Representation of the People Act 2000

• (i) those who may vote by post at local government elections in Scotland or Wales, or

• (ii) those who may vote by proxy,

whether their applications were to vote by post or proxy for an indefinite or a particular period (specifying that period),

• (b) in the case of those who may vote by post, the addresses provided by them in their applications as the addresses to which their ballot papers are to be sent, and

• (c) in the case of those who may vote by proxy, the names and addresses of those appointed as their proxies.

• (5) The registration officer shall remove a person from the record—

• (a) if he applies to the registration officer to be removed,

• (aa) in the case of a person who is eligible to vote by proxy by virtue of having an anonymous entry, if he ceases to have an anonymous entry,

• (b) in the case of any registered person, if he ceases to be registered or registered at the same qualifying address or ceases to be, or becomes, registered in pursuance of—

• (i) a service declaration,

• (ii) a declaration of local connection, or

• (iii) an overseas elector’s declaration,

• (c) in the case of any person shown in the record as voting by proxy, if the registration officer gives notice that he has reason to believe there has been a material change of circumstances, ...

• (ca) in the case of a person shown in the record as voting by post at parliamentary elections or at local government elections in England (or both), once the period for which the person is entitled to vote by post at elections of the kind in question has expired, or

• (d) in the case of a person who applied to vote by post at local government elections in Scotland or Wales for a particular period, or who applied to vote by proxy for a particular period, once that period has expired.

• (6) A person shown in the record as voting by post may subsequently alter his choice by applying to the registration officer to vote by proxy instead (whether for an indefinite period or for a particular period specified in his application); and, if the registration officer would be required to grant that application if it were one made under sub-paragraph (2), the registration officer shall amend the record accordingly.

• (7) A person shown in the record as voting by proxy may subsequently alter his choice by applying to the registration officer to vote by post instead ...; and, if the application meets the prescribed requirements and, in the case of an application to vote by post at local government elections in Scotland or Wales for a particular period, specifies the period , the registration officer shall amend the record accordingly.

• (7A) Sub-paragraph (1A) applies to an application under sub-paragraph (7) to vote by post at parliamentary elections, or at local government elections in England, as it applies to an application under sub-paragraph (1) (but this is subject to sub-paragraph (7B)).

• (7B) Where an application under sub-paragraph (7) to vote by post at parliamentary elections is made by a person who is or will be entitled to be registered in the register of parliamentary electors in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration, sub-paragraph (1B) applies to the application as it applies to an application under sub-paragraph (1).

• (8) The registration officer may dispense with the requirement under sub-paragraph (1)(b) or (2)(c) for the applicant to provide a signature if he is satisfied that the applicant is unable—

• (a) to provide a signature because of any disability the applicant has,

• (b) to provide a signature because the applicant is unable to read or write, or

• (c) to sign in a consistent and distinctive way because of any such disability or inability.

• (9) The registration officer must also keep a record in relation to those whose applications under this paragraph have been granted showing—

• (a) their dates of birth;

• (b) except in cases where the registration officer in pursuance of sub-paragraph (8) has dispensed with the requirement to provide a signature, their signatures.

• (10) The record kept under sub-paragraph (9) must be retained by the registration officer for the prescribed period.

Absent vote at particular election

4

• (1) Where a person applies to the registration officer to vote by post at a particular parliamentary or local government election, the registration officer shall grant the application if—

• (a) he is satisfied that the applicant is or will be registered in the register of parliamentary or, as the case may be, local government electors, and

• (b) the application contains the applicant's signature and date of birth and meets the prescribed requirements.

• (2) Where a person applies to the registration officer to vote by proxy at a particular parliamentary or local government election, the registration officer shall grant the application if—

• (a) he is satisfied that the applicant’s circumstances on the date of the poll will be or are likely to be such that he cannot reasonably be expected to vote in person at the polling station allotted or likely to be allotted to him under the appropriate rules,

• (b) he is satisfied that the applicant is or will be registered in the register of parliamentary or, as the case may be, local government electors, and

• (c) the application contains the applicant's signature and date of birth and meets the prescribed requirements.

• (2A) Where a person who has an anonymous entry in the register of electors for a parliamentary or local government election applies to the registration officer to vote by proxy at a particular such election the registration officer shall grant the application if it meets the prescribed requirements.

• (2B) Sub-paragraph (2A) does not apply to an application to vote by proxy at a local government election in Scotland.

• (3) Nothing in sub-paragraph (1) or (2) applies to a person who is included in the record kept under paragraph 3 in respect of elections of the kind in question, but such a person may, in respect of a particular parliamentary or local government election, apply to the registration officer—

• (a) for his ballot paper to be sent to a different address from that shown in the record, or

• (b) to vote by proxy,

if he is shown in the record as voting by post at elections of the kind in question.

• (4) The registration officer shall grant an application under sub-paragraph (3) if—

• (a) (in the case of any application) it meets the prescribed requirements; and

• (b) (in the case of an application to vote by proxy) the registration officer is satisfied that the applicant’s circumstances on the date of the poll will be or are likely to be such that he cannot reasonably be expected to vote in person at the polling station allotted or likely to be allotted to him under the appropriate rules.

• (5) The registration officer may dispense with the requirement under sub-paragraph (1)(b) or (2)(c) for the applicant to provide a signature if he is satisfied that the applicant is unable—

• (a) to provide a signature because of any disability the applicant has,

• (b) to provide a signature because the applicant is unable to read or write, or

• (c) to sign in a consistent and distinctive way because of any such disability or inability.

• (6) The registration officer must keep a record of those whose applications under this paragraph have been granted showing—

• (a) their dates of birth;

• (b) except in cases where the registration officer in pursuance of sub-paragraph (5) has dispensed with the requirement to provide a signature, their signatures.

• (7) The record kept under sub-paragraph (6) must be retained by the registration officer for the prescribed period.

Absent voters list

5

• (1) The registration officer shall, in respect of each parliamentary or local government election, keep the two special lists mentioned in sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) respectively.

• (2) The first of those lists is a list (“the postal voters list”) of—

• (a) those whose applications under paragraph 4(1) to vote by post at the election have been granted, together with the addresses provided by them in their applications as the addresses to which their ballot papers are to be sent, and

• (b) those who are for the time being shown in the record kept under paragraph 3 as voting by post at elections of the kind in question (excluding those so shown whose applications under paragraph 4(3)(b) above to vote by proxy at the election have been granted), together with the addresses provided by them in their applications under paragraph 3 or, as the case may be, paragraph 4(3)(a) as the addresses to which their ballot papers are to be sent.

• (3) The second of the lists mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) is a list (“the list of proxies”) of—

• (a) those whose applications under paragraph 4(2) or (3) to vote by proxy at the election have been granted, and

• (b) those who are for the time being shown in the record kept under paragraph 3 as voting by proxy at elections of the kind in question,

together with (in each case) the names and addresses of those appointed as their proxies.

• (4) In the case of a person who has an anonymous entry in a register the postal voters list or list of proxies (as the case may be) must show in relation to the person only—

• (a) his electoral number, and

• (b) the period for which the anonymous entry has effect.

• (5) Sub-paragraph (4) does not apply to any list kept in respect of a local government election in Scotland.

Proxies at elections

6

• (1) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, any person is capable of being appointed proxy to vote for another (in this paragraph and paragraph 7 referred to as “the elector”) at any parliamentary or local government election and may vote in pursuance of the appointment.

• (2) The elector cannot have—

• (a) more than one person at a time appointed as proxy to vote for him at parliamentary elections (whether in the same constituency or elsewhere), or

• (b) more than one person at a time appointed as proxy to vote for him at local government elections in the same electoral area.

• (3) A person is not capable of being appointed to vote, or voting, as proxy at a parliamentary election unless the person is or will be registered in a register of parliamentary electors in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.

• (3A) A person is not capable of being appointed to vote, or voting, as proxy at a local government election unless the person is or will be registered in a register of local government electors in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.

• (4) A person is not capable of being appointed to vote, or voting, as proxy at a parliamentary or local government election if the person is subject to any legal incapacity (age apart) to vote at that election as an elector.

• (5) A person is not capable of voting as proxy at a parliamentary or local government election (other than a local government election in Scotland) (other than a local government election in Wales) unless on the date of the poll he has attained the age of 18.

• (5A) A person is not capable of voting as proxy at a local government election in Scotland unless on the date of the election the person has attained the age of 16.

• (5A) A person is not capable of voting as proxy at a local government election in Wales unless on the date of the election the person has attained the age of 16.

• (5B) A person is not capable of voting as proxy at a local government election in Scotland if on the date of the election the person is a person to whom section 3(1A) of the 1983 Act (exception to disenfranchisement for offenders in prison sentenced to term not exceeding 12 months) applies.

• (5C) A person—

• (a) is not entitled to vote as proxy at a parliamentary election, or at a local government election in England, on behalf of more than two electors who do not fall within sub-paragraph (5D), but

• (b) subject to paragraph (a), is entitled to vote as proxy at any such election on behalf of up to four electors.

• (5D) An elector falls within this sub-paragraph—

• (a) in relation to a parliamentary election, if the elector is registered in a register of parliamentary electors in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration or a service declaration;

• (b) in relation to a local government election in England, if the elector is registered in a register of local government electors in England in pursuance of a service declaration.

• (5E) Where the polls for two or more parliamentary elections are held on the same day, references in sub-paragraph (5C) to a parliamentary election are to all of those elections taken together.

• (5F) Where the polls for two or more local government elections in England are held on the same day, references in sub-paragraph (5C) to a local government election in England are to all of those elections taken together.

• (6) A person is not entitled to vote as proxy—

• (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (b) at the same local government election in any electoral area in Wales or Scotland,

on behalf of more than two electors of whom that person is not the spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild.

• (7) Where the elector applies to the registration officer for the appointment of a proxy to vote for him at parliamentary elections, at local government elections or at both (whether for an indefinite period or for a particular period specified in his application), the registration officer shall make the appointment if the application meets the prescribed requirements and he is satisfied that the elector is or will be—

• (a) registered in the register of parliamentary electors, local government electors or both (as the case may be), and

• (b) shown in the record kept under paragraph 3 as voting by proxy at such elections,

and that the proxy is capable of being, and willing to be, appointed to vote as proxy at such elections.

• (8) Where the elector applies to the registration officer for the appointment of a proxy to vote for him at a particular parliamentary or local government election, the registration officer shall make the appointment if the application meets the prescribed requirements and he is satisfied that the elector is or will be—

• (a) registered in the register of parliamentary or, as the case may be, local government electors, and

• (b) entitled to vote by proxy at that election by virtue of an application under paragraph 4(2) or (3),

and that the proxy is capable of being, and willing to be, appointed.

• (9) The appointment of a proxy under this paragraph is to be made by means of a proxy paper in the prescribed form issued by the registration officer.

• (10) The appointment may be cancelled by the elector by giving notice to the registration officer and shall also cease to be in force—

• (a) where the appointment related to a parliamentary election or parliamentary elections, on the issue of a proxy paper appointing a different person to vote for him at a parliamentary election or parliamentary elections (whether in the same constituency or elsewhere),

• (b) where the appointment related to a local government election or local government elections, on the issue of a proxy paper appointing a different person to vote for him at a local government election or local government elections in the same electoral area, or

• (c) where the appointment was for a particular period, once that period expires.

• (11) Subject to sub-paragraph (10), the appointment shall remain in force—

• (a) in the case of an appointment for a particular election, for that election, and

• (b) in any other case, while the elector is shown as voting by proxy in the record kept under paragraph 3 in pursuance of the same application under that paragraph.

Voting as proxy

7

• (1) A person entitled to vote as proxy at a parliamentary or local government election may do so in person at the polling station allotted to the elector under the appropriate rules unless he is entitled to vote by post as proxy for the elector at the election, in which case he may vote by post.

• (2) Where a person is entitled to vote by post as proxy for the elector at any election, the elector may not apply for a ballot paper for the purpose of voting in person at the election.

• (3) For the purposes of this Schedule and the 1983 Act a person entitled to vote as proxy for another at a parliamentary or local government election is entitled so to vote by post if he is included in the list kept under sub-paragraph (8) in respect of the election.

• (4) Where a person applies to the registration officer to vote by post—

• (a) as proxy at parliamentary elections, at local government elections or at both ..., or

• (b) as proxy at a particular parliamentary or local government election,

the registration officer shall grant the application if the conditions set out in sub-paragraph (5) are satisfied.

• (5) Those conditions are—

• (a) that the registration officer is satisfied that the elector is or will be registered in the register of parliamentary electors, local government electors or both (as the case may be), and

• (b) that there is in force an appointment of the applicant as the elector’s proxy to vote for him at elections of the kind in question or, as the case may be, the election concerned, and

• (c) that the application contains the applicant's signature and date of birth and meets the prescribed requirements and, in the case of an application to vote by post as proxy at local government elections in Scotland or Wales for a particular period, specifies the period.

• (5A) Any grant of an application under sub-paragraph (4)(a) to vote by post as proxy at parliamentary elections, or at local government elections in England, is to be for—

• (a) the period ending with the third 31 January following the date on which the application is granted, or

• (b) any shorter period specified in the application.

• (6) The registration officer shall keep a record of those whose applications under sub-paragraph (4)(a) have been granted showing—

• (a) whether their applications—

• (i) were in respect of parliamentary elections, local government elections or both, ...

• (ii) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (aa) in the case of those who may vote by post as proxy at parliamentary elections or at local government elections in England (or both), the period for which they may do so,

• (ab) in the case of those who may vote by post as proxy at local government elections in Scotland or Wales, whether their applications were to vote by post as proxy for an indefinite or a particular period (specifying that period), and

• (b) the addresses provided by them in their applications as the addresses to which their ballot papers are to be sent.

• (7) Where, in the case of a particular parliamentary or local government election, a person included in the record kept under sub-paragraph (6) in respect of elections of the kind in question applies to the registration officer for his ballot paper to be sent to a different address from that shown in the record, the registration officer shall grant the application if it meets the prescribed requirements.

• (8) The registration officer shall, in respect of each parliamentary or local government election, keep a special list (“the proxy postal voters list”) of—

• (a) those who are for the time being included in the record kept under sub-paragraph (6) in respect of elections of the kind in question, together with the addresses provided by them in their applications under sub-paragraph (4)(a) or, as the case may be, sub-paragraph (7) as the addresses to which their ballot papers are to be sent, and

• (b) those whose applications under sub-paragraph (4)(b) above have been granted in respect of the election concerned, together with the addresses provided by them in their applications as the addresses to which their ballot papers are to be sent.

• (8A) In the case of a person who has an anonymous entry in a register the special list mentioned in sub-paragraph (8) must contain only—

• (a) the person's electoral number, and

• (b) the period for which the anonymous entry has effect.

• (8B) Sub-paragraph (8A) does not apply to a special list kept in respect of a local government election in Scotland.

• (9) The registration officer shall remove a person from the record kept under sub-paragraph (6)—

• (a) if he applies to the registration officer to be removed,

• (b) if the elector ceases to be registered as mentioned in sub-paragraph (5)(a),

• (c) if the appointment of the person concerned as the elector’s proxy ceases to be in force (whether or not he is re-appointed), ...

• (ca) in the case of a person shown in the record as voting by post as proxy at parliamentary elections or at local government elections in England (or both), once the period for which the person is entitled to vote by post as proxy at elections of the kind in question has expired, or

• (d) in the case of a person who applied to vote by post as proxy at local government elections in Scotland or Wales for a particular period, once that period expires.

• (10) Sub-paragraph (2) above does not prevent a person, at the polling station allotted to him, marking a tendered ballot paper in pursuance of rule 40(1ZC) or (1ZE) of the parliamentary elections rules.

• (11) The registration officer may dispense with the requirement under sub-paragraph (5)(c) for the applicant to provide a signature if he is satisfied that the applicant is unable—

• (a) to provide a signature because of any disability the applicant has,

• (b) to provide a signature because the applicant is unable to read or write, or

• (c) to sign in a consistent and distinctive way because of any such disability or inability.”

• (12) The registration officer must also keep a record in relation to those whose applications under sub-paragraph (4)(a) or (b) have been granted showing—

• (a) their dates of birth;

• (b) except in cases where the registration officer in pursuance of sub-paragraph (11) has dispensed with the requirement to provide a signature, their signatures.

• (13) The record kept under sub-paragraph (12) must be retained by the registration officer for the prescribed period.

• (14) Sub-paragraph (2) above does not prevent a person entitled to vote as proxy for another, at the polling station allotted to him at a local government election in Scotland, marking a tendered ballot paper in pursuance of any provision—

• (a) made under section 3(1) of the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 9) as to the conduct of elections of councillors, and

• (b) which entitles him to do so despite the fact that he is or may be entitled to vote by post as proxy.

Offences

8

A person who—

• (a) in any declaration or form used for any of the purposes of this Schedule, makes a statement which he knows to be false, or

• (b) attests an application under paragraph 3 or 4 when he knows that he is not authorised to do so or that it contains a statement which is false,

is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

SCHEDULE 5

SCHEDULE 6

City of London (Various Powers) Act 1957 (c. x)

1

• (1) Section 8 of the City of London (Various Powers) Act 1957 (manner of voting at ward elections) is amended as follows.

• (2) In subsection (1) (application of provisions of 1983 Act), after the entry relating to section 3 of the 1983 Act insert—

section 3A (disfranchisement of offenders detained in mental hospitals);

.

• (3) In subsection (2) (application of provisions about absent voting), for “sections 5 to 9 and 12(3) and (4) of the Representation of the People Act 1985” substitute “ Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 ”.

• (4) In subsections (4) and (5) (supplementary provisions), for “1985” (wherever occurring) substitute “ 2000 ”.

European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978 (c. 10)

2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The 1983 Act

3

The 1983 Act is amended as follows.

4

In section 29(4C) (orders governing charges by returning officers), at the end add “ ; and any such order may make different provision for different cases, circumstances or areas and may contain such incidental, supplemental, saving or transitional provisions as the Secretary of State thinks fit. ”

5

After section 65 insert—

(65A) (1) A person is guilty of a corrupt practice if, in the case of any relevant election, he causes or permits to be included in a document delivered or otherwise furnished to a returning officer for use in connection with the election— (a) a statement of the name or home address of a candidate at the election which he knows to be false in any particular; or (b) anything which purports to be the signature of an elector who proposes, seconds or assents to, the nomination of such a candidate but which he knows— (i) was not written by the elector by whom it purports to have been written, or (ii) if written by that elector, was not written by him for the purpose of signifying that he was proposing, seconding, or (as the case may be) assenting to, that candidate’s nomination. (2) In this section “relevant election” means— (a) any parliamentary election, or (b) any local government election in England or Wales.

6

After section 66 insert—

(66A) (1) No person shall, in the case of an election to which this section applies, publish before the poll is closed— (a) any statement relating to the way in which voters have voted at the election where that statement is (or might reasonably be taken to be) based on information given by voters after they have voted, or (b) any forecast as to the result of the election which is (or might reasonably be taken to be) based on information so given. (2) This section applies to— (a) any parliamentary election; and (b) any local government election in England or Wales. (3) If a person acts in contravention of subsection (1) above, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months. (4) In this section— - “forecast” includes estimate; - “publish” means make available to the public at large, or any section of the public, in whatever form and by whatever means; and any reference to the result of an election is a reference to the result of the election either as a whole or so far as any particular candidate or candidates at the election is or are concerned.

7

In section 95(7) (schools for parliamentary election meetings not to include private dwelling house), omit “house”.

8

In section 108(4) (premises not to be used as committee rooms), omit “house”.

9

In section 202(1) (general interpretation)—

• (a) in the definition of “the absent voters list”, after “kept under” insert “ paragraph 5 of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 or, as respects Northern Ireland, under ”; and

• (b) in the definition of “the list of proxies”, after “given by” insert “ paragraph 5(3) of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 or, as respects Northern Ireland, by ”.

10

• (1) Schedule 1 (parliamentary elections rules) is amended as follows.

• (2) In rule 5(2) (notice of election to state date by which applications for postal votes etc. are to be made), after “by which” insert “ (except in such circumstances as may be prescribed) ”.

• (3) For rule 24 substitute—

(24) The returning officer shall, in accordance with regulations, issue to those entitled to vote by post a ballot paper and a declaration of identity in the prescribed form, together with such envelopes for their return (whether free of charge or otherwise) as may be prescribed.

• (4) In rule 45 (the count)—

• (a) after paragraph (1A) insert—

(1B) A postal ballot paper shall not, in England, Wales or Scotland, be taken to be duly returned unless— (a) it is returned in the prescribed manner and reaches the returning officer or a polling station in the constituency before the close of the poll, and (b) the declaration of identity, duly signed and authenticated, is also returned in the prescribed manner and reaches him or such a polling station before that time.

; and

• (b) in paragraph (2), after “shall not” insert “ , in Northern Ireland, ”.

11

• (1) Schedule 2 (provisions which may be contained in regulations as to registration) is amended as follows.

• (2) In paragraph 5A (applications for postal voting etc.)—

• (a) in sub-paragraph (1), after “applications under” insert “ paragraph 3 or 4 of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 or ”;

• (b) in sub-paragraph (2), after “applying under” insert “ paragraph 4 of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 or ”; and

• (c) in sub-paragraph (4), after “kept under” insert “ paragraph 3(4) of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 or ”.

• (3) In paragraph 12 (voting by post), for the words from “the proceedings” to “and provisions” substitute

the arrangements to be made in relation to the issue and receipt of, and for subsequently dealing with, ballot papers for postal voting, including provisions— (a) authorising replacement ballot papers to be issued in any prescribed circumstances; (b) as to the proceedings in connection with the issue and receipt of ballot papers and, in particular— (i) the persons who are to be entitled, or may be allowed, to attend, and (ii) the rights and obligations of persons attending; (c)

.

• (4) In paragraph 13(1) (offences)—

• (a) for the words from “imposing” to “convicted—” substitute “ making it an offence (punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale) for a person— ”; and

• (b) for “of having” (in both places) substitute “ to have ”.

Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50)

12

The Representation of the People Act 1985 is amended as follows (but paragraphs 13 to 17 have effect in relation to Northern Ireland only).

13

• (1) Section 5 (manner of voting) is amended as follows.

• (2) In subsection (1), omit “or local government”.

• (3) In subsection (5), omit “or, as the case may be, electoral area”.

• (4) After subsection (5) insert—

(5A) Nothing in the preceding provisions of this section applies to— (a) a person to whom section 7 of the principal Act (mental patients who are not detained offenders) applies and who is liable, by virtue of any enactment, to be detained in the mental hospital in question, or (b) a person to whom section 7A of that Act (persons remanded in custody) applies, whether he is registered by virtue of that provision or not; and such a person may only vote by post or by proxy (where he is entitled as an elector to vote by post or, as the case may be, by proxy at the election).

• (5) In subsection (6), omit “or local government” (wherever occurring).

• (6) For subsection (7) substitute—

(7) In this section and sections 6 to 9 of this Act “appropriate rules” means the parliamentary elections rules.

14

• (1) Section 6 (absent vote at elections for an indefinite period) is amended as follows.

• (2) In subsection (1)—

• (a) omit “, at local government elections or at both”; and

• (b) in paragraph (a), for “elections to which the application relates” substitute “ parliamentary elections ”.

• (3) In subsection (2), omit—

• (a) “or local government”, and

• (b) paragraph (aa),

and, in paragraph (c), after “his spouse,” insert “ or by reason of his attendance on a course provided by an educational institution or that of his spouse, ”.

• (4) Omit subsection (2A).

• (5) In subsection (3), omit paragraph (a).

• (6) In subsection (4), after “in pursuance of” insert “ a declaration of local connection or ”.

15

• (1) Section 7 (absent vote at a particular election and absent voters list) is amended as follows.

• (2) In subsection (1), omit—

• (a) “or local government”; and

• (b) in paragraph (b), “or, as the case may be, local government”.

• (3) For subsection (2) substitute—

(2) Subsection (1) above does not apply to a person who is included in the record kept under section 6 of this Act, but such a person may, in respect of a particular parliamentary election, apply to the registration officer— (a) for his ballot paper to be sent to a different address in the United Kingdom, or (b) to vote by proxy, if he is shown in the record so kept as voting by post at parliamentary elections.

• (4) In subsection (4)—

• (a) omit “or local government”; and

• (b) in each of paragraphs (a) and (b), for “elections of the kind in question” substitute “ parliamentary elections ”.

16

• (1) Section 8 (proxies at elections) is amended as follows.

• (2) In subsection (1), omit “or local government”.

• (3) Omit subsection (3A).

• (4) In subsection (4), omit “or local government”.

• (5) In subsection (5), omit “, or at the same local government election in any electoral area,”.

• (6) In subsection (6)—

• (a) omit “, at local government elections or at both”; and

• (b) in paragraph (a), for “electors for elections in respect of which the application is made” substitute “ parliamentary electors ”.

• (7) In subsection (7), omit—

• (a) “or local government”; and

• (b) in paragraph (a) “or, as the case may be, local government”.

• (8) For subsection (9) substitute—

(9) The appointment may be cancelled by the elector by giving notice to the registration officer, and shall also cease to be in force on the issue of a proxy paper appointing a different person to vote for him at any parliamentary election or elections (whether in the same constituency or elsewhere).

17

• (1) Section 9 (voting as proxy) is amended as follows.

• (2) In each of subsections (1) and (3), omit “or local government”.

• (3) In subsection (4), omit—

• (a) “, at local government elections or at both”; and

• (b) in paragraph (a), “, or electoral area,”;

and in paragraph (b) for “the same area” substitute “ the same ward ”.

• (4) Omit subsection (5).

• (5) In subsection (6), omit paragraph (a) (including the final “and”).

• (6) In subsection (7), omit “or, as the case may be, electoral area”.

• (7) In subsection (8), omit “in respect of elections of the kind in question”.

• (8) In subsection (9), omit—

• (a) “or local government”; and

• (b) in paragraph (a), “in respect of elections of the kind in question”.

• (9) In subsection (10)—

• (a) in paragraph (a), omit “, local government electors or both (as the case may be)”; and

• (b) in paragraph (b), for “elections of the kind in question” substitute “ parliamentary elections ”.

• (10) In subsection (11), in paragraph (b), omit “, or electoral area,”.

18

In section 27(2) (application of provisions of 1983 Act)—

• (a) for “sections 5, 6 and 7(1)” substitute “ sections 5 to 7A ”; and

• (b) for “sections 1 and 2” substitute “ section 4 ”.

Finance Act 1996 (c. 8)

19

In section 200 of the Finance Act 1996 (domicile for tax purposes of overseas electors), in subsection (3)(a), for the words from “mentioned in” to “section 1” substitute “ of parliamentary electors in pursuance of such a declaration as is mentioned in section 1(1)(a) ”.

SCHEDULE 7

Part I — Repeals extending to whole of the United Kingdom

Part II — Repeals extending to England, Wales and Scotland

Part III — Repeals extending to Northern Ireland only

New system of electoral registration.

Free delivery of election addresses at Greater London Authority elections.

Provision of fresh signatures

7A

• (1) A person who remains on the record kept under paragraph 3(4) or 7(6) may, at any time, provide the registration officer with a fresh signature.

• (2) Anything required or authorised to be done for the purposes of any enactment in relation to a signature required to be provided in pursuance of this Schedule must be done in relation to a signature provided as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) instead of in relation to a signature provided on any earlier occasion.

7B

Regulations may make provision as to—

• (a) circumstances in which a registration officer may require a person who remains on the record kept under paragraph 3(4) or 7(6) to provide a fresh signature;

• (b) the consequences of a person refusing or failing to comply with a requirement to provide a fresh signature.

Use of personal identifier information

7C

The registration officer must either —

• (a) provide the returning officer for an election with a copy of the information contained in records kept by the registration officer in pursuance of paragraphs 3(9), 4(6) and 7(12) in relation to electors at the election, or

• (b) give the returning officer access to such information.

7D

Information contained in records kept by a registration officer in pursuance of paragraph 3(9), 4(6) or 7(12) may be disclosed by him (subject to any prescribed conditions) to—

• (a) any other registration officer if he thinks that to do so will assist the other registration officer in the performance of his duties;

• (b) any person exercising functions in relation to the preparation or conduct of legal proceedings under the Representation of the People Acts;

• (c) such other persons for such other purposes relating to elections as may be prescribed.

Editorial notes

[^c9549081]: Act modified (E.W.) (2.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1298, reg. 10(1)(c) Act applied (E.W.) (2.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1298, reg. 10(4) Act modified (E.W.) (2.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1298, reg. 15(8) Act modified (E.W.) (2.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1298, reg. 16(2) Act modified (E.W.) (1.2.2002) by S.I. 2002/185, reg. 3(2), Sch. 2

[^c20086711]: Act: Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), s. 46(1)-(4) to be construed as part of the Representation of the People Acts (1.1.2007 for E.W.S and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by virtue of Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. {46(5)}, 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14 (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, art. 2(2), 4

[^c20086761]: Act: Power to amend conferred (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 72, 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 10 (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 2)

[^c20086801]: Act: power to modify conferred by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), s. 4(4)(a) (with Sch. 11 para. 22), the affecting provision coming into force immediately after the 2007 election (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) of the affecting Act, which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of the initial period (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007) see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)(5) of the affecting Act.

[^c20087281]: Act: power to modify conferred by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), s. 13(4)(5)(a) (with Sch. 11 para. 22), the affecting provision coming into force immediately after the 2007 election (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) of the affecting Act, which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of the initial period (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007) see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)(5) of the affecting Act.

[^c20087721]: Act: certain provisions applied (with modifications) (27.3.2007) by The Local Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/1024), reg. 3(2)(3)(c)(4), Sch. 2 (as amended (E.W.) (10.1.2018) by The Local Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/20), regs. 1, 2

[^c9549091]: S. 1 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art. 2(3-5))

[^c9549101]: 1983 c. 2.

[^c9549111]: 1985 c. 50.

[^c9549121]: 1971 c. 77.

[^c9549131]: S. 2 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549141]: 1983 c. 20.

[^c9549151]: 1964 c. 84.

[^c9549161]: 1968 c. 19.

[^c9549171]: 1995 c. 46.

[^c9549181]: 1984 c. 36.

[^c9549191]: S.I. 1986/595 (N.I. 4).

[^c9549201]: 1980 c. 47.

[^c9549211]: 1955 c. 18.

[^c9549221]: 1955 c. 19.

[^c9549231]: 1957 c. 53.

[^c9549241]: S. 3 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549251]: S. 5 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549261]: 1983 c. 20.

[^c9549271]: 1984 c. 36.

[^c9549281]: S.I. 1986/595 (N.I. 4).

[^c9549291]: S. 6 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549301]: 1983 c. 20.

[^c9549311]: S.I. 1986/595 (N.I. 4).

[^c9549321]: 1995 c. 43.

[^c9549331]: 1984 c. 36.

[^c9549341]: S. 6 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549351]: 1998 c. 46.

[^c9549361]: 1998 c. 38.

[^c9549371]: S. 7 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549381]: S. 8 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; S. 8 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 17(3); S. 8 in force at 29.1.2001 insofar as it confers power to make regulations and in force at 16.2.2001 insofar as not already in force by S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549391]: 1985 c. 50.

[^c9549401]: 1989 c. 3.

[^c9549411]: S. 9 wholly in force at 16.2.2001 see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2 (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549431]: S. 10: 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 S. 10 amended (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 9(1)(b)(i) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 4, Sch. 2 (with Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 1) S. 10 applied (with modifications) (8.3.2002) by S.I. 2001/1298, reg. 8, Sch. 3 (as inserted by S.I. 2002/521, reg. 2(b))

[^c20083841]: S. 10 excluded (1.4.2004) by European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Act 2004 (c. 2), s. 3

[^c20083871]: S. 10 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 1} (which S.I. was revoked (24.7.2008) by S.I. 2008/1848, reg. 1(4))

[^c20083891]: S. 10 applied (with modifications) (E.) (28.7.2007) by The Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/2089), regs. 8, 11, 12, 13, {Sch. 4 Table 3}

[^c20083911]: S. 10 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 2}

[^c9549441]: S. 10(1) amended (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 9(1)(a) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 4, Sch. 2 (with Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 1)

[^c9549451]: S. 10(1A) inserted (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 158, Sch. 21 para. 16(2) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 4, Sch. 2 (with Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 2)

[^c9549461]: Words in s. 10(5)(a) inserted (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 158, Sch. 21 para. 16(3) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 4, Sch. 2 (with Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 2)

[^c9549471]: Words in s. 10(6) substituted (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 158, Sch. 21 para. 16(4) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 4, Sch. 2 (with Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 2)

[^c9549481]: S. 10(6A) inserted (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 158, Sch. 21 para. 16(5) (with s. 156(6))

[^c9549491]: Words in s. 10(7) inserted (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 158, Sch. 21 para. 16(6) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 4, Sch. 2 (with Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 2)

[^c9549501]: S. 10(10) substituted (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 158, Sch. 21 para. 16(7) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 4, Sch. 2 (with Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 2)

[^c9549521]: S. 11 amended (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 9(1)(b)(ii) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 4, Sch. 2 (with Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 1)

[^c20334671]: S. 11 applied (with modifications) (1.4.2004) by European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Act 2004 (c. 2), s. 5

[^c9549531]: Words in s. 11(1) inserted (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 158, Sch. 21 para. 17(2) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 4, Sch. 2 (with Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 1)

[^c9549541]: Words in s. 11(4) substituted (1.7.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 158, Sch. 21 para. 17(2) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 4, Sch. 2 (with Sch. 2 Pt. II para. 1)

[^c9549551]: 1978 c. 30.

[^c9549561]: S. 12 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (2.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1298, regs. 15, 16, 17, Sch. 5 Pt. I Table (as amended (13.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/226, art. 2(3), Sch.) S. 12 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (2.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1298, reg. 8, Sch. 3 Table 1

[^c9549571]: S. 12 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c20083941]: S. 12 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 1} (which S.I. was revoked (24.7.2008) by S.I. 2008/1848, reg. 1)

[^c20083991]: S. 12 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. 1

[^c20086011]: S. 12 applied (with modifications) (E.) (28.7.2007) by The Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/2089), regs. 8, 11, 12, 13, {Sch. 4 Table 3}

[^c20086031]: S. 12 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 2}

[^c9549581]: 1985 c. 50.

[^c9549591]: S. 13 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549601]: S. 14: The amendments made by this section have the same extent as the Greater London Authority Act 1999, see s. 17(8)

[^c9549611]: 1999 c. 29.

[^c9549621]: S. 15 wholly in force at 16.2.2001 see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (subject to art. 2(4)(5)

[^c9549631]: 1983 c. 2.

[^c9549641]: 1978 c. 30.

[^c9549651]: 1962 c.14 (N.I.).

[^c9549661]: S. 17(3) power fully exercised: different dates appointed for specified provisions and purposes by S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (subject to art. 2(3)(4))

[^c9549671]: 1999 c. 29.

[^c9549681]: Sch. 1 para. 1 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549691]: Sch. 1 para. 2 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549701]: Sch. 1 para. 3 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549711]: Sch. 1 para. 4 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549721]: Sch. 1 para. 5 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549731]: Sch. 1 para. 6 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549751]: Sch. 1 para. 8 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549761]: Sch. 1 para. 9 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549771]: Sch. 1 para. 11 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549781]: Sch. 1 para. 11 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549791]: Sch. 6 para. 12 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549801]: Sch. 1 para. 13 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549811]: Sch. 1 para. 14 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549821]: Sch. 1 para. 15 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549831]: 1954 c.33.

[^c9549841]: Sch. 1 para. 16 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549851]: Sch. 1 para. 17 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549861]: Sch. 1 para. 18 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549871]: Sch. 1 para. 19 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549881]: Sch. 1 para. 20 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549891]: Sch. 1 para. 21 wholly in force at 16.2.2001; s. 9 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 17(3); s. 9 in force for certain purposes at 29.1.2001 and 16.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art. 2(3)(4))

[^c9549901]: Sch. 1 para. 22 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549911]: Sch. 1 para. 23 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9549921]: Sch. 1 para. 24 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9550001]: Sch. 3 para. 1 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9550011]: 1989 c. 3.

[^c9550021]: Sch. 3 para. 2 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9550031]: Sch. 3 para. 3 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9550041]: Sch. 3 para. 4 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art 2(3-5))

[^c9550061]: Sch. 4 para. 1 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art. 2(3)-(5))

[^c20083701]: Sch. 4 para. 1: definition of "absent voters list" repealed (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74, 77, Sch. 1 para. 137(2), Sch. 2; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 12, 13 (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 2)

[^c9550071]: Sch. 4 para. 2 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art. 2(3)-(5))

[^c20082731]: Sch. 4 para. 2(5A) inserted (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 35(2), 77 (with saving in s. 35(4)); S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 5 (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 2)

[^c20083281]: Sch. 4 para. 2(5B) inserted (S.) (17.2.2007) by Local Electoral Administration and Registration Services (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 14), ss. 32(a), 63(2); S.S.I. 2007/26, art. 3

[^c20082861]: Sch. 4 para. 2(6A) inserted (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 38(6)(a), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14 (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 2)

[^c20083681]: Sch. 4 para. 2(6B) inserted (S.) (17.2.2007) by Local Electoral Administration and Registration Services (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 14), ss. 27(2)(a), 63(2); S.S.I. 2007/26, art. 3

[^c20082881]: Words in Sch. 4 para. 2(7) inserted (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74(1), 77, Sch. 1 para. 137(3)(a); S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 12 (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 2)

[^c20082901]: Sch. 4 para. 2(8)(9) inserted (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74(1), 77, Sch. 1 para. 137(3)(b); S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 12 (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 2)

[^c9550081]: Sch. 4 para. 3 wholly in force at 16.2.2001, see s. 17(3) and S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (subject to art. 2(3)-(5))