The Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 1997

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) Regulations 1986 and extend to Northern Ireland only.

Regulation 64 of the 1986 Regulations sets out the additional requirements which apply where a person applies for an absent vote for an indefinite period on the grounds of physical incapacity. Regulation 64(2) makes provision for the attestation of such applications. Regulation 4 of these Regulations amends regulation 64(2) to allow any registered nurse to attest such an application (instead of a first level nurse). It also amends that regulation to take account of changes to the law about residential care homes and nursing homes in Northern Ireland made by the Registered Homes (Northern Ireland) Order 1992.

Regulations 66(6) and 69 of the 1986 Regulations set out the time by which applications relating to absent voting must be received by the registration officer in order to be effective at a particular election. Regulation 5 of these Regulations extends the deadline in respect of most applications from noon on the thirteenth working day before the day of the poll to 5 p.m. on the eleventh working day before the day of the poll. In the case of applications falling within regulation 66(6) (late applications for an absent vote at a particular election because of unforeseen circumstances relating to the applicant’s health) the deadline is extended from noon on the sixth working day before the day of the poll to 5 p.m. on the sixth day.