The Representation of the People (Combination of Polls) (England and Wales) Regulations 2004

(65) (1) This rule applies to— (a) a poll at a parliamentary election which is abandoned in pursuance of rule 60(4)(b) as if it were a poll at a contested election; (b) a poll at a parliamentary election which is abandoned in pursuance of rule 63(2)(b) or 64(2)(b). (2) No further ballot papers at the parliamentary election shall be issued in any polling station. (3) At the close of poll for each relevant election or referendum the presiding officer at a polling station must take the like steps (so far as not already taken) for the delivery to the returning officer of ballot boxes and ballot papers and other documents as he would be required to do if the poll at the parliamentary election had not been abandoned. (4) The returning officer must dispose of ballot papers used at the parliamentary election and other documents in his possession as he is required to do on the completion of the counting of votes. (5) It is not necessary for a parliamentary ballot paper account to be prepared or verified. (6) Having separated the ballot papers relating to each relevant election or referendum, the returning officer must take no step or further step for the counting of the ballot papers used at the parliamentary election or of the votes cast at the parliamentary election. (7) The returning officer must seal up all the ballot papers used at the parliamentary election (whether the votes on them have been counted or not) and it is not necessary to seal up counted and rejected ballot papers in separate packets. (8) The provisions of these rules as to the inspection, production, retention and destruction of ballot papers and other documents relating to a poll at a parliamentary election apply subject to paragraphs (9) and (10). (9) Ballot papers on which the votes were neither counted nor rejected must be treated as counted ballot papers. (10) No order is to be made for— (a) the production or inspection of any ballot papers, or (b) the opening of a sealed packet of the completed corresponding number list or of certificates as to employment on the day of the poll, unless the order is made by a court with reference to a prosecution.

APPENDIX OF FORMS

Form of directions for the guidance of the voters in voting

Form of declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities

24A

In rule 50 (declaration of result), after paragraph (2) insert—

(3) But the returning officer shall not declare a candidate to be elected under paragraph (1) or (2)— (a) in a case where the returning officer discharges the functions specified in Regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, until after the returning officer has completed proceedings under rule 45(1) (as substituted by Regulation 8 of those Regulations); (b) in a case where the returning officer does not discharge the functions specified in Regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, until after proceedings corresponding to those mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) have been completed by the returning officer who does discharge those functions (“the other returning officer”). (4) The corresponding proceedings referred to in paragraph (3)(b) are proceedings under provision corresponding to rule 45(1) (as substituted by Regulation 8 of the Combination of Polls Regulations) made by or under any enactment in relation to the election or referendum at which the other returning officer has functions.