Elections Act 2001

Part 3 Postal Ballots

Parliamentary elections

30 (1) Part V of the Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/400) is amended as follows.

(2) In regulation 66 (form of declaration of identity) for “in Form G” substitute—

“(a) in Form G at a parliamentary election where the poll is taken alone;

(b) in Form J at a parliamentary election where the poll is taken together with the poll at a local election.”

(3) In regulation 71 (procedure on issue of postal ballot paper) after paragraph (4) insert—

“(5) Where the poll at one election is taken with the poll at another election, the colour of the postal ballot paper must also be marked on the declaration of identity sent with that paper.”

(4) In regulation 73 (envelopes) after paragraph (3) insert—

“(4) Where polls are taken together—

(a) the envelope referred to in paragraph (2) must also be marked “Covering envelope for the [insert colour of ballot paper] coloured ballot paper”, and

(b) on the envelope referred to in paragraph (3) after the words “Ballot paper envelope” there must be added “for the [insert colour of ballot paper] coloured ballot paper”.”

(5) In Schedule 3 (Forms) in the Arrangement of Forms after the entry relating to Form H insert—

“Form J: Declaration of identity (combined polls)”.

(6) In that Schedule after Form H insert—

“

”

Local elections

31 (1) Part III of Schedule 2 to the Local Elections (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (S.I. 1985/454) is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph 6 (marking of postal ballot paper) at the end insert—

“(3) Where the poll at one election is taken with the poll at another election, the colour of the postal ballot paper shall also be marked on the declaration of identity sent with that paper.”

(3) The text of paragraph 8 (ballot paper envelope) becomes sub-paragraph (1) of that paragraph and at the end insert—

“(2) Where polls are taken together—

(a) the covering envelope must also be marked “Covering envelope for the [insert colour of ballot paper] coloured ballot paper”, and

(b) on the ballot paper envelope after the words “Ballot paper envelope” there must be added “for the [insert colour of ballot paper] coloured ballot paper”.”