Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001

Lost postal ballot papers

78.—(1) Where a postal voter has not received his postal ballot paper by the fourth day before the day of the poll, he may apply (whether or not in person) to the returning officer for a replacement ballot paper.

(2) Such an application shall include evidence of the voter’s identity.

(3) Where the application is received by the returning officer before 5 p.m. on the day before the day of the poll and the returning officer—

(a) is satisfied as to the voter’s identity, and

(b) has no reason to doubt that the postal voter did not receive the original postal ballot paper,

he shall issue another postal ballot paper or, as the case may be, postal ballot papers.

(4) The returning officer shall enter in a list kept for the purpose (“the list of lost postal ballot papers”)—

(a) the name and number of the elector as stated in the register;

(b) the number of the postal ballot paper issued under this regulation; and

(c) where the postal voter whose ballot paper is lost is a proxy, his name and address.

(5) Regulations 72 (except paragraph (3)), 74, 75 and, subject to paragraph (6) below, 76 above shall apply to the issue of a replacement postal ballot paper under paragraph (3) above.

(6) Where a postal ballot voter applies in person, the returning officer may hand a replacement ballot paper to him instead of delivering it in accordance with regulation 76 above.