Search Legislation

Advanced Search

Representation of the People Act 1983

Help about what version

What Version

Help about advanced features

Advanced Features

Changes to legislation:

Representation of the People Act 1983, Cross Heading: England and Wales, and Scotland is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 24 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. Help about Changes to Legislation

Close

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.

View outstanding changes

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 Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with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 Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with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 Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with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)

England and Wales, and ScotlandU.K.

187Application of Act to certain local elections.E+W+N.I.

(1)The following provisions of this Act—

(a)in Part I, sections . . . F1, 60 [F2, 62A] and 66,

(b)Parts II and III,

(c)in this Part, section 189,

so far as they apply to an election in England and Wales of—

(i). . . F3, parish or community councillors, or

(ii)the chairman of a . . . F3, parish or community council or parish meeting,

have effect subject to such adaptations, modifications and exceptions as may be made by rules under section 36 [F4or section 36A] above, but nothing in this subsection affects the operation of section 96 or section 100 above.

(2)Sections 48 (1) and (2) and [F563] above have effect as if any reference in them to a local government election included a reference to any other election under the local government Act [F6or the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973].

Extent Information

E1This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only.

Textual Amendments

F2Words in s. 187(1)(a) inserted (11.9.2006) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74(1), 77, Sch. 1 para. 124; S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 24, 25(d) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 4, Sch. 2)

F6Words in s. 187(2) inserted (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/739, art. 7(1), Sch. 1 para. 5(2)

187 Application of Act to certain local elections.S

(1)The following provisions of this Act—

(a)in Part I, sections . . . F1, 60 [F2, 62A] and 66,

(b)Parts II and III,

(c)in this Part, section 189,

so far as they apply to an election in England and Wales of—

(i). . . F3, parish or community councillors, or

(ii)the chairman of a . . . F3, parish or community council or parish meeting,

have effect subject to such adaptations, modifications and exceptions as may be made by rules under section 36 above, but nothing in this subsection affects the operation of section 96 or section 100 above.

(2)Sections 48 (1) and (2) and [F563] above have effect as if any reference in them to a local government election included a reference to any F9. . . election under the [F10Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c. 39)][F6or the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973].

Extent Information

E2This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Northern Ireland only.

Textual Amendments

F2Words in s. 187(1)(a) inserted (11.9.2006) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 74(1), 77, Sch. 1 para. 124; S.I. 2006/1972, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 24, 25(d) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 4, Sch. 2)

F6Words in s. 187(2) inserted (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/739, art. 7(1), Sch. 1 para. 5(2)

F10Words in s. 187(2) substituted (S.) (2.5.2007) by Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 9), ss. 5(1)(c)(ii), 17; S.S.I. 2007/25, art. 2(2)

188 Parts II and III as to local elections in Scotland.U.K.

[F7Except in the phrase “election to any public office” wherever it is used, references in Parts II and III and section 189 of this Act to elections or to elections under the local government Act do not include references to elections under the [F8Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994] other than elections of councillors.]

Textual Amendments

F8Words in s. 188 substituted (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/739, art. 7(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 5(3)

189 Voting offences at certain local elections.U.K.

(1)If a person—

(a)votes, or induces or procures any person to vote, at an election under the local government Act which is not a local government election,

(b)knowing that he or that person is prohibited by any enactment from voting at that election,

he shall be guilty of an illegal practice.

(2)A candidate shall not be liable nor shall his election be avoided for any illegal practice under subsection (1) above committed without his knowledge or consent.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1S. 189 applied with modifications (E.W.) by S.I. 1987/1, Rules 2, 6 and S.I. 1986/2215, Rules 2, 9 (which S.I. was revoked (2.1.2007) by S.I. 2006/3305, rule1(4), Sch. 1)

C3S. 189 applied (with modifications) (W.) (17.12.2021) by The Local Elections (Communities) (Wales) Rules 2021 (S.I. 2021/1460), rules 1, 6(1) (with rule 2)

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

You have chosen to open The Whole Act

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Act as a PDF

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Act without Schedules

The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Act without Schedules as a PDF

The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Act

The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Act without Schedules

The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open Schedules only

The Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

Close

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

Close

See additional information alongside the content

Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.

Close

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources
Close

Timeline of Changes

This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.

Close

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources