Changes to legislation:

Representation of the People Act 1983, Introductory Text is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 27 April 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.

Changes to Legislation

Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.

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Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Act associated Parts and Chapters:

Act Representation of the People Acts amended by 1985 c. 50 Sch. 1 para. 24
Act power to amend conferred by 2009 c. 12 s. 34(3)(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l))
Blanket amendment words substituted by S.I. 2011/1043 art. 3 4

Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):

s. 9(2A) inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(2)
s. 9E(1A) inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(4)
s. 9ZA inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(3)
s. 10(4C) (4D) inserted by 2009 c. 12 s. 33(3)(e) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l))
s. 10A(1C) (1D) inserted by 2009 c. 12 s. 33(5)(d) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l))
s. 10ZE(2A) inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(5)(a)
s. 10ZE(4A) inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(5)(c)
s. 10ZE(5A)-(5C) inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(5)(d)
s. 13A(1)(zc) inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(6)
s. 13A(2C) (2D) inserted by 2009 c. 12 s. 33(6)(d) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l))
s. 16(1)(e) words substituted by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 1(5)
s. 16(1)(e) words substituted by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 1(6)
s. 49(5)(b)(iiia) inserted by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 1(8)(a)
s. 56(1)(azaa) inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(9)
s. 62C applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2012/2031, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 Table 1 (as amended) by S.I. 2023/1141 reg. 7(2)(a)
s. 62C applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2012/2031, Sch. 8 Table 1 (as amended) by S.I. 2023/1141 reg. 7(3)(a)
s. 62C applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2012/323, Sch. 4 Table 1 (as amended) by S.I. 2023/1141 reg. 5(a)
s. 62C applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2012/444, Sch. 4 Table 1 (as amended) by S.I. 2023/1141 reg. 6(a)
s. 62C inserted by 2023 c. 12 s. 1
s. 63(3)(ba) inserted by 2006 c. 22 s. 7 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. S. 7 repealed (2.4.2013) without ever being in force by 2013 c. 6, s. 23; S.I. 2013/702, art. 3(e))
s. 81(4A) (4B) inserted by 2006 asp 14 s. 19(2)
s. 113(7)(b)(c) inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 15(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
s. 114(4) inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 16 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
s. 115(3) inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 17 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
s. 139(6A) inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 19(2) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
s. 165(3A) inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 20 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
s. 201(2B) inserted by 2009 c. 12 s. 33(9) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l))
s. 203A applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2001/2599, Sch. 1 table (as amended) by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 11(3)
s. 203A 203B applied by 1989 c. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (as amended) by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 9(4)
s. 203B applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2001/2599, Sch. 1 table (as amended) by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 11(3)
Sch. 1 rule 37A inserted by 2011 c. 1 s. 9(1) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. S. 9 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(a))
Sch. 1 rule 45A 45B inserted by 2011 c. 1 s. 9(2) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. S. 9 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(a))
Sch. 1 rule 46(3) inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 5(3) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 47(3A)(3B) inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(4) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 40(1B)(a) repealed by 2006 c. 22 Sch. 2
Sch. 1 rule 18 substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 2 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 47(4)(d) substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(5)(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 61(2)(c) substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 10(3) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 62 substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 11(1) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 47(1)(aa)(b) substituted for Sch. 1 rule 47(1)(b) by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(2)(a) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 47(2)-(2E) substituted for Sch. 1 rule 47(2) by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(3) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 47(4)(aa)(b) substituted for Sch. 1 rule 47(4)(b) by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(5)(a) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 49 49A substituted for Sch. 1 rule 49 by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 7 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 50(1)(a)(aa)(ab)(b)(c) substituted for Sch. 1 rule 50(1)(a)-(c) by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 8 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 61(2)(a)(aa) substituted for Sch. 1 rule 61(2)(a) by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 10(2) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 46(1)(1A) substituted for rule 46(1) by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 5(1) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 46(2) words inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 5(2) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 47 heading words inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(1) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 29(5) words substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 3 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 44(5) words substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 4 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 47(1) words substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(2)(c) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 47(1)(d) words substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(2)(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 53(4) words substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 9 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 1 rule 61(1) words substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 10(1) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
Sch. 2 para. 1(4ZA)-(4ZC) inserted by 2009 c. 12 s. 33(10)(a) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l))
Sch. 2 para. 1(6A) inserted by 2009 c. 12 s. 33(10)(e) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l))
Sch. 2 para. 5C inserted by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 4 para. 5
Sch. 6A applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2001/2599, Sch. 1 table (as inserted) by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 11(4)
Sch. 6A applied by 1989 c. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (as amended) by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 9(4)

Representation of the People Act 1983

1983 CHAPTER 2

An Act to consolidate the Representation of the People Acts of 1949, 1969, 1977, 1978, and 1980, the Electoral Registers Acts of 1949 and 1953, the Elections (Welsh Forms) Act 1964, Part III of the Local Government Act 1972, sections 6 to 10 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the Representation of the People (Armed Forces) Act 1976, the Returning Officers (Scotland) Act 1977, section 3 of the Representation of the People Act 1981, section 62 of and Schedule 2 tothe Mental Health (Amendment) Act 1982, and connected provisions; and to repeal as obsolete the Representation of the People Act 1979 and other enactments related to the Representation of the People Acts.

[8th February 1983]

X1Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Editorial Information

X1In this Act references to constituency are to be construed as mentioned in Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 (c. 56, SIF 42), s. 1(2)

Extent Information

E1Act extends to the United Kingdom, but see s. 205(2) for minor exclusions

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1Act applied by S.R. 1989/48 art. 2, Sch. Pt. VII para. 38(4)

Act applied (8.11.1994) by 1994 c. 39, ss. 5(1), 7(2); S.I. 1994/2850, art. 2, Sch. 1

Act applied (with modifications) (temp. from 6.1.1995 until 1.4.1996) by S.I. 1994/3255, arts. 4-7, Schs. II-IV

Act applied (with modifications) (19.3.1998) by S.I. 1998/746, art. 12, Sch. 1 Table 1

Act applied (with modifications) (28.5.1998) by S.I. 1998/1287, arts. 1(2)(a), 3(1)(3)(5), Sch. 1; S.I. 1998/1313, art. 2

Act applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (1.2.2002) by The Local Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/185), reg. 3(2), Sch. 2

Act applied (24.10.2002) by European Parliamentary Elections Act 2002 (c. 24), ss. 9(3), 18(2)

Act applied (with modifications) (9.7.2003) by The Local and European Parliamentary Elections (Registration of Citizens of Accession States) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1557), reg. 2

Act applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (27.3.2007) by The Local Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/1024), reg. 3(2)(3)(a)(4), Sch. 2 (with Sch. 4 para. 9) (as amended (E.W.) (6.4.2014) by S.I. 2014/370, reg. 6(3) (with reg. 1(2)) and (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 44 (with reg. 1(6)(7)); and (26.3.2024) by The Representation of the People (Variation of Election Expenses and Exclusions) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/428), regs. 1(1)(b), 3 (with reg. 6))

Act applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (31.1.2017) by The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/67), art. 3(2)-(4), Sch. 2 (as amended (16.1.2023) by S.I. 2022/1382, regs. 1(3), 95 (with reg. 1(6)(7)); (31.1.2024) by S.I. 2023/1147, regs. 1(3)(g), 20(5)(a)) and (7.2.2024) by S.I. 2024/131, regs. 1(3), 12(2))

C2Act amended (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/1091, reg. 51(6)

Act amended (E.W.) by S.I. 1986/1081, reg. 51(6) (which S.I. was revoked (23.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/294, reg. 3)

Act amended by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50), s. 9(3)

Act amended by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50), s. 27(2)

Act amended (N.I.) (prosp.) by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50), s. 10, Sch. 1 para. 24

Act amended (N.I.) by Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985 (c. 2), s. 4

C3Act extended (N.I.) with modifications by Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985 (c. 2), s. 3(7)

Act: specified provisions extended (with modifications) (23.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/1214, reg. 3(1)(4)(7), Sch. 1 (which S.I. was revoked (23.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/293, reg. 126)

Act (except ss. 67-70) (as extended by reg. 3(1)(4)(7), Sch. 1 of the amending S.I.) modified by S.I. 1999/1214, reg. 10(9), 11(9) (which S.I. was revoked (23.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/293, reg. 126)

C4Act: power to apply conferred by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50), s. 3(7)(b)

Act: power to apply conferred (19.11.1998) by 1998 c. 46, s. 12(4)(5)

Act: power to apply or incorporate conferred (1.12.1998) by 1998 c. 38, s. 11(3)(a); S.I. 1998/2789, art. 2

C5Act modified by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50), s. 20(2)(b)

Act modified (17.2.1994) by S.I. 1994/342, arts. 1(2), 18(1)(b)

Act modified (23.3.2004) by The European Parliamentary Elections Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/293), reg. 10, Sch. 2 paras. 2(7)(b), 7(3)

C6Act continued (with modifications) by S.I. 2001/1298, reg. 10(1)(c)

C7Act (except ss. 6-10): functions transferred (25.11.2002) by The Transfer of Functions (Transport, Local Government and the Regions) Order 2002 (S.I. 2002/2626), art. 11(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 12, 13)

Act (except s. 161): functions transferred (19.8.2003) by The Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1887), art. 4, Sch. 1

C8Act: s. 46(1)-(4) construed as part of the amending Act (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 46(5), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(v) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 4

C9Act: power to amend conferred (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 72, 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 10 (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2)

Act: power to amend conferred (25.7.2006) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 1(2)(a), 31(1)

C10Act: power to modify conferred by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), s. 160(1), s. 4(4)(a), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) of the amending Act, which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007) - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)(5) of the amending Act.

Act: power to modify conferred by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), s. 160(1), s. 13(4)(5), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(4)(5) of the amending Act, which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007) - see ss. 46, 161(1)(4)(5) of the amending Act.

C11Act applied (E.W.) (5.3.2008) by The Cheshire (Structural Changes) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/634), art. 13(6)

C12Act: power to amend conferred (prosp.) by Political Parties and Elections Act 2009 (c. 12), ss. 34(3)(b), 43(1)

C13Act: certain functions made exercisable concurrently (18.8.2010) by The Lord President of the Council Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1837), arts. 1(2), 3

C14Act applied in part (with modifications) (16.2.2011) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), Sch. 4 para. 1(1)

C15Act modified (16.2.2011 for N.I.) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), Sch. 3 para. 19(3)

C16Act modified (16.2.2011 for E.W.S.) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), Sch. 3 para. 8(3)

C17Act: power to apply or incorporate (with modifications) conferred (15.9.2011) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 58(1)-(3)(7)

C18Act: power to apply or incorporate (with modifications) conferred (25.4.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), ss. 54(2)-(5), 157(1); S.I. 2012/1129, art. 2(b)

C19Act modified (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 5 para. 30(5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(n); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(m)

C20Act applied in part (E.W.S.) (19.9.2014) by The Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (Transitional Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/3197), art. 14(2)(b)

C21Act functions transferred (22.6.2015) by The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1376), arts. 1(2), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 9)

C22Act functions transferred (9.11.2016) by The Transfer of Functions (Elections, Referendums, Third Sector and Information) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/997), arts. 1(2), 3(1), Sch. 1 para. (a) (with arts. 3(2), 6, 12)