SCHEDULE 6 COMBINED POLLS

Absent Voting
16 After paragraph 15 of Schedule 2 insert—

“15A Combination of polls
Where the poll at the European Parliamentary election is to be taken together with the poll at a relevant election, the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers in respect of each relevant election shall be taken together.”

17 In paragraph 16 of Schedule 2, for “in Form G in the Appendix” substitute—

“(a) in Form G in the Appendix at a European Parliamentary election where the poll is taken alone, and
(b) in Form J in the Appendix at a European Parliamentary election where the poll is taken together with the poll at a relevant election.”

18 In paragraph 21 of Schedule 2, at the end insert—

“6 Where the poll at the European Parliamentary election is taken together with the poll at a relevant election, the colour of the postal ballot paper must also be marked on the declaration of identity sent with that paper.”

19 In paragraph 23 of Schedule 2, at the end insert—

“4 Where the poll at the European Parliamentary election is taken together with the poll at a relevant election—
(a) the envelope referred to in sub-paragraph (2) above must also be marked “Covering envelope for the [insert colour of ballot paper] coloured ballot paper”, and
(b) on the envelope referred to in sub-paragraph (3) above after the words “Ballot paper envelope” there must be added “for the [insert colour of ballot paper] coloured ballot paper”.”

20 In the Appendix of Forms at the end of Schedule 2, after Form G insert—

“FORM J DECLARATION OF IDENTITY (COMBINED POLLS)
(for use when a European Parliamentary poll is combined with a parliamentary poll or a local poll)
Front of form
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONELECTORAL REGION OF NORTHERN IRELAND

DECLARATION OF IDENTITY
To be returned with the [insert colour of ballot paper] coloured ballot paper No.
I hereby declare that I am the person to whom the [insert colour of ballot paper] coloured ballot paper numbered as above was sent.
Date of birth must be given below except where the voter is a proxy.
My date of birth is…
Voter’s signature
The voter, who is personally known to me, has signed this declaration in my presence.
Witness’s signature
Name of witness (WRITE CLEARLY)
Address of witness (WRITE CLEARLY)
SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE BACK OF THIS FORM
Back of form
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE VOTER
1 You must sign this declaration of identity in the presence of a person known to you. You are required to do this even if you have already signed a similar declaration of identity in respect of another election to be held on the same day. That person should then sign this declaration as a witness, adding his or her name and address. You must also give your date of birth where indicated (unless voting as a proxy). Without this the declaration will be invalid.
2 Mark your vote by putting “1” against the candidate of your first choice, “2” against the candidate of your second choice and so on. Do this secretly; if you cannot vote without assistance, the person assisting you must not disclose how you have voted.
3 You may show your preference for as many or as few candidates as you wish but you should not show the same preference against more than one candidate. Put no other mark on the ballot paper, or your vote may not be counted.
4 Different colours are used for the ballot papers for each election. Each ballot paper has its own ballot paper envelope (the smaller envelope marked “A”), declaration of identity and covering envelope (the larger envelope marked “B”). The covering envelope and declaration of identity for a particular ballot paper are those which refer to the colour of that ballot paper. It is important that you use the correct envelopes and declaration of identity, otherwise your vote may not be counted. You may find it helpful to sort the documents into separate sets, each consisting of a ballot paper, ballot paper envelope, declaration of identity and covering envelope. Then proceed as follows—
(a) place each ballot paper in the correct smaller envelope and seal it;
(b) put the envelope, together with the correct declaration of identity, in the correct covering envelope and seal it;
(c) return the covering envelopes without delay. Ballot papers must be received by the returning officer not later than the close of poll.
5 If you receive more than one ballot paper, remember that it is illegal to vote more than once (otherwise than as proxy) at the same election. You are entitled to vote at different elections which are held on the same day.
6 At this election you cannot vote in person at a polling station, even if you receive an official poll card.
7 If you inadvertently spoil your ballot paper, you can apply to the returning officer for another one. With your application you must return , in your own envelope, the spoilt ballot paper, the declaration of identity and the envelopes marked “A” and “B”. Remember that there is little time available if a fresh postal ballot paper is to be issued and counted.”