Elections Act 2022

Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962

12 (1) Rule 26 (equipment of polling stations) is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (3), after sub-paragraph (e) insert—

“(f) the lists prepared for the polling station under rule 16B.”

(3) For paragraph (3A)(b) substitute—

“(b) such equipment as it is reasonable to provide for the purposes of enabling, or making it easier for, relevant persons to vote independently in the manner directed by rule 34 (including in relation to voting secretly).”

(4) After paragraph (3A) insert—

“(3B) In this rule, “relevant persons” means persons who find it difficult or impossible to vote in the manner directed by rule 34 because of—

(a) blindness or partial sight, or

(b) another disability.

(3C) The Electoral Commission must give guidance to returning officers in relation to the duty imposed by paragraph (3A)(b).

(3D) Before giving guidance under paragraph (3C), the Commission must consult such persons, including bodies representing the interests of relevant persons, as they consider appropriate.

(3E) In performing the duty imposed by paragraph (3A)(b), a returning officer must have regard to guidance given under paragraph (3C).”

(5) Omit paragraphs (5) to (10).