(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order amends the Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) Order 2001 (S.I. 2001/2599) to make provision for the designation of polling districts and polling places at Assembly Elections. Prior to amendments made to sections 18A to 18E of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2) (“1983 Act”) by the Local Elections (Northern Ireland) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/3156) the polling districts and polling places applied for the purposes of Assembly elections were those established for the purpose of local elections. That is no longer possible because of the redrawing of local government boundaries in Northern Ireland.
This Order applies, with modifications, sections 18AA to 18E of the 1983 Act to Assembly elections. The effect of this is that the polling districts and polling places designated from time to time for the purpose of parliamentary elections will also have effect for the purpose of Assembly elections. The Chief Electoral Officer (being the relevant authority for the purposes of section 18B) must designate different polling stations at Assembly elections if she or he considers it necessary to do to ensure that all electors in a constituency have such reasonable facilities for voting as are practicable in the circumstances.
An impact assessment for this Order has not been prepared as no impact on the private or voluntary sector is foreseen.