The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) Order 2017

Countermand or abandonment of poll on death of a candidate

65.—(1) If at a contested election proof is given to the returning officer’s satisfaction before the result of the election is declared that one of the persons named or to be named as candidate in the ballot papers has died, then the returning officer must countermand notice of the poll or, if polling has begun, direct that the poll be abandoned, and the provisions of subsections (1) and (5) of section 39 (local elections void etc. in England and Wales) of the 1983 Act apply in respect of any vacancy which remains unfilled.

(2) Neither the countermand of the poll at the combined authority mayoral election nor the direction that the poll be abandoned shall affect the poll at each relevant election or referendum.

(3) Where the poll at the combined authority mayoral election is abandoned by reason of a candidate’s death no further ballot papers shall be issued.

(4) Subject to paragraph (6), at the close of the poll at any relevant election or referendum the presiding officer must take the like steps (so far as not already taken) for the delivery to the returning officer of ballot boxes and ballot papers and other documents as he would be required to do if the poll at the combined authority mayoral election had not been abandoned.

(5) The returning officer must dispose of ballot papers used at the combined authority mayoral election (at which the candidate has died) as he is required to do on the completion in due course of the counting of the votes subject to paragraphs (6) and (7).

(6) It is not necessary for any ballot paper account at that election to be prepared or verified.

(7) The returning officer, having separated the ballot papers relating to each relevant election or referendum must take no step or further step for the counting of the ballot papers used at the combined authority mayoral election (at which a candidate has died) or of the votes cast at that mayoral election.

(8) The returning officer must seal up all those ballot papers used at the combined authority mayoral election, 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.

(9) The provisions of these Rules as to the inspection, production, retention and destruction of ballot papers and other documents by the relevant registration officer relating to a poll at the combined authority mayoral election apply to any such documents relating to a poll abandoned by reason of a candidate’s death, subject to paragraphs (10) and (11).

(10) Ballot papers on which the votes were neither counted nor rejected must be treated as counted ballot papers.

(11) No order is to be made for—

(a) the inspection or production of any ballot papers, or

(b) for the opening of a sealed packet of the completed corresponding number lists or of certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll,

unless the order is made by a court with reference to a prosecution.