Local Elections (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2002

Validity of declaration of identity

8.—(1) Rule 45 (preliminary proceedings and conduct of the count) of the local elections rules is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (2), the words from “it is returned” to the end are to be sub-paragraph (a) of that paragraph, and after “authenticated” there is inserted

• “, and

  (b)

  in the case of an elector, that declaration of identity states the date of birth of the elector and the returning officer is satisfied that the date corresponds with the date supplied as the date of the elector’s birth pursuant to section 10(4A)(b), 10A(1A)(b) or section 13A(2A)(b) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (as applied by Schedule 1 to the Elected Authorities (Northern Ireland) Act 1989).”.

(3) After paragraph (2) there is inserted—

“(2A) In the case of an elector, unless section 10(4B), 10A(1B) or 13A(2B) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (as applied by Schedule 1 to the Elected Authorities (Northern Ireland) Act 1989) applies, the declaration of identity referred to in paragraph (2) shall be taken not to be duly signed unless the returning officer is satisfied that the signature on the declaration corresponds with the signature supplied as the elector’s signature pursuant to section 10(4A)(a), 10A(1A)(a) or 13A(2A)(a) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (as so applied)”.