Ireland at other times.
- (4) Subsection (1) does not require the Chief Electoral Officer to carry out and complete a review of all the polling places in Northern Ireland during a compulsory review year if reviews under section 18B of all those polling places are completed during the previous year.
- (5) Schedule A1, except paragraphs 2 and 3, has effect in relation to a review under section 18B of polling places in Northern Ireland.
Ordinary day of local elections in Wales
13AB
- (1) Subsections (2) and (3) apply in relation to an interim publication date where—
- (a) at any time before the interim publication date, section 13A applies to a registration officer (by virtue of section 13A(1)) in connection with a determination, requirement or decision within section 13A(1)(za), (zb), (b), (c) or (d),
- (b) in consequence of the determination, requirement or decision an entry relating to a person falls to be made in (or removed from) the register in respect of an address in the relevant election area, and
- (c) no alteration made in consequence of the determination, requirement or decision has already taken effect, or is due to take effect, under a relevant provision on or before the interim publication date.
- (2) On the interim publication date the registration officer must issue, in the prescribed manner, a notice specifying the appropriate alteration in the register.
- (3) The alteration takes effect from the beginning of the interim publication date.
- (4) There are two interim publication dates (in relation to a registration officer and an election to which this section applies).
- (5) The first interim publication date is the last day on which nomination papers may be delivered to the returning officer for the purposes of the election.
- (6) The second interim publication date is to be determined by the registration officer, but must be a day after the first interim publication date and before the appropriate publication date.
- (7) In subsection (1)(c) “relevant provision” means—
- (a) in relation to the first interim publication date, section 13A(2) or 13BC(3) or (6);
- (b) in relation to the second interim publication date—
- (i) section 13A(2);
- (ii) section 13BC(3) or (6);
- (iii) subsection (3) of this section as it applies in relation to the first interim publication date.
- (7A) In determining for the purposes of subsection (1)(c) whether an alteration made in consequence of the determination, requirement or decision is due to take effect under section 13BC(3) on or before the interim publication date, the reference to section 13AB in section 13BC(2) is to be disregarded.
- (8) This section applies to—
- (a) parliamentary elections in England, Wales or Scotland;
- (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
- (c) elections to the Scottish Parliament;
- (d) elections to the National Assembly for Wales;
- (e) local government elections in England, Wales or Scotland;
- (f) elections of police and crime commissioners in England and Wales.
- (9) Subsections (5) and (6) of section 13B apply for the purposes of this section as they apply for the purposes of that section.
- (10) Subsection (2) does not require a registration officer to issue a notice under that subsection in a case where section 13BC(3) or (6) requires the officer to issue a notice under that provision at an earlier time.
29A
- (1) This section applies to a service rendered by a returning officer for or in connection with a parliamentary election in Great Britain which, in the opinion of the Electoral Commission, was inadequately performed.
- (2) The Commission may recommend to the Secretary of State that the returning officer is entitled under section 29(3) to no more than a specified amount (which may be nil) in respect of that service.
- (3) In making a recommendation under subsection (2), the Commission must have regard to—
- (a) any report prepared under section 5 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 on the administration of the parliamentary election concerned,
- (b) any assessments of the level of performance of the returning officer in relation to that election under section 9B(4) of that Act,
- (c) any representations made to the Commission by the returning officer in respect of the performance of the service, and
- (d) any other information relating to the performance of the service by the returning officer that has been provided to the Commission.
- (4) Where the Commission makes a recommendation under subsection (2), the returning officer is entitled under section 29(3) to no more than the amount (which may be nil) determined by the Secretary of State, having regard to the recommendation by the Commission.
To the Returning Officer for the Constituency.
...
13CZA
- (1) A person commits an offence if the person provides false information in connection with—
- (a) an application under section 13BD for an electoral identity document,
- (b) an application under section 13BE for an anonymous elector’s document, or
- (c) an application under section 13C for an electoral identity card.
- (2) In relation to a signature, “false information” for the purposes of subsection (1) means a signature which—
- (a) is not the usual signature of, or
- (b) was written by a person other than,
the person whose signature it purports to be.
- (3) A person does not commit an offence under subsection (1) if the person did not know, and had no reason to suspect, that the information was false.
- (4) Where sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue with respect to the defence under subsection (3), the court must assume that the defence is satisfied unless the prosecution proves beyond reasonable doubt that it is not.
- (5) A person who commits an offence under this section is liable—
- (a) on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks or a fine (or both);
- (b) on summary conviction in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both);
- (c) on summary conviction in Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (or both).
- (6) In relation to an offence committed before section 281(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 comes into force, the reference in subsection (5)(a) to 51 weeks is to be read as a reference to six months.
9D
- (1) Each registration officer in Great Britain must conduct an annual canvass in relation to the area for which the officer acts.
- (2) The purpose of the canvass is to ascertain—
- (a) the names and addresses of persons who are entitled to be registered in a register maintained by the officer but who are not registered;
- (b) those persons who are registered in such a register but who are not entitled to be registered.
- (3) The canvass is to be conducted in a manner to be set out in regulations.
- (4) The regulations may confer functions on the Electoral Commission (for example, the Commission may be required to design a canvass form or, except for the purposes of a register of local government electors in Scotland or Wales, one or more canvass communications).
- (5) A registration officer may make house to house inquiries for the purposes of the canvass, for example—
- (a) to obtain information before sending out a canvass form or communication,
- (aa) except for the purposes of a register of local government electors in Scotland or Wales, to obtain the information required by a canvass form,
- (b) to supplement information provided on a canvass form or communication, or
- (c) to obtain information where no canvass form or communication is returned.
- (6) Nothing in this section applies in relation to—
- (a) the registration of persons in respect of residence in penal institutions (within the meaning of section 3) or mental hospitals (within the meaning of section 7) or other places at which persons to whom section 7A applies may be detained,
- (b) the registration of persons in pursuance of declarations of local connection, service declarations or overseas electors' declarations, or
- (c) the registration of persons with anonymous entries in the register.
9E
- (1) A registration officer in Great Britain must give a person an invitation to apply for registration in a register maintained by the officer if—
- (a) the officer is aware of the person's name and address,
- (b) the person is not registered in the register, and
- (c) the officer has reason to believe that the person may be entitled to be registered in the register.
- (2) Regulations may make provision about invitations under subsection (1), including—
- (a) provision about the form and contents of invitations;
- (b) provision about the giving of invitations (for example, provision about the manner in which they must be given or how often they must be given);
- (c) provision requiring invitations to be accompanied by, or combined with, application forms or other documents (including partially completed application forms).
- (3) Regulations under subsection (2) may confer functions on the Electoral Commission (for example, the Commission may be required to design an invitation).
- (4) A registration officer who gives a person an invitation under subsection (1) may subsequently require the person to make an application for registration by a specified date.
- (5) A requirement under subsection (4) is of no effect if the person is not entitled to be registered.
- (6) Regulations—
- (a) may make provision about requirements under subsection (4) (including provision for them to be cancelled in specified circumstances);
- (b) may specify steps that a registration officer must take before imposing a requirement.
- (7) A registration officer may impose a civil penalty on a person who fails to comply with a requirement imposed by the officer under subsection (4).
- (7A) In relation to the registration of local government electors in Scotland, subsection (7) does not apply to a person who was under the age of 16 at the time the requirement was imposed.
- (7A) In relation to the registration of local government electors in Wales, subsection (7) does not apply to a person who was under the age of 16 at the time the requirement was imposed.
- (8) For more about civil penalties under this section, see Schedule ZA1.
The relevant registration objectives (Northern Ireland)
10ZC
- (1) A registration officer in Great Britain must enter a person (“P”) in a register maintained by the officer if—
- (a) an application for registration is made by someone who appears to the officer to be P,
- (b) any requirements imposed by or under this Act in relation to the application are met, and
- (c) P appears to the officer to be entitled to be registered in the register.
- (2) In determining an application under this section, the officer must consider any objection made in accordance with the prescribed requirements by another person whose name appears in the register.
- (3) Regulations may make provision about the procedure for determining applications under this section.
- (4) The power to make regulations under this section—
- (a) so far as it is exercisable by a Minister of the Crown to make provision about a UK digital service in relation to elections in Scotland, is exercisable by the Scottish Ministers concurrently with that Minister, and
- (b) so far as it is exercisable by a Minister of the Crown to make provision about a UK digital service in relation to elections in Wales, is exercisable by the Welsh Ministers concurrently with that Minister.
- (5) The power of the Scottish Ministers to make regulations by virtue of subsection (4) is exercisable in the same ways and subject to the same provisions as their power to make other regulations under this section, except that—
- (a) the power is not exercisable without the agreement of a Minister of the Crown, and
- (b) regulations made in exercise of the power are subject to the negative procedure.
- (5A) The power of the Welsh Ministers to make regulations by virtue of subsection (4) is not exercisable without the agreement of a Minister of the Crown.
- (5B) A statutory instrument containing regulations made by the Welsh Ministers by virtue of subsection (4) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the National Assembly for Wales.
- (6) In this section—
- “election in Scotland” means—an election for membership of the Scottish Parliament, ora local government election in Scotland;
- “election in Wales” means— an election of Assembly members, ora local government election in Wales;
- “UK digital service” means a digital service provided by a Minister of the Crown for the registration of electors.
10ZD
- (1) A registration officer in Great Britain must alter the name or address in respect of which a person (“P”) is registered in a register maintained by the officer if—
- (a) an application for alteration is made by someone who appears to the officer to be P,
- (b) any requirements imposed by or under this Act in relation to the application are met, and
- (c) P appears to the officer to be entitled to be registered in the register in respect of the new name or the new address (as the case may be).
- (2) In determining an application under this section, the officer must consider any objection made in accordance with the prescribed requirements by another person whose name appears in the register.
- (3) Regulations may make provision about the procedure for determining applications under this section.
- (4) The power to make regulations under this section—
- (a) so far as it is exercisable by a Minister of the Crown to make provision about a UK digital service in relation to elections in Scotland, is exercisable by the Scottish Ministers concurrently with that Minister, and
- (b) so far as it is exercisable by a Minister of the Crown to make provision about a UK digital service in relation to elections in Wales, is exercisable by the Welsh Ministers concurrently with that Minister.
- (5) The power of the Scottish Ministers to make regulations by virtue of subsection (4) is exercisable in the same ways and subject to the same provisions as their power to make other regulations under this section, except that—
- (a) the power is not exercisable without the agreement of a Minister of the Crown, and
- (b) regulations made in exercise of the power are subject to the negative procedure.
- (5A) The power of the Welsh Ministers to make regulations by virtue of subsection (4) is not exercisable without the agreement of a Minister of the Crown.
- (5B) A statutory instrument containing regulations made by the Welsh Ministers by virtue of subsection (4) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the National Assembly for Wales.
- (6) In this section “election in Scotland”, “election in Wales” and “UK digital service” have the same meaning as in section 10ZC.
10ZE
- (1) Where a person is entered in a register in respect of an address in Great Britain, the person is entitled to remain registered until the registration officer concerned determines that—
- (a) the person was not entitled to be registered in respect of the address,
- (b) the person has ceased to be resident at the address or has otherwise ceased to satisfy the conditions for registration set out in section 4, or
- (c) the person was registered as the result of an application under section 10ZC made by some other person or the person's entry has been altered as the result of an application under section 10ZD made by some other person.
- (2) Where a person's entitlement to remain registered terminates by virtue of subsection (1), the officer must remove the person's entry from the register.
- (3) A registration officer may make house to house inquiries for the purpose of deciding whether or not to make a determination under subsection (1).
- (4) Regulations may make provision about the procedure for making determinations under subsection (1), which may include provision requiring an officer to take prescribed steps before making a determination.
- (5) A registration officer in Great Britain must consider whether to make a determination under subsection (1) if the officer—
- (a) receives an objection to a person's registration in a register maintained by the officer, or
- (b) otherwise becomes aware of information that causes the officer to suspect that a condition in subsection (1)(a) to (c) may be met in relation to a person's entry in such a register.
- (6) Subsection (5)(a)—
- (a) applies only if the objection to the person's registration is made in accordance with the prescribed requirements by someone whose name appears in the register, and
- (b) does not apply if the person has an anonymous entry in the register.
- (7) Nothing in this section applies in relation to the registration of persons in pursuance of—
- (a) applications for registration made by virtue of section 7(2) or 7A(2), or
- (b) declarations of local connection, service declarations or overseas electors' declarations.
- (8) In this section “resident” means resident for the purposes of section 4.
Publication of registers.
Local elections void etc. in England and Wales.
Expenditure by returning officers at local elections in Wales
Other voting offences.
SCHEDULE ZA1
Introduction
1
This Schedule is about civil penalties under section 9E.
Amount
2
The amount of a civil penalty is to be specified in regulations.
Procedure
3
- (1) The procedure for imposing a civil penalty on a person is to be set out in regulations.
- (2) The regulations must, in particular, require the registration officer to give the person written notice specifying—
- (a) the amount of the penalty,
- (b) the reasons for imposing it, and
- (c) the date by which and manner in which it is to be paid.
4
Regulations may specify steps that a registration officer must take before imposing a civil penalty.
Reviews and appeals
5
- (1) Regulations may give a person on whom a civil penalty is imposed—
- (a) a right to request a review of the decision to impose the penalty;
- (b) a right to appeal against the decision to the First-tier Tribunal.
- (2) Regulations under this paragraph may, in particular—
- (a) specify the grounds on which a person may request a review or appeal;
- (b) specify the time within which a person must request a review or appeal;
- (c) require a person to request a review before appealing;
- (d) make provision about the procedure for a review;
- (e) make further provision about reviews and appeals (including provision as to the powers available on a review or appeal).
Power to create exceptions
6
Regulations may specify circumstances in which—
- (a) a civil penalty may not be imposed, or
- (b) a civil penalty may be cancelled.
Accounts and record keeping
7
Regulations may impose duties on registration officers about the keeping of accounts and other records in connection with civil penalties.
Interest and enforcement etc.
8
Regulations may—
- (a) allow interest to be charged on a civil penalty that is paid late;
- (b) allow an additional penalty to be imposed for late payment.
9
In this Schedule “civil penalty” includes any interest or additional penalty.
10
Regulations may make provision about the recovery of civil penalties by registration officers.
11
A civil penalty received by a registration officer is to be paid into the Consolidated Fund.
Power to make further provision
12
Regulations may make further provision about civil penalties.
Note.—The forms contained in this Appendix may be adapted so far as circumstances require.
Note.—The forms contained in this Appendix may be adapted so far as circumstances require.
1B
- (1) Provision as to the information that a registration officer may or must require persons to give by virtue of regulations under paragraph 1(2), or must provide to persons, when conducting a canvass in Great Britain (whether as part of a canvass form or communication or otherwise).
- (2) Provision authorising or requiring a registration officer in Great Britain to complete canvass forms in part for people.
- (3) Provision as to the form and contents of declarations to be made by those responding to a canvass in Great Britain.
3ZA
- (1) Provision about applications under section 10ZC , 10ZD, 13BD or 13BE, including in particular provision about—
- (a) the form and contents of applications and of any declarations to be made in connection with them;
- (b) the manner in which applications and any such declarations are to be made.
- (2) Provision made under sub-paragraph (1) may include provision—
- (a) conferring functions on registration officers, or local or public authorities, to enable applications to be made in a particular manner;
- (b) conferring other functions on registration officers;
- (c) conferring functions on the Electoral Commission.
- (2A) Provision made under sub-paragraph (1) in relation to applications within sub-paragraph (2B) may include provision—
- (a) conferring functions on the Secretary of State to enable applications to be made in a particular manner;
- (b) authorising the Secretary of State, in prescribed circumstances, to complete applications in part for people.
- (2B) The following applications are within this sub-paragraph—
- (a) an application for registration in, or alteration of—
- (i) a register of parliamentary electors,
- (ii) a register of local government electors in England, or
- (iii) a register of local government electors in Scotland or Wales, where the application is submitted through the UK digital service;
- (b) an application under section 13BD or 13BE.
- (3) Provision requiring a person making an application under section 10ZC or 10ZD—
- (a) to provide evidence that he or she is the person named in the application;
- (b) to provide evidence of entitlement to be registered.
- (3A) Provision requiring a person making an application under section 13BD or 13BE to provide evidence that the person is the person named in the application.
- (4) Provision made under sub-paragraph (3) or (3A) must specify the kind of evidence that a person is required to provide.
- (5) Examples of the evidence that may be specified include a person's date of birth or national insurance number.
- (6) Provision made under sub-paragraph (3) or (3A) may require a person to provide the evidence to a registration officer or to some other prescribed person (or person of a prescribed description).
- (7) In sub-paragraph (2B)(a)(iii), “the UK digital service” means a digital service provided by a Minister of the Crown for the registration of electors, and the reference to an application submitted through the UK digital service is a reference to an application submitted using that service as an intermediary.
3C
- (1) Provision authorising or requiring a registration officer conducting a canvass for the purposes of a register of local government electors in Scotland or Wales to take specified steps for the purpose of obtaining information where no response is received in respect of a particular address.
- (1A) Provision authorising or requiring a registration officer conducting a canvass for the purposes of a register of parliamentary electors in Great Britain, or a register of local government electors in England or in Scotland or in Wales—
- (a) to take specified steps for the purpose of obtaining any information that a registration officer may or must require persons to give by virtue of regulations under paragraph 1B(1) in respect of a particular address,
- (b) to take specified steps for the purpose of obtaining information where no response is received in respect of a particular address.
- (2) Provision authorising or requiring a registration officer in Great Britain to take specified steps to encourage a person to make an application under section 10ZC or 10ZD in response to an invitation to do so made by the officer.
- (3) Examples of the steps that a registration officer may be authorised or required to take under sub-paragraph (1), (1A) or (2) include writing to the person or visiting the person's address to speak to the person.
5B
- (1) Provision as to the steps that a registration officer in Great Britain must take, before appointing a person as proxy to vote for another, to ensure that the appointment complies with paragraph 6(3) or (3A) of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000.
- (2) Provision under sub-paragraph (1) may require another registration officer (including the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland) to provide information about whether the person has or will have an entry in a register maintained by that officer.
8B
- (1) Provision authorising or requiring a registration officer in determining an application under section 10ZC , 10ZD, 13BD, 13BE or 13C, in prescribed cases, to treat a prescribed person's statement of a fact as sufficient evidence of that fact.
- (2) In sub-paragraph (1) “prescribed” includes of a prescribed description.
75ZA
- (1) The returning officer or the Electoral Commission may, at any time during the period of 6 months beginning with the date of the poll at a parliamentary election, request a relevant person to deliver to the officer or Commission a return of permitted expenditure in relation to a candidate at the election who is specified in the request.
- (2) “Relevant person” means a person who—
- (a) is not required to deliver a return under section 75(2) in relation to the candidate, and
- (b) is not the candidate, the candidate's election agent, or a person engaged or employed for payment or promise of payment by the candidate or the candidate's election agent.
- (3) “Return of permitted expenditure” means a return—
- (a) showing all permitted expenses incurred by the person in relation to the candidate, or
- (b) stating that the person incurred no such expenses or that the total such expenses incurred by the person was £200 or less.
- (4) “Permitted expense”, in relation to a candidate, means an expense incurred by the person in respect of the candidate which, if the person had been required to deliver a return under section 75(2) in relation to the candidate, would have been required to be included in that return.
75ZB
- (1) A person must comply with a request under section 75ZA(1) within the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the request is received.
- (2) A return of permitted expenditure must be accompanied by a declaration made by the person (or in the case of an association or body of persons, by a director, general manager, secretary or other similar officer of the association or body)—
- (a) verifying the return, and
- (b) in the case of a return of the kind mentioned in section 75ZA(3)(a), giving particulars of the matters for which the expenses were incurred.
- (3) A person who fails to deliver a return or declaration in accordance with this section is guilty of an illegal practice.
- (4) A person who knowingly makes a false declaration under subsection (2) is guilty of a corrupt practice.
- (5) The court before whom a person is convicted under subsection (3) or (4) may, if they think it just in the special circumstances of the case, mitigate or entirely remit any incapacity imposed by virtue of section 173.
- (6) Where any act or omission of an association or body of persons, corporate or unincorporate, is an offence declared to be a corrupt or illegal practice by this section, any person who at the time of the act or omission was a director, general manager, secretary or other similar officer of the association or body, or was purporting to act in any such capacity, shall be deemed to be guilty of that offence, unless he proves—
- (a) that the act or omission took place without his consent or connivance, and
- (b) that he exercised all such diligence to prevent the commission of the offence as he ought to have exercised having regard to the nature of his functions in that capacity and to all the circumstances.
Tendered postal ballot papers: anonymous entries in Northern Ireland
40ZA
- (1) This rule applies to a person (“P”) who—
- (a) is an elector with an anonymous entry in a register maintained by the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland; or
- (b) is entitled to vote by post as proxy for such an elector,
and who claims to have lost, or not received, a postal ballot paper.
- (2) P may apply to the Chief Electoral Officer for a replacement postal ballot paper (in these rules referred to as a “tendered postal ballot paper”).
- (3) The application—
- (a) may be made by post or in person,
- (b) must be accompanied by a specified document within the meaning of rule 37 (as it extends to Northern Ireland), and
- (c) must be delivered to the Chief Electoral Officer—
- (i) where the application is made by post, before 4 p.m. on the fourth day before the day of the poll, and
- (ii) where the application is made in person, before 4 p.m. on the day before the day of the poll.
- (4) If the Chief Electoral Officer—
- (a) is satisfied as to P’s identity, and
- (b) has no reason to doubt that P has lost, or not received, a postal ballot paper,
the Chief Electoral Officer must issue a tendered postal ballot paper to P in the prescribed manner.
- (5) A tendered postal ballot paper must be of a different colour from the other ballot papers.
- (6) P, if issued with a tendered postal ballot paper, may mark it, sign it, and send it to the Chief Electoral Officer, in the same manner as a postal ballot paper.
- (7) A tendered postal ballot paper which has not been signed, or which does not meet the conditions in rule 45(2) and (2A), is void.
- (8) On receipt of a tendered postal ballot paper, the Chief Electoral Officer must deal with it in the prescribed manner.
- (9) The Chief Electoral Officer must—
- (a) endorse each tendered postal ballot paper with the entry in the register of the elector in question, and
- (b) set it aside in a separate packet of tendered postal ballot papers.
- (10) The Chief Electoral Officer must add the entry in the register of the elector in question to a list (in these rules referred to as the “tendered postal votes list”).
- (11) The Chief Electoral Officer must seal the packet of tendered postal ballot papers.
- (12) This rule applies in the case of a person in respect of whom a notice has been issued under section 13BA(9) (alteration of registers in Northern Ireland: pending elections) as if—
- (a) in paragraph (1) for “in a register maintained” there were substituted “in respect of whom a notice under section 13BA(9) has been issued”; and
- (b) in paragraphs (9)(a) and (10), for “entry in the register of the elector in question” there were substituted “entry relating to the elector in question on a notice issued under section 13BA(9)”.
Northern Ireland: timing of canvass
Registration of electors in Great Britain
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alteration of registers: interim publication dates
Provision of false information: application for electoral identity document, anonymous elector’s document or electoral identity card
Service declaration.
Rules for local elections in Wales
Rules for local elections in Wales
Expenditure by returning officers at local elections in Wales
Note.—The forms contained in this Appendix may be adapted so far as circumstances require.
Note.—The forms contained in this Appendix may be adapted so far as circumstances require.
‡Except in a general election insert here in the place of A. B., deceased or otherwise, stating the cause of vacancy.
A writ of a new election of a Member for the said Constituency.
12
The surname of each candidate must appear in capitals and the candidates’ other names must be in lower case with initial capitals.
13
The number and other unique identifying mark must be printed close to each other on the back of the ballot paper.
1
You must satisfy the presiding officer about your identity by showing an approved form of ID.
2.
When you are given a ballot paper go to one of the compartments. Mark a cross (X) in the box on the right hand side of the ballot paper opposite the name of the candidate you are voting for.
3
Vote for one candidate only. Put no other mark on the ballot paper, or your vote may not be counted. Do not let anyone see your vote.
4.
Fold the ballot paper in two. Show the back of the ballot paper to the presiding officer so as to disclose the number and other unique identifying mark. Put the ballot paper in the ballot box and leave the polling station.
*State the relationship of the companion to the voter.
13BC
- (1) This section applies if—
- (a) a Speaker's notice is given in relation to a recall petition in respect of an MP under the Recall of MPs Act 2015 (“the 2015 Act”), and
- (b) a day is designated in relation to that petition under section 7(1)(b) of that Act (first day of the signing period).
- (2) Subsection (3) applies where—
- (a) at any time before the cut-off day, section 13A applies to a registration officer, by virtue of subsection (1) of that section, in connection with—
- (i) a requirement or determination falling within paragraph (za) or (a) of that subsection in respect of a qualifying application for registration,
- (ii) a requirement falling within paragraph (zb) of that subsection in respect of an entry in the register resulting from a qualifying application for registration, or
- (iii) a requirement, decision or determination falling within any of paragraphs (b) to (d) of that subsection,
- (b) in consequence of the requirement, determination or decision, an entry relating to a person falls to be made or altered in, or removed from, the relevant register,
- (c) no alteration made in consequence of the requirement, determination or decision has already taken effect, or is due to take effect, under section 13A, 13AB, 13B or 13BA on or before the cut-off day, and
- (d) if the relevant register is for a constituency in Northern Ireland, the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland is supplied on or before the prescribed date with such additional material as is prescribed supporting the appropriate alteration in the register.
- (3) In such a case—
- (a) the registration officer must issue, in the prescribed manner on the cut-off day, a notice specifying the appropriate alteration in the register, and
- (b) subject to sections 13B(1) and 13BA(1), the alteration is to take effect as from the beginning of the day on which the notice is issued.
- (4) In determining for the purposes of subsection (2)(c) whether an alteration made in consequence of the requirement, determination or decision is due to take effect under section 13AB, 13B or 13BA on or before the cut-off day, the references to section 13BC(3) in section 13AB(7), 13B(2) and 13BA(2) and (5) are to be disregarded.
- (5) Subsection (6) applies where—
- (a) at any time on or after the cut-off day but before the prescribed time on the last day of the signing period, section 13A applies to a registration officer, by virtue of subsection (1) of that section, in connection with—
- (i) a notification mentioned in paragraph (c) of that subsection, or
- (ii) a determination falling within paragraph (d) of that subsection, and
- (b) in consequence of the notification or determination, an entry relating to a person falls to be made or altered in, or removed from, the relevant register.
- (6) In such a case—
- (a) the registration officer must issue, in the prescribed manner and on the appropriate day, a notice specifying the appropriate alteration in the register, and
- (b) subject to sections 13B(1) and 13BA(1), the alteration is to take effect as from the beginning of the day on which the notice is issued.
- (7) “The appropriate day” means—
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