Synodical Government Measure 1969

[F1 Conduct of election E

Textual Amendments

F1 Sch. 3 substituted (1.1.2020) by Church Representation and Ministers Measure 2019 (No. 1), s. 1(3), Sch. 1 (with Sch. 3); S.I. 2019/1460, art. 2

42 (1) Where an election to a diocesan synod is to be held, the presiding officer for the election must ensure that each qualified elector is given a voting paper in Form 6, or is given a voting paper in Form 7, showing the name of each candidate[F2 ; and the voting paper must be accompanied by a written explanation of the right of appeal under Rule 58(2) against the ruling that the nomination of a candidate is valid and of the right of appeal under Rule 58A against the result of the election]. E

(2) The diocesan synod must, no later than 31 December in the year before an election of its members, decide which form of voting paper is to be used by the deaneries in the election.

(3) Where an election to fill a casual vacancy is being conducted under this Rule by virtue of directions under Rule 45, the form of voting paper to be used is the form decided on under paragraph (2).

(4) A vote in an election to a diocesan synod is counted only if (subject to paragraph (5) and Rule 45(1) and (2)) it is given on a voting paper—

(a) which is marked in the manner indicated on the paper,

(b) the back of which is signed by the elector and has his or her full name and address written on it, and

(c) which is returned to the presiding officer within the period determined by him or her in accordance with the timetable fixed by the bishop under Rule 35(2)(a), with that period being at least 14 days, subject to that timetable.

(5) If there is a system of electronic voting for elections to the General Synod, a diocesan synod may itself resolve to have a system of electronic voting for elections to that synod; and, if a diocesan synod does so resolve, the elections to that synod must be conducted in accordance with rules which the General Synod has approved by resolution.

(6) Rules under paragraph (5) may make provision equivalent to that made under Rule 56 (election rules for the House of Laity of the General Synod) in relation to electronic voting and may apply any provision of these Rules with or without modifications.

(7) If there is a system of electronic voting for elections to a diocesan synod, a completed nomination or voting paper may not be given by email; and Rule 76 (which makes provision authorising the use of email) is accordingly to be read subject to this paragraph.

(8) Where voting papers in Form 6 are used and there is an equality of votes, the presiding officer must decide the election by the drawing of a lot.

(9) An election in which voting papers in Form 7 are used is to be conducted by the single transferable vote system in accordance with the rules for the time being in force under the General Synod's Standing Orders, with whatever modifications to those rules are necessary.

(10) The presiding officer for an election to a diocesan synod must, no later than 1 August in the year in which the election is held, give a return of the result to—

(a) each candidate, and

(b) the secretary of the diocesan synod.]

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in Sch. 3 rule 42(1) inserted (15.7.2020) by The Church Representation Rules (Amendment) Resolution 2020 (S.I. 2020/406), paras. 1(3), 9(2)