Abandoned poll
76.—(1) This rule applies to—
(a)a poll which is abandoned in pursuance of rule 71(4)(b) or 75(1)(b) as if it were a poll at a contested election;
(b)a poll which is abandoned in pursuance of rule 74(2)(b).
(2) Subject to paragraph (10) the presiding officer at a polling station must take the like steps (so far as not already taken) for the delivery to the CRO of ballot boxes and of ballot papers and other documents as the presiding officer is required to take on the close of the poll.
(3) The CRO must retain and dispose of ballot papers and other documents in the CRO’s possession as the CRO is required to do on the completion of the counting of the votes.
(4) It is not necessary for a ballot paper account to be prepared or verified.
(5) No step or further step is to be taken for the counting of the ballot papers or of the votes.
(6) The CRO must seal up all the ballot papers (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.
(7) The provisions of these Rules as to the inspection, production, retention and destruction of ballot papers and other documents relating to a poll at an election apply subject to paragraphs (8) and (9).
(8) Ballot papers on which the votes were neither counted nor rejected must be treated as counted ballot papers.
(9) 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 lists 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.
(10) Where the polls at an election for the return of regional members and at an election for the return of a member for a constituency within that region are held on the same day but the poll at one election is abandoned in any of the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (1)—
(a)the steps which the presiding officer is required to take at such a polling station by paragraph (2) shall take place at the close of the poll at the other election;
(b)paragraph (3) shall have effect as if after “the CRO” there were inserted “having separated the ballot papers relating to the other election,” and
(c)paragraphs (4) to (9) shall apply only to the election at which the poll has been abandoned.