Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2)

SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 1 U.K.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Parliamentary election rules modified (N.I.) (prosp.) by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 10, Sch. 1 paras. 8–23

C2 Paras. 3–7 of Pt. II of Sch. 1 to Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42) have effect (N.I.) (prosp.) by virtue of s. 10 of, and Sch. 1 para. 2 to, that Act as additional rules in Sch. 1 to this Act

C3 Sch. 1 applied with modifications (S.) by S.I. 1986/2213, Rules 2, 5

Sch. 1 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (28.4.1999) by 1985 c. 50, s. 15(1)(2) (as applied (with modifications) (28.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/1214, reg. 8, Sch. 3) (which S.I. was revoked (23.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/293, reg. 126)

C4 Sch. 1 modified (E.W.) by S.I. 1986/1081, regs. 2, 97, 98, 100 (which S.I. was revoked (23.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/294, reg. 3)

C5 Sch. 1 extended (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 6(1)-(4)

C6 Sch. 1 modified (N.I.) (10.4.2001) by Elections Act 2001 (c. 7), s. 4, Sch. (as amended (16.12.2010) by S.I. 2010/2977, arts. 2(2), 6; (15.9.2014) by S.I. 2014/1116, arts. 1(1), 9; and (4.4.2024) by S.I. 2024/382, art. 1(2), Sch. 5 (with art. 1(3)))

C7 Sch. 1 modified (S.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) Regulations 1986 (S.I. 1986/1111), regs. 2, 95, 96, 98 (as amended (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 36 (with reg. 1(6)(7)))

C8 Sch. 1 modified (E.W.) (23.3.2004) by The Representation of the People (Combination of Polls) (England and Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/294), reg. 8, Sch. 2 (as amended (22.5.2014) by S.I. 2014/920, regs. 1(1), 2(7), 3-6; (7.5.2015) by S.I. 2015/654, regs. 1(1), 2); (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 37 (with reg. 1(6)(7)) and (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 4)

Appendix of forms U.K.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 Appendix of Forms applied (with modifications) (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

Appendix of Forms applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Appendix of Forms applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(6)(d)(7)

C10 Appendix of Forms applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)-(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C11 Appendix of Forms applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Appendix of Forms applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)

Note.—The forms contained in this Appendix may be adapted so far as circumstances require.

Form of writ U.K.

• *Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith to the Returning Officer for the    Constituency Greeting

• †Whereas F1 ...[F2 Parliament has dissolved] We Command you that due notice being first given you do cause election to be made according to law of a Member to serve in Parliament for the said   Constituency [F3 [‡]]

• And that you do cause the name of such Member when so elected, whether he be present or absent, to be certified to Us in Our Chancery without delay

• Witness Ourself at Westminster the   day of   in the   year of Our Reign, and in the year of Our Lord 19   .

• *The name of the sovereign may be altered when necessary.

• †This preamble to be omitted except in case of a general election.   

• [F3 ‡Except in a general election insert here (as applicable): “ as a result of a successful recall petition under the Recall of MPs Act 2015 ” or “in the place of [A.B.], deceased” or otherwise, stating the cause of vacancy.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms omitted (24.3.2022) by virtue of Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022 (c. 11), s. 6(3), Sch. para. 8(4)

F2 Words in Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms substituted (15.9.2011) by Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 (c. 14), s. 7(2), Sch. para. 13 (with s. 6)

F3 Words in Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms substituted (4.3.2016) by Recall of MPs Act 2015 (c. 25), s. 24(3), Sch. 6 para. 1(2); S.I. 2016/290, reg. 2

Label or direction of writ U.K.

To the Returning Officer for the   Constituency.

A writ of a new election of a Member for the said Constituency.

Endorsement U.K.

Received the within Writ on the   day of   , 19   .

(Signed)

Returning Officer (or as the case may be.)

Certificate endorsed on writ U.K.

I hereby certify, that the Member elected for the   Constituency in pursuance of the within written Writ is   of   in the County of  

(Signed)

Returning Officer (or as the case may be.)

[F4 Note: in relation to any constituency in Wales, “county” in this form refers to a preserved county (as defined by section 64 of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994).]

Textual Amendments

F4 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of certificate to be endorsed on writ: words inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 1(3), Sch. 2 para. 12(2) (with ss. 54(4)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/3198, art. 3, Sch. 1

F5 Form of notice of election U.K.

Textual Amendments

F5 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms: Form of notice of election repealed by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 28, Sch. 5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Form of nomination paper U.K.

ELECTION OF A MEMBER to serve in Parliament for the Constituency.

We the undersigned, being electors for the said Constituency, do hereby nominate the undermentioned person as a candidate at the said election.

F6 [F7 Candidate's surname	Other names in full	Commonly used surname (if any)	Commonly used forenames (if any)	Description (if any)
SULLIVAN	Arthur Seymour	GILBERT	W. S.	Independent]

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of nomination paper: in first Table following the words "candidate at the said election", the final column (home address) is repealed (4.9.2009) by Political Parties and Elections Act 2009 (c. 12), ss. 39, 43(1), Sch. 6 para. 8(6)(a), Sch. 7; S.I. 2009/2395, art. 2 (with art. 3)

F7 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of nomination paper: Table substituted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 21(4), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(h) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 4

Signatures	Electoral Number (See Note 3)
	Distinctive letter	Number
Proposer
Seconder
We, the undersigned, being electors for the said Constituency, do hereby assent to the foregoing nomination.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

NOTE U.K.

1 U.K. The attention of candidates and electors is drawn to the rules for filling up nomination papers and other provisions relating to nomination contained in the parliamentary elections rules in Schedule 1 to the Representation of the M1 People Act 1983.

Marginal Citations

M1 1983 c. 2.

2 U.K. Where a candidate is commonly known by some title he may be described by his title as if it were his surname.

[F8 [F9 2A U.K. Where a candidate commonly uses a name or names—

(a) that are different from the candidate’s full names as stated on the nomination paper, or

(b) in a different way from the candidate’s full names as stated on the nomination paper,

the commonly used name or names may also appear on the nomination paper; but if they do so, the commonly used name or names (instead of any other name) will appear on the ballot paper.]

Textual Amendments

F8 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of nomination paper, Note: paras. 2A, 2B inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 21(5), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(h) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 4

F9 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of nomination paper, Note 2A substituted (1.11.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), ss. 10(4), 67(1); S.I. 2023/1145, reg. 3(b) (with Sch. para. 1(2))

2B U.K. But the ballot paper will show the other name if the returning officer thinks—

(a) that the use of the commonly used name may be likely to mislead or confuse electors, or

(b) that the commonly used name is obscene or offensive.]

Textual Amendments

F8 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of nomination paper, Note: paras. 2A, 2B inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 21(5), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(h) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 4

F10 3 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of nomination paper: Note 3 repealed (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, ss. 8(a), 15(2), Sch. 1 para. 23(3)(a), Sch. 7 Pt. I; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (with art. 2(4))

4 U.K. An elector may not subscribe more than one nomination paper for the same election.

5 U.K. A person whose name is entered in the register F11 . . . may not subscribe a nomination paper if the entry gives as the date on which he will become of voting age a date later than the day fixed for the poll.

Textual Amendments

F11 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of nomination paper: words in Note 5 omitted (16.2.2001) by virtue of 2000 c. 2, s. 8(a), Sch. 1 para. 23(3)(b) and the words "electors lists" repealed (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 15(2), Sch. 7 Pt. I; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (with art. 2(4))

Form of Ballot Paper U.K.

F12 F13 Form of Front of Ballot Paper

Textual Amendments

F12 Sch. 1 Form of Front of Ballot Paper substituted (10.3.2015) by The Representation of the People (Ballot Paper) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/656), regs. 1(1), 2, Sch. 1 (with reg. 1(2))

F13 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of Front of Ballot Paper: the words "(address in [relevant area])” substituted for the address after "Catherine Angelina Smith" (1.11.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), ss. 11(3), 67(1); S.I. 2023/1145, reg. 3(b) (with Sch. para. 1(2))

F14 Form of Back of Ballot Paper

Textual Amendments

F14 Sch. 1 Form of Back of Ballot Paper substituted (10.3.2015) by The Representation of the People (Ballot Paper) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/656), regs. 1(1), 3, Sch. 1 (with reg. 1(2))

[F15 Directions as to printing the ballot paper U.K.

Textual Amendments

F15 Sch. 1 Directions as to printing the ballot paper substituted (10.3.2015) by The Representation of the People (Ballot Paper) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/656), regs. 1(1), 4, Sch. 2 (with reg. 1(2))

1. U.K. Nothing is to be printed on the ballot paper except in accordance with these directions.

2. U.K. So far as is practicable, the arrangements set out in paragraphs 3 to 13 must be observed in the printing of the ballot paper.

3. U.K. No word may be printed on the face except:

(a) the heading “Election of the Member of Parliament for the …………... constituency”;

(b) within that heading, the name of the constituency;

(c) the direction “Vote for only one candidate by putting a cross [X] in the box next to your choice”;

(d) the particulars of the candidates; and

(e) words forming part of the emblems mentioned at paragraph 10 below.

4. U.K. A box must be printed around:

(a) the heading and name referred to in paragraph 3(a) and (b); and

(b) the direction referred to in paragraph 3(c);

and the direction referred to in paragraph 3(c) must be separated from the heading and name referred to in paragraph 3(a) and (b) by a horizontal rule extending across the box.

5. U.K. No rule may be printed on the face except:

(a) as part of the box referred to in paragraph 4;

(b) the horizontal rule referred to in that paragraph;

(c) a horizontal rule above the particulars of the first candidate;

(d) horizontal rules separating the particulars of the candidates from one another;

(e) a horizontal rule below the particulars of the last candidate;

(f) as part of the boxes on the right-hand side of the ballot paper where the vote is to be marked.

6. U.K. The horizontal rules referred to in paragraph 5(c), (d) and (e) must be equally spaced and the space between each of them must be a minimum of 2.5 centimetres.

7. U.K. The boxes referred to in paragraph 5(f) must not touch any horizontal rule and each one must be equidistant between the horizontal rule above it and the horizontal rule below it.

8. U.K. Each of the horizontal rules referred to in paragraph 5(c) and (d) must extend from a point level with the text on the left-hand side of the page to a point directly above the centre of the box below that rule.

9. U.K. The horizontal rule referred to in paragraph 5(e) must:

(a) extend from a point level with the text on the left-hand side of the page to a point directly below the right-hand edge of the box above that rule; and

(b) be thicker than the other horizontal rules.

10. U.K. Where a registered emblem is to be printed against a candidate’s particulars:

(a) it must be printed adjacent to and to the right of the candidate’s particulars; and

(b) its size as printed must not exceed 2 centimetres square.

11. U.K. All the words on the front of the ballot paper must appear in the same large type except that:

(a) the heading and name referred to in paragraph 3(a) and (b) must appear in very large and bold type;

(b) in the direction referred to in paragraph 3(c), the words “only one candidate” must appear in very large and bold type;

(c) the remainder of that direction must appear in very large type;

(d) the names of the candidates and the descriptions, if any, must appear in bold type.

12. U.K. The surname of each candidate must appear in capitals and the candidates’ other names must be in lower case with initial capitals.

13. U.K. The number and other unique identifying mark must be printed close to each other on the back of the ballot paper.]

[F16 Form of directions for the guidance of the voters in voting U.K.GUIDANCE FOR VOTERS U.K.

Textual Amendments

F16 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms: Form of directions for the guidance of the voters in voting substituted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 47, 77, Sch. 1 para. 93(3); S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(w)(bb)(iii) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 4

[F17 1 U.K. You must satisfy the presiding officer about your identity by showing an approved form of ID.]

Textual Amendments

F17 Sch. 1: Appendix of Forms para. 1 inserted (16.1.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(1), Sch. 1 para. 33(2); S.I. 2022/1401, reg. 2(d)(xiv) (with reg. 3(1))

[F18 2.] U.K. When you are given a ballot paper go to one of the compartments. Mark a cross (X) in the box on the right hand side of the ballot paper opposite the name of the candidate you are voting for.

Textual Amendments

F18 Sch. 1: Appendix of Forms para. 1 renumbered as para. 2 (16.1.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(1), Sch. 1 para. 33(3); S.I. 2022/1401, reg. 2(d)(xiv) (with reg. 3(1))

[F19 3] U.K. Vote for one candidate only. Put no other mark on the ballot paper, or your vote may not be counted. Do not let anyone see your vote.

Textual Amendments

F19 Sch. 1: Appendix of Forms para. 2 renumbered as para. 3 (16.1.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(1), Sch. 1 para. 33(3); S.I. 2022/1401, reg. 2(d)(xiv) (with reg. 3(1))

[F20 4.] U.K. Fold the ballot paper in two. Show the back of the ballot paper to the presiding officer so as to disclose the number and other unique identifying mark. Put the ballot paper in the ballot box and leave the polling station.

Textual Amendments

F20 Sch. 1: Appendix of Forms para. 3 renumbered as para. 4 (16.1.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(1), Sch. 1 para. 33(3); S.I. 2022/1401, reg. 2(d)(xiv) (with reg. 3(1))

[F21 5.] U.K. If by mistake you spoil a ballot paper, show it to the presiding officer and ask for another one.]

Textual Amendments

F21 Sch. 1: Appendix of Forms para. 4 renumbered as para. 5 (16.1.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(1), Sch. 1 para. 33(3); S.I. 2022/1401, reg. 2(d)(xiv) (with reg. 3(1))

Form of declaration to be made by the companion of a [F22 voter with disabilities] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F22 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms: words in Form of declaration to be made by the companion of a blind voter substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(1)(4)(a); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)

F23 ... U.K.

I, A. B., of    , having been requested to assist C. D., (in the case of a [F24 voter with disabilities] voting as proxy add voting as proxy for M. N.) whose number on the register is   to record his vote at the election now being held in this constituency, hereby declare that [F25 I am aged 18 or over] and that I have not previously assisted any [F26 voter with disabilities] [except E. F., of   ] to vote at the said election.

(Signed) A. B.,

   day of   19   .

I, the undersigned, being the presiding officer for the   polling station for the   Consitiuency, hereby certify that the above declaration, having been first read to the above-named declarant, was signed by the declarant in my presence.

(Signed) G. H.,

   day of   19   .

  minutes past   o’clock [a.m.] [p.m.]

[F27 NOTE 1.]If the person making the above declaration knowingly and wilfully makes therein a statement false in a material particular, he will be guilty of an offence.

[F28 2. A voter with disabilities is a voter who has made a declaration under the parliamentary elections rules that he is so incapacitated by his blindness or other incapacity, or by his inability to read, as to be unable to vote without assistance.]

Textual Amendments

F23 Words in Sch. 1 Appendix of forms omitted (29.12.2022) by virtue of Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), ss. 9(4)(b), 67(1); S.I. 2022/1270, reg. 2(a) (with reg. 3)

F24 Appendix of forms: words in “form of declaration to be made by the companion of a blind person” substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(1)(4)(a); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)

F25 Words in Sch. 1 Appendix of forms substituted (29.12.2022) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), ss. 9(4)(a), 67(1); S.I. 2022/1270, reg. 2(a) (with reg. 3)

F26 Appendix of forms: words in “form of declaration to be made by the companion of a blind person” substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(1)(4)(a); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)

F27 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of declaration to be made by the companion of a blind voter: Note renumbered as Note 1(16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(5)(b); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)

F28 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of declaration to be made by the companion of a blind voter: Note 2 inserted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(5)(b); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)