Part 1Local government elections
Observers
8Observers: individuals
1
A person who is aged 16 or over may apply to the returning officer for a local government election for permission to be an observer at any of the following proceedings relating to the election—
a
proceedings at the issue or receipt of postal ballot papers,
b
proceedings at the poll,
c
proceedings at the counting of votes.
2
If the returning officer grants the permission sought, the applicant may attend and observe the proceedings referred to in subsection (1).
3
An application under subsection (1) must be made in the manner specified in the code of practice issued under section 11.
4
The returning officer may at any time revoke any permission granted under this section.
5
If the returning officer—
a
refuses an application under subsection (1), or
b
revokes the permission granted under this section,
the officer’s decision together with reasons for the refusal or revocation must be given to the applicant.
6
The decision and reasons under subsection (5) must be given by the returning officer in the manner specified in the code of practice issued under section 11.
7
The rights conferred by subsection (2) are subject to any enactment which regulates attendance at the proceedings in question.