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Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011

Type Public General Act

Publication 2011-02-16

Last updated 2024-08-24

State In force

Department Statute Law Database

Source legislation.gov.uk

articles Not indexed

Reform history JSON API

(a) place the ballot papers and other documents relating to the referendum or Assembly election under the officer's own seal and the seals of any of the counting agents who want to affix their seals, and

(b) otherwise take proper precautions for the security of the papers and documents.

(7) This paragraph and paragraph 50 apply instead of rule 55 of the Assembly Elections Rules.

Ballot papers placed in wrong ballot box

50

Where separate ballot boxes are used for the referendum, the Assembly constituency election and the Assembly regional election, the placing of a ballot paper in the wrong ballot box does not render it void.

Declaration of result

Declaration

51

The result of the referendum or an Assembly election may not be declared until the statement as to the result of the verification of the ballot paper accounts in relation to each poll has been prepared.

Disposal of documents etc

Packets of documents

52

(1) The counting officer may not open the sealed packets of—

(a) the completed corresponding number lists for an Assembly election, or

(b) marked copies of the register of electors (including any marked copy notices issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act), and lists of proxies, for an Assembly election.

(2) Rule 66(3) of the Assembly Elections Rules has effect as if sub-paragraphs (b) and (d) were omitted.

Delivery and retention of documents

53

(1) Rules 50(1)(a) and 52 of the referendum rules apply to the specified documents.

(2) The specified documents are those specified in rule 67(1)(e), (f) and (h) of the Assembly Elections Rules.

(3) Rule 68 of the Assembly Elections Rules applies to the specified documents as if references to the relevant registration officer were to the registration officer to whom the documents were forwarded under rule 50(1)(a) of the referendum rules.

(4) Except for the purposes of this paragraph, rule 67 of the Assembly Elections Rules has effect as if it did not include a reference to the specified documents (and as if paragraph (2) were omitted).

(5) Regulation 121 of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341) has effect in relation to an Assembly election—

(a) as if, in the definition of “relevant Assembly election documents”, the reference to rule 69(1) of Schedule 5 to the 2007 Order included a reference to rule 52 of the referendum rules as applied by this paragraph;

(b) as if, in paragraph (2), the reference to documents forwarded under rule 67(1)(h) of Schedule 5 to the 2007 Order were to documents forwarded under rule 50(1)(a) of the referendum rules as so applied.

(6) Rule 68(8) of the Assembly Elections Rules has effect as if after “rule” there were inserted “ (or a court order) ”.

Countermand or abandonment of poll on death of candidate

54

Where an Assembly election is countermanded, or polling is abandoned, because of the death of a candidate, this does not affect the poll for the referendum.

55

(1) Rule 76 of the Assembly Elections Rules has effect as if it were modified in accordance with sub-paragraphs (2) to (4).

(2) In paragraph (2) after “constituency returning officer” insert “ or counting officer ”.

(3) For paragraph (3) substitute—

(3) After the close of any polls that are being taken together with the poll that has been abandoned, the counting officer must— (a) separate the ballot papers for the abandoned poll, and (b) deliver or cause to be delivered to the constituency returning officer the ballot papers and other documents relating to the abandoned poll. (3A) Paragraphs (4) to (9) apply in relation to the election for which the poll has been abandoned.

(4) Sub-paragraph (3) applies instead of rule 76(10) of the Assembly Elections Rules.

Provision of registers etc to counting officer

Registers

56

Regulation 98(8) of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 has effect as if a reference to a returning officer included a reference to the counting officer.

Absent voters lists

57

As soon as practicable after 5 pm on the 6th day before the date of the poll, the registration officer must provide the counting officer with the following lists, and any subsequent revised lists or revisions to the lists—

(a) the list of proxies for the Assembly elections;

(b) the postal voters list for the Assembly elections;

Personal identifier information

58

Where proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers are taken together by virtue of paragraph 2 of Schedule 3 to the Welsh Assembly Order, Article 13(5) of that Order has effect as if a reference to a constituency returning officer were a reference to the counting officer.

PART 2 — Application of provisions about issue and receipt of postal ballot papers

59

(1) For the purposes of the combined polls, Schedule 3 to the National Assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/236) applies—

(a) with the modifications shown in the table, and

(b) with any other necessary modifications, including in particular those set out in sub-paragraph (2).

(2) Except where the context otherwise requires—

(a) in relation to the referendum or an Assembly election, a reference to a provision has effect as a reference to that provision as it applies for the purposes of the referendum or election;

(b) expressions used in relation to the referendum under section 1 are to be construed in accordance with the definitions in section 7 and rule 53 of the referendum rules.

(3) In the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341) as they apply in relation to the referendum by virtue of Schedule 4—

(a) regulation 61B(3)(a) has effect as if for the words after “postal ballot papers” there were substituted “ in accordance with paragraph 23(4) or 24(3)(a) of Schedule 3 to the National Assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) Order 2007 ”;

(b) regulation 116(1) has effect as if for “regulation 91 above” there were substituted “ paragraph 31 of Schedule 3 to the National Assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) Order 2007 ”.

PART 3 — Forms referred to in Parts 1 and 2

Note - The forms contained in this Part may be adapted so far as circumstances require.

SCHEDULE 7

PART 1 — Provision about combination

General provisions

Interpretation

1

The polls to be taken together under section 4(3) are referred to in this Schedule as “combined polls”.

2

In this Schedule—

“the 2010 Order” means the Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/2999);

“constituency ballot paper” means a ballot paper for the poll for electing a constituency member in a Scottish parliamentary election;

“constituency returning officer” is to be construed in accordance with Article 14 of the 2010 Order;

“counting agent” means a counting agent for the referendum or a counting agent for a Scottish parliamentary election (except where one or other is specified);

“regional ballot paper” means a ballot paper for the poll for electing a regional member in a Scottish parliamentary election;

“referendum ballot paper” means a ballot paper for the referendum;

“regional returning officer” has the meaning given by section 12(6) of the Scotland Act 1998;

“returning officer” means a person who is a constituency returning officer or a regional returning officer (unless one or other is specified);

“Scottish parliamentary election” means an election in a constituency held under section 2 of the Scotland Act 1998 (comprising the poll for electing a constituency member and the poll for electing regional members);

“Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules” means the rules set out in Schedule 2 to the 2010 Order.

Cost of combined polls

3

The cost of taking the combined polls (excluding any cost solely attributable to the referendum or the Scottish parliamentary election), and any cost attributable to their combination, is to be apportioned equally between—

(a) the referendum, and

(b) the Scottish parliamentary election.

4

(1) In section 29 of the 1983 Act (payments by and to returning officer) as it has effect for the purposes of a Scottish parliamentary election by virtue of Article 18 of the 2010 Order, subsections (3) to (9) apply—

(a) as if a reference to a returning officer included a reference to a counting officer carrying out functions that, but for this Schedule, would be exercisable by a returning officer (“transferred functions”), and

(b) as if, in relation to that counting officer, a reference to services or expenses were to services rendered or expenses incurred in respect of transferred functions.

(2) An order under subsection (3)(b) of that section (as it has effect as mentioned above) may include special provision for services rendered or expenses incurred by a counting officer in respect of transferred functions.

(3) Article 19 of the 2010 Order (taxation of returning officer's accounts) applies as if a reference to a returning officer included a reference to a counting officer carrying out transferred functions.

Forms

5

Forms 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9 in Part 3 of this Schedule are “relevant forms” for the purposes of rule 10 of the referendum rules.

Action to be taken before poll

Corresponding number lists

6

(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers are taken together by virtue of paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the 2010 Order.

(2) The function of the constituency returning officer under rule 29 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules is to be carried out by the counting officer.

(3) If the counting officer thinks fit, the lists prepared under rule 29 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules and rule 6 of the referendum rules may be combined in the form set out in Form 1 in Part 3 of this Schedule.

(4) In that case, this paragraph applies instead of—

(a) rule 6(2) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 29(2) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

7

(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers are not taken together by virtue of paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the 2010 Order.

(2) The counting officer must prepare a list under sub-paragraph (3) or (4) as the officer thinks fit.

(3) A list under this sub-paragraph is a list containing the numbers and other unique identifying marks of all of the ballot papers to be provided to presiding officers in pursuance of rule 38(1) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

(4) A list under this sub-paragraph is a list containing the numbers and other unique identifying marks of all of the ballot papers to be provided to presiding officers in pursuance of the following provisions—

(a) rule 17(1) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 38(1) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

The list must be in the form set out in Form 1 in Part 3 of this Schedule.

(5) A list prepared under rule 29 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules must not include details relating to ballot papers in relation to which a list is prepared under sub-paragraph (3) or (4).

(6) A reference in an enactment to a list prepared under rule 29 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules has effect, in so far as it relates to ballot papers to be provided in pursuance of rule 38(1) of those rules, as a reference to the list prepared under sub-paragraph (3) or (4).

(7) Where the counting officer prepares a list under sub-paragraph (4) in relation to ballot papers—

(a) the list prepared under rule 6 of the referendum rules must not include details relating to those ballot papers;

(b) a reference in an enactment to a list prepared under rule 6 of the referendum rules has effect, in so far as it relates to ballot papers to be provided in pursuance of rule 17(1) of the referendum rules, as a reference to the list prepared under sub-paragraph (4).

Notice of polling stations

8

The functions of the constituency returning officer under rule 33(2) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules are to be carried out by the counting officer.

9

(1) The notice given by a constituency returning officer under rule 33(2) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules must—

(a) state that the poll at the Scottish parliamentary election is to be taken together with the poll for the referendum;

(b) specify the relevant voting area.

(2) The notice given by a counting officer under rule 11(3) of the referendum rules must—

(a) state that the poll for the referendum is to be taken together with the polls for the relevant Scottish parliamentary election, and

(b) specify the relevant constituency.

Postal voting

10

(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers are taken together by virtue of paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the 2010 Order.

(2) The functions of the constituency returning officer under rule 34 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules are to be carried out by the counting officer.

(3) The form of postal voting statement to be issued to those entitled to vote by post in the referendum and in the Scottish parliamentary election must be in the form set out in Form 2 in Part 3 of this Schedule.

(4) Where that form is used, this paragraph applies instead of any requirement in the following provisions for a postal voting statement to be in a particular form.

(5) The provisions are—

(a) rule 12(1)(b) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 34(1) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

11

(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers are not taken together by virtue of paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the 2010 Order.

(2) The form of postal voting statement to be issued to those entitled to vote by post in the referendum must be in the form set out in Form 3 in Part 3 of this Schedule.

(3) Sub-paragraph (2) applies instead of the requirement in rule 12(1)(b) of the referendum rules for a postal voting statement to be in a particular form.

(4) The form of postal voting statement to be issued to those entitled to vote in the Scottish parliamentary election must be in the form set out in Form 4 in Part 3 of this Schedule.

(5) Sub-paragraph (4) applies instead of the requirement in rule 34(1) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules for a postal voting statement to be in a particular form.

Polling stations

12

The functions of the constituency returning officer under rule 35 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules are to be carried out by the counting officer.

13

The referendum polling stations are to be used for the combined polls.

Appointment of presiding officers and clerks

14

The functions of the constituency returning officer under the following paragraphs of rule 36 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules are to be carried out by the counting officer—

(a) paragraph (1) so far as it relates to the appointment of presiding officers and clerks;

(b) paragraph (2).

Official poll cards

15

(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the official poll cards used for the referendum and the Scottish parliamentary election may be combined.

(2) In that case, the forms required to be used for official poll cards for the referendum and election must be adapted in whatever manner seems necessary.

Equipment of polling stations

16

The functions of the constituency returning officer under rule 38 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules are to be carried out by the counting officer.

17

(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the same ballot box may be used at the polls for the referendum and the Scottish parliamentary election (in which case the requirement for separate ballot boxes in rule 38(1) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules does not apply).

(2) Where separate ballot boxes are used, each must be clearly marked—

(a) to show whether it is for referendum ballot papers, constituency ballot papers or regional ballot papers, and

(b) to show the colour of ballot papers that should be placed in it.

Colour of ballot papers

18

The referendum ballot papers must be of a different colour from the colour of the constituency ballot papers or the regional ballot papers.

Form of corresponding number lists provided to polling stations

19

(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the lists to be provided under the following provisions may be combined in the form set out in Form 5 in Part 3 of this Schedule—

(a) rule 17(3)(d) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 38(3)(d) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

(2) In that case, this paragraph applies instead of the second sentence in rule 17(3) of the referendum rules.

Ballot paper displayed in polling stations

20

(1) The large version of the ballot paper displayed inside the polling station under rule 17(4)(a) of the referendum rules must be of the same colour as the ballot papers to be used for the referendum.

(2) The enlarged sample copy of the constituency ballot paper displayed at the polling station under rule 38(4)(a) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules, and the enlarged sample copy of the regional ballot paper displayed under that rule, must be of the same colour as the actual ballot papers.

Guidance to be exhibited outside and inside polling stations

21

(1) A notice in the form set out in Form 6 in Part 3 of this Schedule, giving directions for the guidance of voters in voting, must be printed in conspicuous characters and exhibited outside and inside every polling station.

(2) This paragraph applies instead of—

(a) rule 17(6) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 38(11) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

Guidance to be exhibited in each polling station compartment

22

(1) A notice in the form set out in Form 7 in Part 3 of this Schedule, giving directions for the guidance of voters in voting, must be exhibited in every compartment of every polling station.

(2) This paragraph applies instead of—

(a) rule 17(7) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 38(12) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

Notice of appointment of polling and counting agents

23

A notice required to be given to a constituency returning officer under rule 39(4), (5) or (6) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules is to be given instead to the counting officer.

Notification of requirement of secrecy

24

The functions of the constituency returning officer under rule 40(1) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules are to be carried out by the counting officer.

The poll

Admission to the polling station

25

(1) Rule 21(1) of the referendum rules has effect as if the persons listed there included persons who would be entitled to be admitted to the polling station for a Scottish parliamentary election if the poll for the election were held on its own.

(2) Rule 41(1) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules has effect as if the persons listed there included persons who would be entitled to be admitted to the polling station for the referendum if the poll for the referendum were held on its own.

Voting by persons on duty on day of poll

26

(1) Paragraph 2(5) of Schedule 3 has effect as if in the words after paragraph (b) the reference to any polling station were to any polling station in the same voting area as the allotted polling station.

(2) A certificate as to employment on duty on the day of the poll for the referendum must be in the form set out in Form 8 in Part 3 of this Schedule.

(3) Sub-paragraph (2) applies instead of rule 21(4)(b) of the referendum rules.

27

The returning officer's function of signing certificates as to employment under rule 41(4) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules is to be carried out by the counting officer.

Removal from polling station

28

The constituency returning officer's function under rule 42(2)(b) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules of authorising someone to remove a person from a polling station is to be carried out by the counting officer.

Voting procedure: copies of registers and lists of proxies

29

(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the same copy of the register of electors may be used under the following provisions for the purposes of the referendum and the Scottish parliamentary election—

(a) rule 28(2) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 46(2) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

(2) Sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) apply where the same copy of the register is used as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1).

(3) In a case where a referendum ballot paper, and a constituency ballot paper and regional ballot paper, are delivered at the same time, a single mark must be placed in the register against the number of the elector under—

(a) rule 28(2)(c) of the referendum rules, and

(b) rule 46(2)(c) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

(4) In any other case, a mark must be placed in the register against the number of the elector identifying the poll to which each ballot paper delivered relates.

(5) In the case of an elector who is added to the register in pursuance of a notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act—

(a) references in this paragraph to the copy of the register of electors are to be read as references to the copy of the notice;

(b) references to a mark being placed in the register of electors are to be read as references to a mark being made on the copy of the notice.

(6) Where the same copy of the register is used as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1), this paragraph applies instead of rule 46(6) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules except so far as it relates to the list of proxies.

30

(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the counting officer may require the relevant registration officer to produce a combined list of proxies for the referendum and the Scottish parliamentary election.

(2) The following provisions apply where the lists are combined and a person applies for a ballot paper as proxy.

(3) Immediately before delivery of the ballot paper the list of proxies must be marked in a way that—

(a) identifies the proxy,

(b) identifies the elector for whom the proxy is applying for the ballot paper, and

(c) indicates whether the ballot paper is a referendum ballot paper, a constituency ballot paper or a regional ballot paper.

(4) Sub-paragraph (3) applies instead of—

(a) rule 28(2)(d) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 46(2)(d) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules and rule 46(6) of those rules so far as it relates to the list of proxies.

31

(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers are taken together by virtue of paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the 2010 Order.

(2) If the counting officer think fit, the counting officer may require the relevant registration officer to produce a combined postal voters list and a combined proxy postal voters list for the referendum and the Scottish parliamentary election.

List of votes marked by presiding officer

32

(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single list of votes marked by the presiding officer may be used in respect of—

(a) votes marked on referendum ballot papers,

(b) votes marked on constituency ballot papers, and

(2) Where a person's entry in that list does not relate to all three kinds of ballot paper, the entry must identify each kind to which it relates.

(3) In this paragraph “list of votes marked by the presiding officer” means a list compiled under—

(a) rule 30(4) of the referendum rules, or

(b) rule 47(2) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

(4) Where a single list is used as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1), this paragraph applies instead of rule 47(4) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

Declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities

33

(1) A declaration made by the companion of a voter with disabilities must be in the form set out in Form 9 in Part 3 of this Schedule.

(2) In this paragraph “declaration made by the companion of a voter with disabilities” means a declaration made by a companion under—

(a) rule 31 of the referendum rules, or

(b) rule 48 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

(3) This paragraph applies instead of—

(a) rule 31(5)(a) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 48(6)(a) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

List of voters with disabilities assisted by companions

34

(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single list of voters with disabilities assisted by companions may be used may be used in respect of—

(a) votes marked on referendum ballot papers,

(b) votes marked on constituency ballot papers, and

(2) Where a person's entry in that list does not relate to all three kinds of ballot paper, the entry must identify each kind to which it relates.

(3) In this paragraph “list of voters with disabilities assisted by companions” means a list compiled under—

(a) rule 31(8) of the referendum rules, or

(b) rule 48(4) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

(4) Where a single list is used as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1), this paragraph applies instead of rule 48(8) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

Tendered votes list

35

(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single tendered votes list may be used in respect of—

(a) tendered referendum ballot papers,

(b) tendered constituency ballot papers, and

(2) Where a person's entry in that list does not relate to all three kinds of tendered ballot paper, the entry must identify each kind to which it relates.

(3) In this paragraph “tendered votes list” means a list compiled under—

(a) rule 33(7) of the referendum rules, or

(b) rule 49(7) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

(4) Where a single list is used as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1), this paragraph applies instead of rule 49(10) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

Lists relating to correction of errors on day of poll

36

(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single list of persons to whom ballot papers are delivered in consequence of late alterations to the register may be used in respect of—

(a) referendum ballot papers,

(b) constituency ballot papers, and

(2) Where a person's entry in that list does not relate to all three kinds of ballot paper, the entry must identify each kind to which it relates.

(3) In this paragraph “list of persons to whom ballot papers are delivered in consequence of late alterations to the register” means a list compiled under—

(a) rule 36 of the referendum rules, or

(b) rule 51 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

Notice of adjournment in case of riot

37

Rule 52(1) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules has effect as if “counting officer” were substituted for “ CRO ”.

Procedure on close of poll

38

(1) In rule 38(1) of the referendum rules the reference to polling agents includes a reference to polling agents appointed for the purposes of a Scottish parliamentary election.

(2) In rule 53(1) and (2) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules, a reference to polling agents includes a reference to polling agents appointed for the purposes of the referendum.

(3) Rule 53(2)(g) of those rules does not apply.

39

(1) A packet made up under one of the following provisions may not be combined with a packet made up under another of those provisions.

(2) The provisions are—

(a) rule 38(1)(b), (c) or (f) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 53(2)(a), (b) or (d) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

40

Rule 53(2) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules has effect as if “counting officer” were substituted for “ CRO ” in each place.

41

The ballot paper accounts prepared under rule 38(6) of the referendum rules and rule 53(4) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules may not be combined.

Counting of votes

Attendance and arrangements for counting

42

(1) The counting officer must make arrangements for counting the ballot papers and carrying out the other functions conferred by paragraph 46 in the presence of the counting agents.

(2) The counting officer must give the counting agents and the regional returning officer notice in writing of the time and place at which the proceedings under paragraph 46 will begin.

(3) A person may be present at the proceedings under paragraph 46 only if—

(a) the person is entitled to be present at the counting of the votes for the referendum or the Scottish parliamentary election, or

(b) the person is permitted by the counting officer to attend.

(4) The counting officer may give a person permission under sub-paragraph (3)(b) only if—

(a) the officer is satisfied that the person's attendance will not impede the efficient conduct of the proceedings, and

(b) the officer has consulted the referendum agents and election agents or thought it impracticable to do so.

(5) The counting officer must give the counting agents—

(a) whatever reasonable facilities for overseeing the proceedings, and

(b) whatever information with respect to the proceedings,

the officer can give them consistently with the orderly conduct of the proceedings and the discharge of the officer's duties.

43

Rule 39(1) of the referendum rules (arrangements for the counting of votes in the referendum) has effect with the omission of the words “after the close of the poll”.

44

(1) The constituency returning officer must make arrangements for counting the votes for the Scottish parliamentary election in the presence of the counting agents for the election as soon as practicable after receiving the ballot papers from the counting officer under paragraph 47.

(2) The constituency returning officer must give the counting agents for the Scottish parliamentary election and the regional returning officer notice in writing of the time and place at which the counting of the votes for the elections will begin.

(3) A person may be present at the counting of the votes for a Scottish parliamentary election only if—

(a) the person is permitted by the constituency returning officer to attend, or

(b) the person would be entitled to be present at the counting of votes for the Scottish parliamentary election if it were taken on its own.

(4) The constituency returning officer may give a person permission under sub-paragraph (3)(a) only if—

(a) the officer is satisfied that the person's attendance will not impede the efficient counting of the votes, and

(b) the officer has consulted the election agents or thought it impracticable to do so.

(5) The constituency returning officer must give the counting agents for the Scottish parliamentary election—

(a) whatever reasonable facilities for overseeing the proceedings, and

(b) whatever information with respect to the proceedings,

the officer can give them consistently with the orderly conduct of the proceedings and the discharge of the officer's duties.

(6) In particular, where the votes are counted by sorting the ballot papers into lots according to the votes marked on them and then counting the number of ballot papers in each lot, the counting agents for the Scottish parliamentary election are entitled to satisfy themselves that the ballot papers are correctly sorted.

45

Paragraphs 42 and 44 apply instead of rule 54 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

Counting and separation of ballot papers by counting officer

46

(1) As soon as practicable after the close of the poll the counting officer must—

(a) in the presence of the counting agents, open the ballot boxes and count and record separately the number of referendum ballot papers, constituency ballot papers and regional ballot papers;

(b) where proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers for the referendum and the Scottish parliamentary election are taken together by virtue of paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the 2010 Order, count the postal ballot papers that have been duly returned for the referendum, the constituency poll and the regional poll and record separately the number relating to each;

(c) where proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers for the referendum and the Scottish parliamentary election are not taken together by virtue of paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the 2010 Order, count the duly returned referendum postal ballot papers and record the number;

(d) separate the referendum ballot papers, the constituency ballot papers and the regional ballot papers.

(2) The counting officer must not count any tendered ballot papers.

(3) The counting officer, while counting and recording the number of ballot papers, must—

(a) keep the ballot papers with their faces upwards, and

(b) take all proper precautions for preventing anyone from seeing the numbers or other unique identifying marks printed on the back of the papers.

(4) The counting officer must, in the presence of the referendum agents and the election agents for the Scottish parliamentary election—

(a) verify each ballot paper account by comparing it with the number of ballot papers recorded by the officer, and the unused and spoilt ballot papers in the officer's possession and the tendered votes list (opening and resealing the packets containing the unused and spoilt ballot papers and the tendered votes list);

(b) draw up a separate statement as to the result of the verification in relation to each poll.

(5) The counting officer must, on request, provide an election agent for the Scottish parliamentary election with a copy of the statement relating to that election.

(6) A counting agent for the referendum present at the verification may copy the statement relating to the referendum.

(7) Once the statement relating to the referendum is drawn up, the counting officer must—

(a) in the case of a voting area in a region for which a Regional Counting Officer is appointed, inform the Regional Counting Officer of the contents of the statement;

(b) in the case of any other voting area, inform the Chief Counting Officer of the contents of the statement.

(8) Rule 40 of the referendum rules does not apply.

Delivery of ballot papers etc to returning officers

47

(1) The counting officer must deliver or cause to be delivered to the constituency returning officer the ballot papers for the Scottish parliamentary election.

(2) The counting officer must also deliver or cause to be delivered to the constituency returning officer the packets of—

(a) the ballot paper accounts and the statements as to the result of the verification of the ballot paper accounts for the Scottish parliamentary election;

(b) the unused and spoilt ballot papers for that election;

(d) the certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll for that election.

(3) If the counting officer has not begun to count the votes given on the referendum ballot papers by the time the statements as to the result of the verification of the ballot paper accounts in relation to all the polls are prepared—

(a) those ballot papers must be sealed into packets, each of which must be endorsed with a description of its contents, and

(b) the packets may not be opened until the counting officer begins dealing with the ballot papers in those packets under paragraph 48(1).

(4) If, in respect of the constituency poll or the regional poll, none of the ballot papers have been delivered under sub-paragraph (1) by the time the statements as to the result of the verification of the ballot paper accounts in relation to all the polls are prepared—

(a) the ballot papers for that poll must be sealed into packets, each of which must be endorsed with a description of its contents, and

(b) the packets may not be opened until the constituency returning officer begins dealing with the ballot papers in those packets under paragraph 48(3).

Counting of votes

48

(1) The counting officer must count the votes given on the referendum ballot papers, but must not do so until—

(a) in the case of postal ballot papers, they have been mixed with the ballot papers from at least one ballot box;

(b) in the case of ballot papers from a ballot box, they have been mixed with the ballot papers from at least one other ballot box.

(2) Where proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers are not taken together by virtue of paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the 2010 Order, the constituency returning officer for the Scottish parliamentary election must count the duly returned postal constituency ballot papers and the duly returned postal regional ballot papers and record separately the number relating to each.

(3) The constituency returning officer must count the votes given on the constituency ballot papers and regional ballot papers, but must not do so until—

(a) in the case of postal ballot papers, they have been mixed with the ballot papers from at least one ballot box;

(b) in the case of ballot papers from a ballot box, they have been mixed with the ballot papers from at least one other ballot box.

(4) The counting or constituency returning officer, while counting the votes, must—

(a) keep the ballot papers with their faces upwards, and

(b) take all proper precautions for preventing anyone from seeing the numbers or other unique identifying marks printed on the back of the papers.

(5) The counting or constituency returning officer must so far as practicable proceed continuously with the counting of votes, allowing only time for refreshment, except that—

(a) the officer may exclude the whole or any part of the period between 7 pm and 9 am on the next day;

(b) the officer may exclude a day mentioned in rule 2(1) of the referendum rules.

(6) During the time so excluded the counting or constituency returning officer must—

(a) place the ballot papers and other documents relating to the referendum or Scottish parliamentary election under the officer's own seal and the seals of any of the counting agents who want to affix their seals, and

(b) otherwise take proper precautions for the security of the papers and documents.

(7) This paragraph and paragraph 49 apply instead of rule 55 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

Ballot papers placed in wrong ballot box

49

Where separate ballot boxes are used for referendum ballot papers, constituency ballot papers and regional ballot papers, the placing of a ballot paper in the wrong ballot box does not render it void.

Declaration of result

Declaration

50

The result of the referendum or the constituency or regional poll in the Scottish parliamentary election may not be declared until the statement as to the result of the verification of the ballot paper accounts in relation to each poll has been prepared.

Disposal of documents etc

Packets of documents

51

(1) The counting officer may not open the sealed packets of—

(a) the completed corresponding number lists for the Scottish parliamentary election, or

(b) marked copies of the polling register (within the meaning given in Article 2(1) of the 2010 Order), and lists of proxies, for the Scottish parliamentary election.

(2) Rule 68(2) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules has effect as if sub-paragraphs (b) and (d) were omitted.

Delivery and retention of documents

52

(1) Rules 50(1)(b) and 52 of the referendum rules apply to the specified documents.

(2) The specified documents are those specified in rule 69(1)(c), (d) and (f) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

(3) Rule 70 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules applies to the specified documents as if references to the CRO were to the counting officer.

(4) Except for the purposes of this paragraph, rule 69 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules has effect as if it did not include a reference to the specified documents.

(5) Rule 70(8) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules has effect as if for “by this paragraph provided” there were substituted “ provided by this paragraph (or a court order) ”.

53

Schedule 8 to the 2010 Order has effect—

(a) as if the reference in paragraph 1 to documents retained under rule 71 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules were to documents retained under rule 50(1)(b) of the referendum rules as applied by paragraph 52 above;

(b) as if the reference to that Schedule in paragraph 4(2) were to any enactment;

Countermand or abandonment of poll on death of candidate

54

(1) Where under rule 72(4), 75(2) or 77(1) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules—

(a) notice of the constituency poll or the regional poll for the Scottish parliamentary election is countermanded, or

(b) it is directed that the poll be abandoned,

the countermand or direction does not affect the other poll at the Scottish parliamentary election or the poll for the referendum.

(2) Rule 78 of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules has effect as if it were amended in accordance with sub-paragraphs (3) and (4).

(3) In paragraph (2), after “CRO” insert “ or counting officer ”.

(4) For paragraph (3) substitute—

(3) After the close of any polls that are being taken together with the poll that has been abandoned, the counting officer must— (a) separate the ballot papers for the abandoned poll, and (b) deliver or cause to be delivered to the CRO the ballot papers and other documents relating to the abandoned poll. (3A) Paragraphs (4) to (9) apply in relation to the poll that has been abandoned.

(5) This paragraph applies instead of rule 78(10) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules.

Provision of registers etc to counting officer

Registers

55

Paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to the 2010 Order has effect as if a reference to a returning officer included a reference to the counting officer.

Absent voters lists

56

(a) the list of proxies for the Scottish parliamentary election;

(b) the postal voters list for the Scottish parliamentary election;

Personal identifier information

57

Where proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers are taken together by virtue of paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the 2010 Order, paragraph 23(1) of Schedule 3 to the 2010 Order has effect as if a reference to a CRO were a reference to the counting officer.

PART 2 — Application of provisions about issue and receipt of postal ballot papers

58

(1) For the purposes of the combined polls, Schedule 4 to the 2010 Order applies—

(a) with the modifications shown in the table, and

(b) with any other necessary modifications, including in particular those set out in sub-paragraph (2).

(2) Except where the context otherwise requires—

(a) in relation to the referendum or Scottish parliamentary election, a reference to a provision has effect as a reference to that provision as it applies for the purposes of the referendum or election;

(b) expressions used in relation to the referendum under section 1 are to be construed in accordance with the definitions in section 7 and rule 53 of the referendum rules.

(3) In the Representation of the People (Scotland) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/497) as they apply in relation to the referendum by virtue of Schedule 4—

(a) regulation 61B(3)(a) has effect as if for the words after “postal ballot papers,” there were substituted “ in accordance with paragraph 20(4)(b), 21(4)(b) or 22(3)(b) of Schedule 4 to the Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) Order 2010 ”;

(b) regulation 116(1) has effect as if for “regulation 91” there were substituted “ paragraph 30 of Schedule 4 to the Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) Order 2010 ”.

PART 3 — Forms referred to in Parts 1 and 2

Note - The forms contained in this Part may be adapted so far as circumstances require.

SCHEDULE 8

PART 1 — Provision about combination

General provisions

Interpretation

1

(1) An election the poll for which is, under section 4(4), to be taken together with the poll for the referendum is referred to in this Schedule as a “relevant election”.

(2) The polls to be taken together are referred to in this Schedule as “combined polls”.

2

In this Schedule—

“Assembly election” means an election to the Northern Ireland Assembly;

“Assembly Elections Rules” means the parliamentary elections rules as applied for the purposes of Assembly elections by Article 3(1) of, and Schedule 1 to, the Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) Order 2001 (S.I. 2001/2599);

“Chief Electoral Officer” means the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland;

“counting agent” means a counting agent for the referendum or a counting agent for a relevant election (except where one or other is specified);

“local election” has the meaning given in section 130(1) of the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962;

“Local Elections Rules” means the rules set out in Schedule 5 to the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962.

Cost of combined polls

3

The cost of taking the combined polls (excluding any cost solely attributable to the referendum or to a particular relevant election), and any cost attributable to their combination, is to be apportioned equally among them.

Publication of statement of persons nominated

4

(1) The statement of persons nominated at the relevant elections must be published by not later than the 15th day before the date of the poll.

(2) The timetables set out in the following provisions are to be read with whatever modifications are necessary to give effect to sub-paragraph (1)—

(a) rule 1 of the Assembly Elections Rules;

(b) rule 1 of the Local Elections Rules.

Directions by Chief Counting Officer to Chief Electoral Officer

5

(1) The reference in paragraph 5(5)(a) of Schedule 1 to a counting officer's functions includes (subject to sub-paragraph (5)) the functions of the Chief Electoral Officer that are conferred by—

(a) the relevant provisions of the Assembly Elections Rules;

(b) the relevant provisions of the Local Elections Rules;

(c) Part 5 of the Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1741) or Part 3 of Schedule 2 to the Local Elections (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (S.I. 1985/454) (issue and receipt of postal ballot papers);

(d) paragraph 33(1), (2)(b) and (6) below.

(2) The reference in paragraph 5(5)(c) of that Schedule to information that a counting officer has or is entitled to have includes information that the Chief Electoral Officer has, or is entitled to have, by virtue of exercising those functions.

(3) The relevant provisions of the Assembly Elections Rules are—

(a) rule 19A (corresponding number list);

(b) rule 23(2) (notice of situation of polling stations etc);

(d) rule 25 (provision of polling stations);

(e) in rule 26 (appointment of presiding officers and clerks), paragraph (1) to the extent that it concerns the appointment of presiding officers and clerks to assist them, and paragraph (2);

(f) rule 29 (equipment of polling stations);

(g) rule 31(a) (notification of requirement of secrecy at polling stations);

(h) rule 31A (return of postal ballot papers);

(i) rule 32(3) (certificate as to employment);

(j) rule 33(2)(b) (authorisation to remove person from polling station).

(4) The relevant provisions of the Local Elections Rules are—

(a) rule 16A (corresponding number list);

(b) rule 20(2) (notice of situation of polling stations etc);

(d) rule 22 (provision of polling stations);

(e) in rule 23 (appointment of presiding officers and clerks), paragraph (1) to the extent that it concerns the appointment of presiding officers and clerks to assist them, and paragraph (2);

(f) rule 26 (equipment of polling stations);

(g) rule 28(a) (notification of requirement of secrecy at polling stations);

(h) rule 29(3) (certificate as to employment);

(i) rule 30(2)(b) (authorisation to remove person from polling station).

(5) Functions of the Chief Electoral Officer conferred by—

(a) a provision referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(c), (3)(c) or (h) or (4)(c),

(b) rule 19A of the Assembly Elections Rules to the extent that it relates to ballot papers issued in pursuance of rule 24(1) of those rules,

(c) rule 16A of the Local Elections Rules to the extent that it relates to ballot papers issued in pursuance of rule 21(1) of those rules, or

(d) paragraph 33(2)(b) below,

fall within sub-paragraph (1) only where the Chief Electoral Officer decides that the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers in respect of the referendum and the relevant elections are to be taken together.

(6) The Chief Electoral Officer may not decide that the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers in respect of the referendum and the relevant elections are to be taken together unless the Chief Counting Officer agrees.

Forms

6

Forms 2 to 5, 7 and 8 in Part 3 of this Schedule are “relevant forms” for the purposes of rule 10 of the referendum rules.

Action to be taken before poll

Corresponding number lists

7

(1) This paragraph applies where the Chief Electoral Officer decides that the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers in respect of the referendum and the relevant elections are to be taken together.

(2) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, the lists to be prepared under the following provisions may be combined in the form set out in Form 1 in Part 3 of this Schedule—

(a) rule 6 of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 19A of the Assembly Elections Rules;

(3) In that case, this paragraph applies instead of—

(a) rule 6(2) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 19A(2) of the Assembly Elections Rules;

8

(1) This paragraph applies where the Chief Electoral Officer decides that the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers in respect of the referendum and the relevant elections are not to be taken together.

(2) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, the officer may prepare a single list containing the numbers and other unique identifying marks of all of the ballot papers to be provided to presiding officers in pursuance of the following provisions—

(a) rule 17(1) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 29(1) of the Assembly Elections Rules;

(3) The list must be in the form set out in Form 1 in Part 3 of this Schedule.

(4) If a list is prepared in relation to ballot papers under this paragraph, the list prepared under the following provisions must not include details relating to those ballot papers—

(a) rule 6 of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 19A of the Assembly Elections Rules;

(5) A reference in an enactment to a list prepared under a provision mentioned in sub-paragraph (4) has effect, in so far as it relates to ballot papers to be provided in pursuance of the provisions mentioned in sub-paragraph (2), as a reference to the list prepared under this paragraph.

Notice of polling stations

9

(1) The notice given under rule 11(3) of the referendum rules must—

(a) state that the poll for the referendum is to be taken together with the poll for the relevant elections, and

(b) specify the constituency or district council for which each relevant election is to be held.

(2) The notice given under rule 23(2) of the Assembly Elections Rules must—

(a) state that the poll for the Assembly election is to be taken together with the poll for the referendum, and

(b) state that the poll for the Assembly election is to be taken together with the poll for a local election, specifying the relevant district council.

(3) The notice given under rule 20(2) of the Local Elections Rules must—

(a) state that the poll for the local election is to be taken together with the poll for the referendum, and

(b) state that the poll for the local election is to be taken together with the poll for an Assembly election, specifying the relevant constituency.

Declarations of identity

10

(1) This paragraph applies where the Chief Electoral Officer decides that the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers in respect of the referendum and the relevant elections are to be taken together.

(2) The declaration of identity to be issued to those entitled to vote by post in the referendum and in the relevant elections must be in the form set out in Form 2 in Part 3 of this Schedule.

(3) Where that form is used, this paragraph applies instead of any requirement in the following provisions for a declaration of identity to be in a particular form.

(4) The provisions are—

(a) rule 12(1)(c) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 24(1)(c) of the Assembly Elections Rules;

11

(1) This paragraph applies where the Chief Electoral Officer decides that the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers in respect of the referendum and the relevant elections are not to be taken together.

(2) The declaration of identity to be issued to those entitled to vote by post in the referendum must be in the form set out in Form 3 in Part 3 of this Schedule.

(3) Sub-paragraph (2) applies instead of the requirement in rule 12(1)(c) of the referendum rules for a declaration of identity to be in a particular form.

(4) The declaration of identity to be used by those entitled to vote by post in the Assembly election must be in the form set out in Form 4 in Part 3 of this Schedule.

(5) Sub-paragraph (4) applies instead of the requirement in rule 24(1) of the Assembly Elections Rules for a declaration of identity to be in a particular form.

(6) The declaration of identity to be used by those entitled to vote by post in the local election must be in the form set out in Form 5 in Part 3 of this Schedule.

(7) Sub-paragraph (6) applies instead of the requirement in rule 21(1) of the Local Elections Rules for a declaration of identity to be in a particular form.

Colour of ballot papers

12

The ballot papers used for the referendum and for each relevant election must be of a different colour.

Polling stations

13

The referendum polling stations are to be used for the combined polls.

Official poll cards

14

(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, the official poll cards used for the referendum and the relevant elections may be combined.

(2) In that case, the forms required to be used for official poll cards for the referendum and relevant elections must be adapted in whatever manner seems necessary.

Ballot boxes

15

(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, the same ballot box may be used at the polls for the referendum and the relevant elections.

(2) Where separate ballot boxes are used, each must be clearly marked to show—

(a) the poll to which it relates, and

(b) the colour of ballot papers that should be placed in it.

Form of corresponding number lists provided to polling stations

16

(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, the lists to be provided under the following provisions may be combined in the form set out in Form 6 in Part 3 of this Schedule—

(a) rule 17(3)(d) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 29(3)(e) of the Assembly Elections Rules;

(2) In that case, this paragraph applies instead of—

(a) the second sentence in rule 17(3) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 26(3ZC) of the Local Elections Rules.

Ballot paper displayed in polling stations

17

(1) The large version of the ballot paper displayed inside the polling station under rule 17(4)(a) of the referendum rules must be of the same colour as the ballot papers to be used for the referendum.

(2) The large version of the ballot paper displayed inside the polling station under rule 29(3A)(a) of the Assembly Elections Rules must be of the same colour as the ballot papers to be used for the Assembly election.

(3) The large version of the ballot paper displayed inside the polling station under rule 26(3A)(a) of the Local Elections Rules must be of the same colour as the ballot papers to be used for the local election.

Guidance to be exhibited outside and inside polling stations

18

(1) Rule 17 of the referendum rules has effect as if—

(a) in paragraph (6), for “inside and outside every polling station” there were substituted “ outside every polling station and in every compartment of every polling station ”, and

(b) paragraph (7) were omitted.

(2) Rule 29 of the Assembly Elections Rules has effect as if—

(a) in paragraph (4), for “inside and outside every polling station” there were substituted “ outside every polling station and in every compartment of every polling station ”, and

(b) paragraph (5) were omitted.

(3) The notice referred to in rule 29(4) of the Assembly Elections Rules or rule 26(4) of the Local Elections Rules—

(a) must clearly indicate the election to which it relates, and

(b) must be on paper of the same colour as the ballot papers used for the election to which it relates,

and the notice referred to in rule 17(6) of the referendum rules must be on paper of the same colour as the ballot papers used for the referendum.

(4) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, a notice in the form set out in Form 7 in Part 3 of this Schedule, giving directions for the guidance of voters in voting—

(a) must be printed in conspicuous characters;

(b) must be exhibited outside every polling station and in every compartment of every polling station.

(5) In that case, paragraph (4) applies instead of—

(a) paragraphs (1) to (3);

(b) rule 17(6) and (7) of the referendum rules;

(d) rule 26(4) of the Local Elections Rules.

The poll

Admission to the polling station

19

(1) Rule 21(1) of the referendum rules has effect as if the persons listed there included persons who would be entitled to be admitted to the polling station for any relevant election if the poll for that election were held on its own.

(2) Rule 32(1) of the Assembly Elections Rules has effect as if the persons listed there included—

(a) persons who would be entitled to be admitted to the polling station for the referendum if the poll for the referendum were held on its own, and

(b) persons who would be entitled to be admitted to the polling station for the local election if the poll for that election were held on its own.

(3) Rule 29(1) of the Local Elections Rules has effect as if the persons listed there included—

(a) persons who would be entitled to be admitted to the polling station for the referendum if the poll for the referendum were held on its own, and

(b) persons who would be entitled to be admitted to the polling station for the Assembly election if the poll for that election were held on its own.

Questions to be put to voters

20

(1) Rule 35 of the Assembly Elections Rules has effect as if, in the questions in entries 1, 2 and 4 of the table in paragraph (1), after “at this” (in each place) there were inserted “ Assembly ”.

(2) Rule 32 of the Local Elections Rules has effect as if, in paragraphs (1) and (2), after “at this” (in each place) there were inserted “ local ”.

Voting procedure: copies of registers and lists of proxies

21

(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, the same copy of the register of electors may be used under the following provisions for the purposes of the referendum and the relevant elections—

(a) rule 28(2) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 37(1) of the Assembly Elections Rules;

(2) Sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) apply where the same copy of the register is used as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1).

(3) In a case where a ballot paper is delivered at the same time in respect of the referendum and the relevant elections, a single mark must be placed in the register against the number of the elector under—

(a) rule 28(2)(c) of the referendum rules,

(b) rule 37(1)(d) of the Assembly Elections Rules, and

(4) In any other case, a mark must be placed in the register against the number of the elector identifying the poll to which each ballot paper delivered relates.

(5) In the case of an elector who is added to the register in pursuance of a notice issued under section 13BA(9) of the 1983 Act—

(a) references in this paragraph to the copy of the register of electors are to be read as references to the copy of the notice;

(b) references to a mark being placed in the register of electors are to be read as references to a mark being made on the copy of the notice.

22

(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, he or she may require the relevant registration officer to produce a combined list of proxies for the referendum and the relevant elections.

(2) The following provisions apply where the lists are combined and a person applies for a ballot paper as proxy.

(3) Immediately before delivery of the ballot paper the list of proxies must be marked in a way that identifies—

(a) the proxy,

(b) the elector for whom the proxy is applying for the ballot paper, and

(4) Sub-paragraph (3) applies instead of—

(a) rule 28(2)(d) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 37(1)(e) of the Assembly Elections Rules;

23

(1) This paragraph applies where the Chief Electoral Officer decides that the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers in respect of the referendum and the relevant elections are to be taken together.

(2) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, he or she may require the relevant registration officer to produce—

(a) a combined postal voters list, consisting of the things that would otherwise be included in—

(i) the postal voters list for the referendum;

(ii) the list under paragraph 2(4)(a) of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Local Elections Order;

(iii) the list under section 7(4)(a) of the Representation of the People Act 1985 as applied for the purposes of Assembly elections by Article 3(1) of, and Schedule 1 to, the Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) Order 2001;

(b) a combined proxy postal voters list, consisting of the things that would otherwise be included in—

(i) the proxy postal voters list for the referendum;

(ii) the list under paragraph 4(8) of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Local Elections Order;

(iii) the list under section 9(9) of the Representation of the People Act 1985 as applied for the purposes of Assembly elections by Article 3(1) of, and Schedule 1 to, the Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) Order 2001.

(3) Where appropriate—

(a) a reference in any enactment to a list mentioned in sub-paragraphs (i) to (iii) of sub-paragraph (2)(a) is to be read as a reference to the combined postal voters list;

(b) a reference in any enactment to a list mentioned in sub-paragraphs (i) to (iii) of sub-paragraph (2)(b) is to be read as a reference to the combined proxy postal voters list.

List of votes marked by presiding officer

24

(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, a single list of votes marked by the presiding officer may be used for the purposes of the referendum and the relevant elections.

(2) Where a person's entry in that list does not relate to the referendum and each relevant election the entry must—

(a) indicate whether it relates to the referendum, and

(b) identify any relevant election to which it relates.

(3) In this paragraph “list of votes marked by the presiding officer” means a list compiled under—

(a) rule 30(4) of the referendum rules,

(b) rule 38(2) of the Assembly Elections rules, or

Declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities

25

(1) A declaration made by the companion of a voter with disabilities must be in the form set out in Form 8 in Part 3 of this Schedule.

(2) In this paragraph “declaration made by the companion of a voter with disabilities” means a declaration made by a companion under—

(a) rule 31 of the referendum rules,

(b) rule 39 of the Assembly Elections Rules, or

(3) This paragraph applies instead of—

(a) rule 31(5)(a) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 39(5)(a) of the Assembly Elections Rules;

List of voters with disabilities assisted by companions

26

(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, a single list of voters with disabilities assisted by companions may be used for the purposes of the referendum and the relevant elections.

(2) Where a person's entry in that list does not relate to the referendum and each relevant election the entry must—

(a) indicate whether it relates to the referendum, and

(b) identify any relevant election to which it relates.

(3) In this paragraph “list of voters with disabilities assisted by companions” means a list compiled under—

(a) rule 31(8) of the referendum rules,

(b) rule 39(4) of the Assembly Elections Rules, or

Tendered votes list

27

(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, a single tendered votes list may be used for the purposes of the referendum and the relevant elections.

(2) Where a person's entry in that list does not relate to the referendum and each relevant election the entry must—

(a) indicate whether it relates to the referendum, and

(b) identify any relevant election to which it relates.

(3) In this paragraph “tendered votes list” means a list compiled under—

(a) rule 33(7) of the referendum rules,

(b) rule 40(3) of the Assembly Elections Rules, or

Lists relating to correction of errors on day of poll

28

(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, a single list of persons to whom ballot papers are delivered in consequence of late alterations to the register may be used for the purposes of the referendum and the relevant elections.

(2) Where a person's entry in that list does not relate to the referendum and each relevant election the entry must—

(a) indicate whether it relates to the referendum, and

(b) identify any relevant election to which it relates.

(3) In this paragraph “list of persons to whom ballot papers are delivered in consequence of late alterations to the register” means a list compiled under—

(a) rule 36 of the referendum rules,

(b) rule 41B of the Assembly Elections Rules, or

Procedure on close of poll

29

(1) In rule 38(1) of the referendum rules the reference to polling agents includes a reference to polling agents appointed for the purposes of the relevant elections.

(2) In rule 43(1) of the Assembly Elections Rules the reference to polling agents includes a reference to—

(a) polling agents appointed for the purposes of the referendum;

(b) polling agents appointed for the purposes of the local election.

(3) In rule 41(1) of the Local Elections Rules the reference to polling agents includes a reference to—

(a) polling agents appointed for the purposes of the referendum;

(b) polling agents appointed for the purposes of the Assembly election.

30

(1) A packet made up under one of the following provisions may not be combined with a packet made up under another of those provisions.

(2) The provisions are—

(a) rule 38(1)(b), (c) or (f) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 43(1)(b), (c) or (e) of the Assembly Elections Rules;

31

(1) The ballot paper account prepared under one of the following provisions may not be combined with the ballot paper account made up under another of those provisions.

(2) The provisions are—

(a) rule 38(6) of the referendum rules;

(b) rule 43(3) of the Assembly Election Rules;

Counting of votes

Attendance and arrangements for counting

32

(1) The Chief Electoral Officer must make arrangements for carrying out the functions conferred by paragraph 33, and for counting the votes as soon as practicable, in the presence of the counting agents.

(2) The Chief Electoral Officer must give the counting agents—

(a) notice in writing of the time and place at which the proceedings under paragraph 33 will begin;

(b) notice of the time and place at which the counting of the votes will begin.

(3) A person may be present at those proceedings or at the counting of the votes only if the person falls within—

(a) paragraphs (a) to (e) of rule 39(4) of the referendum rules,

(b) paragraphs (a) to (e) of rule 44(2) of the Assembly Elections Rules, or

or the person is permitted by the Chief Electoral Officer to attend.

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