The Representation of the People (Proxy Vote Applications) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2022

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations extend the expiry date for certain amendments made by the Representation of the People (Proxy Vote Applications) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/391) (“the 2021 Regulations”) from 28th February 2022 to 28th February 2023.

The 2021 Regulations amended the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341) (“the England and Wales 2001 Regulations”), the Representation of the People (Scotland) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/497) (S. 2) (“the Scotland 2001 Regulations”), and the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1917) (“the 2012 Order”) to allow for applications to vote by proxy to be made up until 5pm on the day of the relevant poll where made on grounds relating to COVID-19.

Regulation 3 further amends the England and Wales 2001 Regulations to remove the ground for applying late where an applicant or their previously appointed long-term proxy has received notification that they are clinically extremely vulnerable or that they are at the highest risk of severe illness from coronavirus. Regulations 4 and 5 make the same change to the Scotland 2001 Regulations and the 2012 Order respectively. Regulation 2 provides that the amendments made by these Regulations will expire on 28th February 2023, subject to a savings provision for polls which have already been notified on or before that date.

Regulation 6 extends the expiry date for certain amendments made by the 2021 Regulations to 28th February 2023.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.