Part I

The Electoral Commission

Commission’s general functions

Accredited observers: organisations
6D
1
An organisation may apply to the Commission to be accredited for the purpose of nominating observers at any of the following proceedings relating to an election specified in subsection (5) of section 6A or a referendum to which Part 7 applies—
a
proceedings at the issue or receipt of postal ballot papers;
b
proceedings at the poll;
c
proceedings at the counting of votes.
2
If the Commission grant the application the organisation may nominate members who may attend the proceedings in question.
3
The Commission, in granting an application under this section, may specify a limit on the number of observers nominated by the organisation who may attend, at the same time, specified proceedings by virtue of this section.
4
An application under subsection (1) must be made in the manner specified in the code of practice issued under section 6F
or, in relation to a local government election in Scotland, section 6G
.
5
The Commission may at any time revoke the grant of an application under subsection (1).
6
If the Commission—
a
refuse an application under subsection (1), or
b
revoke the grant of any such application,
they must give their decision in writing and must at the same time give reasons in writing for the refusal or revocation.
7
The right conferred by this section is subject to any enactment which regulates attendance at the proceedings in question.
S. 6D applied (with modifications) (E.) (27.7.2007) by The Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/2089), regs. 1(2)(3), 8, 11, 13, {Sch. 4 Table 4}
S. 6D applied (with modifications) (W.) (23.7.2008) by The Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (Wales) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1848), regs. 1(2), 8, {Sch. 4 Table 3}
Ss. 6A-6F inserted (31.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 29, 77(2); S.I. 2006/3412, art. 5 (with art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2(2), 4(k)
Words in s. 6D(4) inserted (S.) (29.6.2011) by Local Electoral Administration (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 10), ss. 11(4), 21(1); S.S.I. 2011/277, art. 2(b)
S. 6D applied (with modifications) (E.) (9.2.2012) by The Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums)(England) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/323), reg. 1, Sch. 4 para. 1 Table 4
S. 6D applied (with modifications) (18.2.2012) by The Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (Council Tax Increases) (England) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/444), reg. 1, Sch. 4 para. 1 Table 4 (with reg. 27)
S. 6D applied (with modifications) (3.8.2012) by The Neighbourhood Planning (Referendums) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2031), regs. 1, 8, 12, 13, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 Table 4