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Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011

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  1. Introductory Text

  2. PART 1 Voting system for parliamentary elections

    1. The referendum

      1. 1.Referendum on the alternative vote system

      2. 2.Entitlement to vote in the referendum

      3. 3.Conduct of the referendum

      4. 4.Combination of polls

      5. 5.Press comment etc not subject to spending controls

      6. 6.Control of loans etc to permitted participants

      7. 7.Interpretation

    2. Result of the referendum

      1. 8.Commencement or repeal of amending provisions

      2. 9.The alternative vote system: amendments

  3. PART 2 Parliamentary constituencies

    1. 10.Boundary Commissions: reports etc

    2. 11.Number and distribution of seats

    3. 12.Boundary Commission proposals: publicity and consultation

    4. 13.National Assembly for Wales

    5. 14.Review of reduction in number of constituencies

  4. PART 3 Miscellaneous and general

    1. 15.Orders

    2. 16.Repeals

    3. 17.Financial provisions

    4. 18.Extent

    5. 19.Commencement

    6. 20.Short title

  5. SCHEDULES

    1. SCHEDULE 1

      Further provisions about the referendum

      1. Referendum period

        1. 1.For the purposes of Part 7 of the 2000 Act...

      2. Counting officers

        1. 2.(1) The counting officer for a voting area that is—...

      3. Regional Counting Officers

        1. 3.(1) The Chief Counting Officer may appoint a Regional Counting...

      4. Assistance to counting officers etc

        1. 4.(1) A local authority whose area forms, or forms part...

      5. General duties of counting officers etc

        1. 5.(1) The Chief Counting Officer, Regional Counting Officers and counting...

      6. Appointment of deputies and clerks

        1. 6.(1) The Chief Counting Officer or a Regional Counting Officer...

      7. Counting officers etc: correction of procedural errors

        1. 7.(1) A Regional Counting Officer or counting officer may take...

      8. Public notices

        1. 8.A public notice required by this Part to be given...

      9. Role of Electoral Commission

        1. 9.(1) The Electoral Commission must take whatever steps they think...

      10. Encouraging participation

        1. 10.(1) The Chief Counting Officer must take whatever steps the...

      11. Referendum agents

        1. 11.A permitted participant may, for any voting area, appoint an...

        2. 12.(1) This paragraph applies if a permitted participant appoints a...

        3. 13.(1) This paragraph applies if a counting officer is notified...

        4. 14.(1) This paragraph applies if— (a) a permitted participant revokes...

      12. Responsible persons

        1. 15.(1) A person who is the responsible person for a...

      13. Grants to designated organisations may be paid in instalments

        1. 16.(1) This paragraph applies to a grant under subsection (2)...

      14. Expenses incurred by persons acting in concert

        1. 17.(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) referendum expenses are incurred...

      15. Advertisements

        1. 18.(1) The Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations...

      16. Non-domestic rating: premises used for referendum purposes

        1. 19.(1) Section 65(6) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988...

      17. Payments to counting officers and Regional Counting Officers

        1. 20.(1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (3) and (4), a counting officer...

      18. Taxation of counting officer's or Regional Counting Officer's account

        1. 21.(1) An application for the account of a counting officer...

      19. Electoral Commission accounts

        1. 22.(1) If directed to do so by the Treasury, the...

      20. Restriction on challenge to referendum result

        1. 23.(1) No court may entertain any proceedings for questioning the...

    2. SCHEDULE 2

      Rules for conduct of the referendum

      1. PART 1 Referendum rules

        1. Time

          1. Timetable

            1. 1.The proceedings at the referendum are to be conducted in...

          2. Computation of time

            1. 2.(1) In calculating any period of time (other than a...

        2. General provisions

          1. Notice of referendum

            1. 3.Each counting officer must give public notice of the referendum...

          2. Poll to be taken by ballot

            1. 4.The votes at the poll are to be given by...

          3. The ballot paper

            1. 5.(1) The ballot of every voter is to consist of...

          4. Corresponding number list

            1. 6.(1) The counting officer must prepare a list containing the...

          5. The official mark

            1. 7.(1) Every ballot paper must contain an appropriate security marking...

          6. Prohibition of disclosure of vote

            1. 8.A person who has voted in the referendum may not...

          7. Use of schools and public rooms

            1. 9.(1) The counting officer may use, free of charge, for...

          8. Modification of forms

            1. 10.(1) The Chief Counting Officer may, for the purpose of...

        3. Action to be taken before the poll

          1. Notice of poll

            1. 11.(1) The counting officer must give public notice of the...

          2. Postal ballot papers

            1. 12.(1) The counting officer must, in accordance with the relevant...

          3. Provision of polling stations

            1. 13.(1) The counting officer must provide a sufficient number of...

          4. Appointment of presiding officers and clerks

            1. 14.(1) The counting officer must appoint and pay—

          5. Issue of official poll cards

            1. 15.(1) The counting officer must, as soon as practicable after...

          6. Notification that certain electors entitled to absent vote

            1. 16.(1) As soon as practicable after the publication of notice...

          7. Equipment of polling stations

            1. 17.(1) The counting officer must provide each presiding officer with...

          8. Appointment of polling and counting agents

            1. 18.(1) A referendum agent may, before the commencement of the...

          9. Notification of requirement of secrecy

            1. 19.The counting officer must make whatever arrangements the officer thinks...

          10. Return of postal ballot papers

            1. 20.(1) Where— (a) a postal vote has been returned in...

        4. The poll

          1. Admission to polling station

            1. 21.(1) The presiding officer must exclude from the polling station...

          2. Keeping of order in polling station

            1. 22.(1) It is the presiding officer's duty to keep order...

          3. Sealing of ballot boxes

            1. 23.(1) Immediately before the commencement of the poll, the presiding...

          4. Questions to be put to voters

            1. 24.(1) At the time of the application (but not afterwards),...

          5. Challenge of voter

            1. 25.A person is not to be prevented from voting by...

          6. Voting procedure

            1. 26.A ballot paper must be delivered to a voter who...

            2. 27.(1) In Northern Ireland a ballot paper must not be...

            3. 28.(1) This rule applies where there is a duty to...

            4. 29.(1) Immediately after receiving a ballot paper the voter must—...

          7. Votes marked by presiding officer

            1. 30.(1) This rule applies where a voter applies to the...

          8. Voting by people with disabilities

            1. 31.(1) Paragraph (2) applies where a voter applies to the...

          9. Tendered ballot papers

            1. 32.(1) In the following cases a person is entitled to...

            2. 33.(1) Tendered ballot papers must be a different colour from...

          10. Refusal to deliver ballot paper

            1. 34.A decision by a presiding officer taken under paragraph (2)...

          11. Spoilt ballot papers

            1. 35.(1) This rule applies if a voter has inadvertently dealt...

          12. Correction of errors on day of poll

            1. 36.The presiding officer must keep a list of persons to...

          13. Adjournment of poll in case of riot

            1. 37.(1) Where the proceedings at a polling station are interrupted...

          14. Procedure on close of poll

            1. 38.(1) As soon as practicable after the close of the...

        5. Counting of votes

          1. Attendance at the count

            1. 39.(1) The counting officer must make arrangements for counting the...

          2. The count

            1. 40.(1) The counting officer must— (a) in the presence of...

          3. Re-count

            1. 41.(1) A person within paragraph (2) who is present at...

          4. Rejected ballot papers

            1. 42.(1) Any ballot paper— (a) that does not bear the...

          5. Direction to conduct re-count

            1. 43.(1) On the completion of the counting of the votes...

          6. Decisions on ballot papers

            1. 44.The decision of the counting officer on any question arising...

        6. Final proceedings

          1. Declaration by counting officers

            1. 45.(1) This rule applies to the counting officer for a...

            2. 46.(1) This rule applies to— (a) the counting officer for...

          2. Declaration by Regional Counting Officers

            1. 47.(1) After making the certification under paragraph 5(4) of Schedule...

          3. Declaration of referendum result by Chief Counting Officer

            1. 48.After making the certification under section 128(6) of the 2000...

        7. Disposal of documents

          1. Sealing up of ballot papers

            1. 49.(1) On the completion of the counting the counting officer...

          2. Delivery or retention of documents

            1. 50.(1) The counting officer must endorse on each of the...

          3. Orders for production of documents

            1. 51.(1) The High Court or a county court or, in...

          4. Retention and public inspection of documents

            1. 52.(1) A registration officer or (as the case may be)...

        8. Supplementary

          1. Interpretation

            1. 53.In these rules— “anonymous entry”, in relation to a register...

      2. PART 2 Forms referred to in referendum rules

        1. Note - The forms contained in this Part may be...

        2. FORM 1 - FORM OF BALLOT PAPER

        3. FORM 2 - FORM OF CORRESPONDING NUMBER LIST (TO BE USED IF REFERENDUM TAKEN ALONE)

        4. FORM 3 - FORM OF POSTAL VOTING STATEMENT

        5. FORM 4 - DECLARATION OF IDENTITY (NORTHERN IRELAND)

        6. FORM 5 - OFFICIAL POLL CARD (TO BE SENT TO AN ELECTOR NOT VOTING BY POST)

        7. FORM 6 - OFFICIAL POSTAL POLL CARD (TO BE SENT TO AN ELECTOR VOTING BY POST)

        8. FORM 7 - OFFICIAL PROXY POLL CARD (TO BE SENT TO AN APPOINTED PROXY VOTING IN PERSON)

        9. FORM 8 - OFFICIAL PROXY POSTAL POLL CARD (TO BE SENT TO AN APPOINTED PROXY VOTING BY POST)

        10. FORM 9 - OFFICIAL POLL CARD (TO BE SENT TO AN ELECTOR IN NORTHERN IRELAND NOT VOTING BY POST)

        11. FORM 10 - OFFICIAL PROXY POLL CARD (TO BE SENT TO AN APPOINTED PROXY VOTING IN PERSON IN NORTHERN IRELAND)

        12. FORM 11 - FORM OF CORRESPONDING NUMBER LIST (TO BE USED IN POLLING STATIONS IF REFERENDUM TAKEN ALONE)

        13. FORM 12 - FORM OF DIRECTIONS FOR THE GUIDANCE OF THE VOTERS IN VOTING

        14. FORM 13 - FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EMPLOYMENT

        15. FORM 14 - FORM OF DECLARATION TO BE MADE BY THE COMPANION OF A VOTER WITH DISABILITIES

    3. SCHEDULE 3

      Absent voting in the referendum

      1. PART 1 Great Britain

        1. Interpretation

          1. 1.In this Part of this Schedule— “anonymous entry”, in relation...

        2. Manner of voting in the referendum

          1. 2.(1) This paragraph applies to determine the manner of voting...

        3. Entitlement to vote by post or by proxy

          1. 3.(1) A person entitled to vote in the referendum is...

        4. Application to vote by post or by proxy in the referendum

          1. 4.(1) Where a person applies to the registration officer to...

        5. Absent voters lists

          1. 5.(1) The registration officer must, for the purposes of the...

        6. Proxies

          1. 6.(1) Subject to what follows, any person is capable of...

          2. 7.(1) Subject to what follows, where a relevant proxy appointment...

        7. Voting as proxy

          1. 8.(1) A person entitled to vote as proxy for another...

        8. Use of personal identifier information

          1. 9.The registration officer must either— (a) provide the counting officer...

          2. 10.Information contained in records kept by a registration officer in...

        9. Offences

          1. 11.(1) A person who— (a) in any declaration or form...

      2. PART 2 Northern Ireland

        1. Interpretation

          1. 12.In this Part of this Schedule— “European Parliamentary Elections (Northern...

        2. Manner of voting in the referendum

          1. 13.(1) This paragraph applies to determine the manner of voting...

        3. Entitlement to vote by post or by proxy

          1. 14.(1) A person entitled to vote in the referendum is...

        4. Application to vote by post or by proxy in the referendum

          1. 15.(1) Where a person applies to the registration officer to...

        5. Absent voters lists

          1. 16.(1) The registration officer must, for the purposes of the...

        6. Proxies

          1. 17.(1) Subject to what follows, any person is capable of...

          2. 18.(1) Subject to what follows, where a relevant proxy appointment...

        7. Voting as proxy

          1. 19.(1) A person entitled to vote as proxy for another...

        8. Offences

          1. 20.(1) A person who— (a) in any declaration or form...

      3. PART 3 Form of proxy paper

    4. SCHEDULE 4

      Application to the referendum of existing provisions

      1. PART 1 Representation of the People Act 1983

        1. 1.(1) The provisions of the 1983 Act listed in the...

        2. 2.(1) In relation to England and Wales or Scotland, section...

        3. 3.In sections 173 and 173A of the 1983 Act (which...

      2. PART 2 Other Acts

        1. Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000

          1. 4.Section 6A(4) of the 2000 Act (meaning of “relevant counting...

          2. 5.Section 9C of the 2000 Act (provision of information about...

          3. 6.Section 128 of the 2000 Act (counting officers etc for...

        2. Electoral Administration Act 2006

          1. 7.Section 71 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (restriction on...

      3. PART 3 The 2001 Regulations (England and Wales) and 2001 Regulations (Scotland)

        1. 8.(1) The provisions of the relevant regulations listed in the...

      4. PART 4 The 2008 Regulations (Northern Ireland)

        1. 9.(1) The provisions of the Representation of the People (Northern...

    5. SCHEDULE 5

      Combination of polls: England

      1. PART 1 Provision about combination

        1. General provisions

          1. Interpretation

            1. 1.(1) An election or local referendum the poll for which...

            2. 2.In this Schedule— “counting agent” means a counting agent for...

          2. Functions to be performed by counting officer

            1. 3.(1) The specified functions of a returning officer for a...

          3. Attendance and conduct of observers

            1. 4.Section 6E of the 2000 Act has effect as if...

          4. Cost of combined polls

            1. 5.The cost of taking the combined polls (excluding any cost...

            2. 6.(1) In section 36 of the 1983 Act (local authority...

          5. Application of other provisions about combination of polls

            1. 7.(1) The following regulations have effect as if a reference...

          6. Forms

            1. 8.Forms 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 in Part 3...

        2. Action to be taken before poll

          1. Corresponding number lists

            1. 9.(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and...

            2. 10.(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and...

          2. Notice of poll

            1. 11.(1) The notice of the poll for each relevant election...

          3. Notice of polling stations

            1. 12.The notice given under rule 11(3) of the referendum rules...

          4. Postal voting statements

            1. 13.(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and...

            2. 14.(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and...

          5. Colour of ballot papers

            1. 15.The ballot papers used for the referendum must be of...

          6. Polling stations

            1. 16.(1) The referendum polling stations are to be used for...

          7. Official poll cards

            1. 17.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the official poll...

          8. Ballot boxes

            1. 18.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the same ballot...

          9. Form of corresponding number lists provided to polling stations

            1. 19.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the lists to...

          10. Ballot paper displayed in polling stations

            1. 20.The large version of the ballot paper displayed inside the...

          11. Guidance to be exhibited inside and outside polling stations

            1. 21.(1) A notice in the form set out in Form...

          12. Guidance to be exhibited in each polling station compartment

            1. 22.(1) A notice in the form set out in Form...

          13. Notice of appointment of polling and counting agents

            1. 23.(1) A notice required to be given to a returning...

        3. The poll

          1. Admission to the polling station

            1. 24.Rule 21(1) of the referendum rules has effect as if...

          2. Voting by persons on duty on day of poll

            1. 25.(1) Paragraph 2(5) of Schedule 3 has effect as if...

          3. Questions put to voters: local referendums

            1. 26.The Table in rule 26 of the Local Referendums (Combination...

          4. Voting procedure: copies of registers and absent voters lists

            1. 27.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the same copy...

            2. 28.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the counting officer...

            3. 29.(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and...

          5. List of votes marked by presiding officer

            1. 30.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single list...

          6. Declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities

            1. 31.(1) A declaration made by the companion of a voter...

          7. List of voters with disabilities assisted by companions

            1. 32.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single list...

          8. Tendered votes list

            1. 33.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single tendered...

          9. Lists relating to correction of errors on day of poll

            1. 34.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single list...

          10. Notice of adjournment in case of riot

            1. 35.In the following provisions, references to a returning officer are...

          11. Procedure on close of poll

            1. 36.(1) In rule 38(1) of the referendum rules the reference...

            2. 37.(1) In the following provisions, references to a returning officer...

        4. Counting of votes

          1. Attendance and arrangements for counting

            1. 38.(1) The counting officer must make arrangements for counting the...

            2. 39.Rule 39(1) of the referendum rules (arrangements for the counting...

            3. 40.(1) The returning officer for a relevant election must make...

            4. 41.Paragraphs 38 and 40 apply instead of—

          2. Counting and separation of ballot papers by counting officer

            1. 42.(1) As soon as practicable after the close of the...

          3. Delivery of ballot papers etc to returning officers

            1. 43.(1) The counting officer must deliver or cause to be...

          4. Counting of votes

            1. 44.(1) The counting officer must count the votes given on...

          5. Ballot papers placed in wrong ballot box

            1. 45.Where separate ballot boxes are used for the referendum and...

        5. Declaration of result

          1. Declaration

            1. 46.The result of the referendum or a relevant election may...

        6. Disposal of documents etc

          1. Packets of documents

            1. 47.(1) The counting officer may not open the sealed packets...

          2. Delivery and retention of documents

            1. 48.(1) Rules 50(1)(a) and 52 of the referendum rules apply...

          3. Countermand or abandonment of poll on death of candidate

            1. 49.(1) The following provisions have effect as if they were...

        7. Provision of registers etc to counting officer

          1. Registers

            1. 50.Regulation 98 of the Representation of the People (England and...

          2. Absent voters lists

            1. 51.As soon as practicable after 5 pm on the 6th...

          3. Personal identifier information

            1. 52.Where proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot...

      2. PART 2 Application of provisions about issue and receipt of postal ballot papers

        1. 53.(1) For the purposes of the combined polls, Part 5...

      3. PART 3 Forms referred to in Part 1

        1. Note - The forms contained in this Part may be...

        2. FORM 1 - FORM OF CORRESPONDING NUMBER LIST (TO BE USED FOR COMBINED POLLS)

        3. FORM 2 - FORM OF POSTAL VOTING STATEMENT (FOR USE WHERE PROCEEDINGS ON ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS COMBINED)

        4. FORM 3 - FORM OF POSTAL VOTING STATEMENT (FOR USE WHERE PROCEEDINGS ON ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS NOT COMBINED)

        5. FORM 4 - FORM OF CORRESPONDING NUMBER LIST (TO BE USED IN POLLING STATIONS FOR COMBINED POLLS)

        6. FORM 5 - GUIDANCE FOR VOTERS TO BE EXHIBITED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE EVERY POLLING STATION

        7. FORM 6 - GUIDANCE FOR VOTERS TO BE EXHIBITED IN EVERY POLLING STATION COMPARTMENT

        8. FORM 7 - FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EMPLOYMENT

        9. FORM 8 - FORM OF DECLARATION TO BE MADE BY THE COMPANION OF A VOTER WITH DISABILITIES

    6. SCHEDULE 6

      Combination of polls: Wales

      1. PART 1 Provision about combination

        1. General provisions

          1. Interpretation

            1. 1.The polls to be taken together under section 4(2) are...

            2. 2.In this Schedule— “Assembly election” means— an Assembly constituency election,...

          2. Cost of combined polls

            1. 3.The cost of taking the combined polls (excluding any cost...

            2. 4.(1) Articles 23 and 24 of the Welsh Assembly Order...

          3. Publication of statement of persons nominated

            1. 5.(1) The statement of persons nominated at an Assembly election...

          4. Forms

            1. 6.Forms 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9 in Part...

        2. Action to be taken before poll

          1. Corresponding number lists

            1. 7.(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and...

            2. 8.(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and...

          2. Notice of polling stations

            1. 9.(1) No later than the time of the publication of...

          3. Postal voting

            1. 10.(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and...

            2. 11.(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and...

          4. Polling stations

            1. 12.The functions of the constituency returning officer under rule 34...

            2. 13.The referendum polling stations are to be used for the...

          5. Appointment of presiding officers and clerks

            1. 14.The functions of the constituency returning officer under the following...

          6. Official poll cards

            1. 15.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the official poll...

          7. Equipment of polling stations

            1. 16.The functions of the constituency returning officer under rule 37...

            2. 17.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the same ballot...

          8. Colour of ballot papers

            1. 18.The ballot papers used for the referendum must be of...

          9. Form of corresponding number lists provided to polling stations

            1. 19.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the lists to...

          10. Ballot paper displayed in polling stations

            1. 20.(1) The large version of the ballot paper displayed inside...

          11. Guidance to be exhibited inside and outside polling stations

            1. 21.(1) A notice in the form set out in Form...

          12. Guidance to be exhibited in each polling station compartment

            1. 22.(1) A notice in the form set out in Form...

          13. Notice of appointment of polling and counting agents

            1. 23.A notice required to be given to a constituency returning...

          14. Notification of requirement of secrecy

            1. 24.The functions of the constituency returning officer under rule 39(a)...

          15. Return of postal ballot papers

            1. 25.Where proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot...

        3. The poll

          1. Admission to the polling station

            1. 26.(1) Rule 21(1) of the referendum rules has effect as...

          2. Voting by persons on duty on day of poll

            1. 27.(1) Paragraph 2(5) of Schedule 3 has effect as if...

            2. 28.The returning officer's function of signing certificates as to employment...

          3. Removal from polling station

            1. 29.The constituency returning officer's function under rule 42(2)(b) of the...

          4. Voting procedure: copies of registers and lists of proxies

            1. 30.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the same copy...

            2. 31.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the counting officer...

            3. 32.(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and...

          5. List of votes marked by presiding officer

            1. 33.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single list...

          6. Declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities

            1. 34.(1) A declaration made by the companion of a voter...

          7. List of voters with disabilities assisted by companions

            1. 35.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single list...

          8. Tendered votes list

            1. 36.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single tendered...

          9. Lists relating to correction of errors on day of poll

            1. 37.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single list...

          10. Notice of adjournment in case of riot

            1. 38.Rule 52(1) of the Assembly Elections Rules has effect as...

          11. Procedure on close of poll

            1. 39.(1) In rule 38(1) of the referendum rules the reference...

            2. 40.(1) A packet made up under one of the following...

            3. 41.The ballot paper accounts prepared under rule 38(6) of the...

            4. 42.In rule 53(3) of the Assembly Elections Rules references to...

        4. Counting of votes

          1. Attendance and arrangements for counting

            1. 43.(1) The counting officer must make arrangements for counting the...

            2. 44.Rule 39(1) of the referendum rules (arrangements for the counting...

            3. 45.(1) The constituency returning officer must make arrangements for counting...

            4. 46.Paragraphs 43 and 45 apply instead of rule 54 of...

          2. Counting and separation of ballot papers by counting officer

            1. 47.(1) As soon as practicable after the close of the...

          3. Delivery of ballot papers etc to returning officers

            1. 48.(1) The counting officer must deliver or cause to be...

          4. Counting of votes

            1. 49.(1) The counting officer must count the votes given on...

          5. Ballot papers placed in wrong ballot box

            1. 50.Where separate ballot boxes are used for the referendum, the...

        5. Declaration of result

          1. Declaration

            1. 51.The result of the referendum or an Assembly election may...

        6. Disposal of documents etc

          1. Packets of documents

            1. 52.(1) The counting officer may not open the sealed packets...

          2. Delivery and retention of documents

            1. 53.(1) Rules 50(1)(a) and 52 of the referendum rules apply...

          3. Countermand or abandonment of poll on death of candidate

            1. 54.Where an Assembly election is countermanded, or polling is abandoned,...

            2. 55.(1) Rule 76 of the Assembly Elections Rules has effect...

        7. Provision of registers etc to counting officer

          1. Registers

            1. 56.Regulation 98(8) of the Representation of the People (England and...

          2. Absent voters lists

            1. 57.As soon as practicable after 5 pm on the 6th...

          3. Personal identifier information

            1. 58.Where proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot...

      2. PART 2 Application of provisions about issue and receipt of postal ballot papers

        1. 59.(1) For the purposes of the combined polls, Schedule 3...

      3. PART 3 Forms referred to in Parts 1 and 2

        1. Note - The forms contained in this Part may be...

        2. FORM 1 - FORM OF CORRESPONDING NUMBER LIST (TO BE USED FOR COMBINED POLLS)

        3. FORM 2 - FORM OF POSTAL VOTING STATEMENT (TO BE USED WHERE PROCEEDINGS ON ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS COMBINED)

        4. FORM 3 - FORM OF POSTAL VOTING STATEMENT (TO BE USED FOR REFERENDUM WHERE PROCEEDINGS ON ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS NOT COMBINED)

        5. FORM 4 - FORM OF POSTAL VOTING STATEMENT (TO BE USED FOR NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WALES ELECTION WHERE PROCEEDINGS ON ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS NOT COMBINED)

        6. FORM 5 - FORM OF CORRESPONDING NUMBER LIST (TO BE USED IN POLLING STATIONS FOR COMBINED POLLS)

        7. FORM 6 - GUIDANCE FOR VOTERS TO BE EXHIBITED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE EVERY POLLING STATION

        8. FORM 7 - GUIDANCE FOR VOTERS TO BE EXHIBITED IN EVERY POLLING STATION COMPARTMENT

        9. FORM 8 - FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EMPLOYMENT

        10. FORM 9 - FORM OF DECLARATION TO BE MADE BY THE COMPANION OF A VOTER WITH DISABILITIES

        11. FORM 10 - STATEMENT AS TO POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS FOR THE REFERENDUM

    7. SCHEDULE 7

      Combination of polls: Scotland

      1. PART 1 Provision about combination

        1. General provisions

          1. Interpretation

            1. 1.The polls to be taken together under section 4(3) are...

            2. 2.In this Schedule— “the 2010 Order” means the Scottish Parliament...

          2. Cost of combined polls

            1. 3.The cost of taking the combined polls (excluding any cost...

            2. 4.(1) In section 29 of the 1983 Act (payments by...

          3. Forms

            1. 5.Forms 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9 in Part...

        2. Action to be taken before poll

          1. Corresponding number lists

            1. 6.(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and...

          2. 7.(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and...

          3. Notice of polling stations

            1. 8.The functions of the constituency returning officer under rule 33(2)...

            2. 9.(1) The notice given by a constituency returning officer under...

          4. Postal voting

            1. 10.(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and...

            2. 11.(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and...

          5. Polling stations

            1. 12.The functions of the constituency returning officer under rule 35...

            2. 13.The referendum polling stations are to be used for the...

          6. Appointment of presiding officers and clerks

            1. 14.The functions of the constituency returning officer under the following...

          7. Official poll cards

            1. 15.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the official poll...

          8. Equipment of polling stations

            1. 16.The functions of the constituency returning officer under rule 38...

            2. 17.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the same ballot...

          9. Colour of ballot papers

            1. 18.The referendum ballot papers must be of a different colour...

          10. Form of corresponding number lists provided to polling stations

            1. 19.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the lists to...

          11. Ballot paper displayed in polling stations

            1. 20.(1) The large version of the ballot paper displayed inside...

          12. Guidance to be exhibited outside and inside polling stations

            1. 21.(1) A notice in the form set out in Form...

          13. Guidance to be exhibited in each polling station compartment

            1. 22.(1) A notice in the form set out in Form...

          14. Notice of appointment of polling and counting agents

            1. 23.A notice required to be given to a constituency returning...

          15. Notification of requirement of secrecy

            1. 24.The functions of the constituency returning officer under rule 40(1)...

        3. The poll

          1. Admission to the polling station

            1. 25.(1) Rule 21(1) of the referendum rules has effect as...

          2. Voting by persons on duty on day of poll

            1. 26.(1) Paragraph 2(5) of Schedule 3 has effect as if...

            2. 27.The returning officer's function of signing certificates as to employment...

          3. Removal from polling station

            1. 28.The constituency returning officer's function under rule 42(2)(b) of the...

          4. Voting procedure: copies of registers and lists of proxies

            1. 29.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the same copy...

            2. 30.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, the counting officer...

            3. 31.(1) This paragraph applies where proceedings on the issue and...

          5. List of votes marked by presiding officer

            1. 32.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single list...

          6. Declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities

            1. 33.(1) A declaration made by the companion of a voter...

          7. List of voters with disabilities assisted by companions

            1. 34.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single list...

          8. Tendered votes list

            1. 35.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single tendered...

          9. Lists relating to correction of errors on day of poll

            1. 36.(1) If the counting officer thinks fit, a single list...

          10. Notice of adjournment in case of riot

            1. 37.Rule 52(1) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules has effect...

          11. Procedure on close of poll

            1. 38.(1) In rule 38(1) of the referendum rules the reference...

            2. 39.(1) A packet made up under one of the following...

            3. 40.Rule 53(2) of the Scottish Parliamentary Election Rules has effect...

            4. 41.The ballot paper accounts prepared under rule 38(6) of the...

        4. Counting of votes

          1. Attendance and arrangements for counting

            1. 42.(1) The counting officer must make arrangements for counting the...

            2. 43.Rule 39(1) of the referendum rules (arrangements for the counting...

            3. 44.(1) The constituency returning officer must make arrangements for counting...

            4. 45.Paragraphs 42 and 44 apply instead of rule 54 of...

          2. Counting and separation of ballot papers by counting officer

            1. 46.(1) As soon as practicable after the close of the...

          3. Delivery of ballot papers etc to returning officers

            1. 47.(1) The counting officer must deliver or cause to be...

          4. Counting of votes

            1. 48.(1) The counting officer must count the votes given on...

          5. Ballot papers placed in wrong ballot box

            1. 49.Where separate ballot boxes are used for referendum ballot papers,...

        5. Declaration of result

          1. Declaration

            1. 50.The result of the referendum or the constituency or regional...

        6. Disposal of documents etc

          1. Packets of documents

            1. 51.(1) The counting officer may not open the sealed packets...

          2. Delivery and retention of documents

            1. 52.(1) Rules 50(1)(b) and 52 of the referendum rules apply...

            2. 53.Schedule 8 to the 2010 Order has effect—

          3. Countermand or abandonment of poll on death of candidate

            1. 54.(1) Where under rule 72(4), 75(2) or 77(1) of the...

        7. Provision of registers etc to counting officer

          1. Registers

            1. 55.Paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to the 2010 Order has...

          2. Absent voters lists

            1. 56.As soon as practicable after 5 pm on the 6th...

          3. Personal identifier information

            1. 57.Where proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot...

      2. PART 2 Application of provisions about issue and receipt of postal ballot papers

        1. 58.(1) For the purposes of the combined polls, Schedule 4...

      3. PART 3 Forms referred to in Parts 1 and 2

        1. Note - The forms contained in this Part may be...

        2. FORM 1 - FORM OF CORRESPONDING NUMBER LIST (TO BE USED FOR COMBINED POLLS)

        3. FORM 2 - FORM OF POSTAL VOTING STATEMENT (TO BE USED WHERE PROCEEDINGS ON ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS COMBINED)

        4. FORM 3 - FORM OF POSTAL VOTING STATEMENT (TO BE USED FOR REFERENDUM WHERE PROCEEDINGS ON ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS NOT COMBINED)

        5. FORM 4 - FORM OF POSTAL VOTING STATEMENT (TO BE USED FOR SCOTTISH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION WHERE PROCEEDINGS ON ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS NOT COMBINED)

        6. FORM 5 - FORM OF CORRESPONDING NUMBER LIST (TO BE USED IN POLLING STATIONS FOR COMBINED POLLS)

        7. FORM 6 - GUIDANCE FOR VOTERS TO BE EXHIBITED OUTSIDE AND INSIDE EVERY POLLING STATION

        8. FORM 7 - GUIDANCE FOR VOTERS TO BE EXHIBITED IN EVERY POLLING STATION COMPARTMENT

        9. FORM 8 - FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EMPLOYMENT

        10. FORM 9 - FORM OF DECLARATION TO BE MADE BY THE COMPANION OF A VOTER WITH DISABILITIES

        11. FORM 10 - STATEMENT AS TO POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS FOR THE REFERENDUM

    8. SCHEDULE 8

      Combination of polls: Northern Ireland

      1. PART 1 Provision about combination

        1. General provisions

          1. Interpretation

            1. 1.(1) An election the poll for which is, under section...

            2. 2.In this Schedule— “Assembly election” means an election to the...

          2. Cost of combined polls

            1. 3.The cost of taking the combined polls (excluding any cost...

          3. Publication of statement of persons nominated

            1. 4.(1) The statement of persons nominated at the relevant elections...

          4. Directions by Chief Counting Officer to Chief Electoral Officer

            1. 5.(1) The reference in paragraph 5(5)(a) of Schedule 1 to...

          5. Forms

            1. 6.Forms 2 to 5, 7 and 8 in Part 3...

        2. Action to be taken before poll

          1. Corresponding number lists

            1. 7.(1) This paragraph applies where the Chief Electoral Officer decides...

            2. 8.(1) This paragraph applies where the Chief Electoral Officer decides...

          2. Notice of polling stations

            1. 9.(1) The notice given under rule 11(3) of the referendum...

          3. Declarations of identity

            1. 10.(1) This paragraph applies where the Chief Electoral Officer decides...

            2. 11.(1) This paragraph applies where the Chief Electoral Officer decides...

          4. Colour of ballot papers

            1. 12.The ballot papers used for the referendum and for each...

          5. Polling stations

            1. 13.The referendum polling stations are to be used for the...

          6. Official poll cards

            1. 14.(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, the official...

          7. Ballot boxes

            1. 15.(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, the same...

          8. Form of corresponding number lists provided to polling stations

            1. 16.(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, the lists...

          9. Ballot paper displayed in polling stations

            1. 17.(1) The large version of the ballot paper displayed inside...

          10. Guidance to be exhibited outside and inside polling stations

            1. 18.(1) Rule 17 of the referendum rules has effect as...

        3. The poll

          1. Admission to the polling station

            1. 19.(1) Rule 21(1) of the referendum rules has effect as...

          2. Questions to be put to voters

            1. 20.(1) Rule 35 of the Assembly Elections Rules has effect...

          3. Voting procedure: copies of registers and lists of proxies

            1. 21.(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, the same...

            2. 22.(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, he or...

            3. 23.(1) This paragraph applies where the Chief Electoral Officer decides...

          4. List of votes marked by presiding officer

            1. 24.(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, a single...

          5. Declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities

            1. 25.(1) A declaration made by the companion of a voter...

          6. List of voters with disabilities assisted by companions

            1. 26.(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, a single...

          7. Tendered votes list

            1. 27.(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, a single...

          8. Lists relating to correction of errors on day of poll

            1. 28.(1) If the Chief Electoral Officer thinks fit, a single...

          9. Procedure on close of poll

            1. 29.(1) In rule 38(1) of the referendum rules the reference...

            2. 30.(1) A packet made up under one of the following...

            3. 31.(1) The ballot paper account prepared under one of the...

        4. Counting of votes

          1. Attendance and arrangements for counting

            1. 32.(1) The Chief Electoral Officer must make arrangements for carrying...

          2. Counting and separation of ballot papers

            1. 33.(1) As soon as practicable after the close of the...

          3. Counting of votes

            1. 34.(1) The Chief Electoral Officer must count the votes given...

          4. Application

            1. 35.Paragraphs 32 to 34 apply instead of—

          5. Ballot papers placed in wrong ballot box

            1. 36.Where separate ballot boxes are used for the referendum and...

        5. Declaration of result

          1. Declaration

            1. 37.The result of the referendum or a relevant election may...

        6. Disposal of documents etc

          1. Retention of certain documents by Chief Electoral Officer

            1. 38.(1) Where— (a) a combined list is prepared as mentioned...

            2. 39.Schedule 3 to the Local Elections (Northern Ireland) Order 2010...

          2. Countermand or abandonment of poll

            1. 40.(1) Where— (a) under rule 60 or 63 of the...

      2. PART 2 Postal voting

        1. Interpretation

          1. 41.In this Part— “the 2008 Regulations” means— the Representation of...

        2. Attendance at proceedings on issue and receipt of postal ballot papers

          1. 42.(1) This paragraph applies where the Chief Electoral Officer decides...

        3. Procedure on issue of postal ballot papers

          1. 43.(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) the Chief Electoral Officer...

        4. Provisions requiring declaration of identity to indicate colours of ballot papers

          1. 44.(1) The provisions listed in sub-paragraph (3) do not apply...

        5. Envelopes

          1. 45.(1) This paragraph applies where the Chief Electoral Officer decides...

        6. Spoilt postal ballot papers

          1. 46.(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) the Chief Electoral Officer...

        7. Opening of postal voters' ballot box

          1. 47.The following provisions have effect as if for the words...

        8. Opening of ballot paper envelopes

          1. 48.(1) This paragraph applies where the Chief Electoral Officer decides...

        9. Countermand or abandonment of poll for relevant election

          1. 49.The following provisions do not apply where the Chief Electoral...

        10. Retention of documents

          1. 50.(1) This paragraph applies where the Chief Electoral Officer decides...

      3. PART 3 Forms referred to in Part 1

        1. Note - The forms contained in this Part may be...

        2. FORM 1 - FORM OF CORRESPONDING NUMBER LIST (TO BE USED FOR COMBINED POLLS)

        3. FORM 2 - FORM OF DECLARATION OF IDENTITY (TO BE USED WHERE PROCEEDINGS ON ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS COMBINED)

        4. FORM 3 - FORM OF DECLARATION OF IDENTITY (TO BE USED FOR REFERENDUM WHERE PROCEEDINGS ON ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS NOT COMBINED)

        5. FORM 4 - FORM OF DECLARATION OF IDENTITY (TO BE USED FOR NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY ELECTION WHERE PROCEEDINGS ON ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS NOT COMBINED)

        6. FORM 5 - FORM OF DECLARATION OF IDENTITY (TO BE USED FOR LOCAL ELECTION WHERE PROCEEDINGS ON ISSUE AND RECEIPT OF POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS NOT COMBINED)

        7. FORM 6 - FORM OF CORRESPONDING NUMBER LIST (TO BE USED IN POLLING STATIONS FOR COMBINED POLLS)

        8. FORM 7 - GUIDANCE FOR VOTERS TO BE EXHIBITED OUTSIDE EVERY POLLING STATION AND IN EVERY COMPARTMENT INSIDE

        9. FORM 8 - FORM OF DECLARATION TO BE MADE BY THE COMPANION OF A VOTER WITH DISABILITIES

    9. SCHEDULE 9

      Control of loans etc to permitted participants

      1. The Schedule referred to in section 6(1) is as follows—...

    10. SCHEDULE 10

      The alternative vote system: further amendments

      1. PART 1 Amendments of the parliamentary elections rules

        1. 1.Schedule 1 to the 1983 Act (parliamentary elections rules) is...

        2. 2.For rule 18 (poll to be taken by ballot) there...

        3. 3.In rule 29 (equipment of polling stations), in paragraph (5),...

        4. 4.In rule 44 (attendance at counting of votes), in paragraph...

        5. 5.(1) In rule 46 (re-count), for paragraph (1) there is...

        6. 6.(1) In rule 47 (rejected ballot papers), in the heading...

        7. 7.For rule 49 (equality of votes), and the heading, there...

        8. 8.In rule 50 (declaration of result), in paragraph (1), for...

        9. 9.In rule 53 (return or forfeiture of candidate's deposit), in...

        10. 10.(1) In rule 61 (deceased independent candidate wins), in paragraph...

        11. 11.(1) For rule 62 (deceased independent candidate with equality of...

        12. 12.(1) The Appendix of forms is amended as follows.

      2. PART 2 Amendments of other provisions of the 1983 Act

        1. 13.The 1983 Act is amended as follows.

        2. 14.(1) In section 66 (requirement of secrecy), in subsection (2)(b),...

        3. 15.In section 113 (bribery), in subsection (7)—

        4. 16.In section 114 (treating), at the end there is inserted—...

        5. 17.In section 115 (undue influence), at the end there is...

        6. 18.(1) In section 117 (savings as to parliamentary elections), in...

        7. 19.(1) In section 139 (trial of election petition), in subsection...

        8. 20.In section 165 (avoidance of election for employing corrupt agent),...

        9. 21.In section 166 (votes to be struck off for corrupt...

        10. 22.In section 199B (translations etc of certain documents), in subsection...

      3. PART 3 Amendments of other enactments

        1. Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986

          1. 23.In Schedule 2A to the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 (public...

        2. Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000

          1. 24.In section 3A of the 2000 Act (four Electoral Commissioners...

    11. SCHEDULE 11

      Public hearings about Boundary Commission proposals

      1. The Schedule referred to in section 12(2) is as follows—...

    12. SCHEDULE 12

      Repeals

      1. PART 1 Voting system for parliamentary elections

      2. PART 2 Parliamentary constituencies

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