Representation of the People Act 1983

33 Absent voters at local government elections

(1) An application to be treated as an absent voter at local government elections shall be made to the registration officer and shall be allowed by him if he is satisfied that the applicant is, or will if registered be, entitled under section 32 above to vote as an absent voter.

(2) The application shall be for a particular election only, if it is based on—

(a) the applicant's service as a member of any of Her Majesty's reserve or auxiliary forces ; or

(b) the fact that the applicant is acting as returning officer in some other electoral area ; or

(c) the particular circumstances of the applicant's employment on the date of the poll either as a constable or by a returning officer;

(d) religious observance ; or

(e) a patient's declaration under section 7 above.

(3) An application not based on one of the grounds mentioned in subsection (2) above shall be for an indefinite period but, where such an application is allowed, the applicant shall cease to be entitled to be so treated as an absent voter in pursuance of it if—

(a) he applies to the registration officer to be no longer so treated; or

(b) he ceases to be registered at the same qualifying address, or becomes so registered as a service voter ; or

(c) the registration officer gives notice that he has reason to believe that there has been a material change of circumstances, and the prescribed period elapses after the giving of notice.

(4) The registration officer shall keep a record of absent voters and of the addresses provided by them as the addresses to which their ballot papers are to be sent.