Representation of the People Act 1983

U.K. Action to be Taken Before the Poll

Notice of poll U.K.

23 (1) The returning officer shall in the statement of persons nominated include a notice of the poll, stating the day on which and hours during which the poll will be taken. U.K.

(2) The returning officer shall also give public notice (which may be combined with the statement of persons nominated) of—

(a) the situation of each polling station;

(b) the description of voters entitled to vote there; F1

F2 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F3 and he shall as soon as practicable after giving such a notice give a copy of it to each of the election agents]

F4 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 Word repealed by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), ss. 24, 28, Sch. 4 para. 77(a), Sch. 5

F2 Sch. 1 rule 23(2)(c) repealed by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), ss. 24, 28, Sch. 4 para. 77(a), Sch. 5

F3 Words inserted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 77(a)

F4 Sch. 1 rule 23(3) repealed by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), ss. 24, 28, Sch. 4 para. 77(b), Sch. 5

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Sch. 1 rule 23 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C2 Sch. 1 rule 23 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C3 Sch. 1 rule 23 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 23 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C4 Sch. 1 rule 23 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)

C5 Sch. 1 rule 23(1) applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by S.I. 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Postal ballot papers U.K.

[F5 24 (1) The returning officer shall, in accordance with regulations, issue to those entitled to vote by post— U.K.

(a) a ballot paper;

(b) at an election held in England and Wales or Scotland, a postal voting statement in the prescribed form;

(c) at an election held in Northern Ireland, a declaration of identity in the prescribed form;

together with such envelopes for their return as may be prescribed.

(2) The returning officer must also issue to those entitled to vote by post such information as he thinks appropriate about how to obtain—

(a) translations into languages other than English of any directions to or guidance for voters sent with the ballot paper;

(b) a translation into Braille of such directions or guidance;

(c) graphical representations of such directions or guidance;

(d) the directions or guidance in any other form (including any audible form).

(3) The prescribed form shall include provision for the form to be signed and for stating the date of birth of the elector or proxy (as the case may be).

(4) In the case of a ballot paper issued to a person resident in the United Kingdom, the returning officer must ensure that the return of the ballot paper and postal voting statement or declaration of identity is free of charge to the voter.

(5) In any other case, regulations may provide that the returning officer must so ensure.]

Textual Amendments

F5 Sch. 1 rule 24 substituted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 14.5.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 37, 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(r) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 Sch. 1 rule 24 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by The Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) Order 2001 (S.I. 2001/2599), art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1; and modified (16.2.2011) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), s. 19(1), Sch. 8 paras. 10, 11)

Provision of polling stations U.K.

25 (1) The returning officer shall provide a sufficient number of polling stations and, subject to the following provisions of this rule, shall allot the electors to the polling stations in such manner as he thinks most convenient. U.K.

(2) One or more polling stations may be provided in the same room.

(3) the polling station allotted to electors from any polling district shall be in the polling place for that district.

(4) In a constituency in Scotland comprising the whole or any part of more [F6 local government areas] than one, there shall be at least one polling station in each of those [F6 local government areas].

(5) the returning officer shall provide each polling station with such number of compartments as may be necessary in which the voters can mark their votes screened from observation.

[F7 (6) The returning officer must ensure that each polling station contains an area in which voters can produce proof of identity in private.]

Textual Amendments

F6 Words in Sch. 1 rule 25(4) substituted (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/739, art. 7(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 5(5)(b)

F7 Sch. 1 rule 25(6) inserted (16.1.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(1), Sch. 1 para. 12; S.I. 2022/1401, reg. 2(d)(vi)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 Sch. 1 rule 25 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C8 Sch. 1 rule 25 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C9 Sch. 1 rule 25 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 25 applied (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C10 Sch. 1 rule 25 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by S.I. 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 25 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)

Appointment of presiding officers and clerks U.K.

26 (1) The returning officer shall appoint and pay a presiding officer to attend at each polling station and such clerks as may be necessary for the purposes of the election, but he shall not appoint any person who has been employed by or on behalf of a candidate in or about the election. U.K.

(2) The returning officer may, if he thinks fit, preside at a polling station and the provisions of these rules relating to a presiding officer shall apply to a returning officer so presiding with the necessary modifications as to things to be done by the returning officer to the presiding officer or by the presiding officer to the returning officer.

(3) A presiding officer may do, by the clerks appointed to assist him, any act (including the asking of questions) which he is required or authorised by these rules to do at a polling station [F8 except—

(a) order the arrest of any person or the exclusion or removal of any person from the polling station,

(b) refuse to deliver a ballot paper under rule 35(3) or the relevant paragraph of rule 37, or

(c) resolve doubts over identity as mentioned in the relevant paragraph of rule 37.]

[F9 (4) In paragraph (3), “the relevant paragraph of rule 37” means—

(a) in sub-paragraph (b)—

(i) paragraph (1E) of rule 37 as it extends to England and Wales and to Scotland (including that paragraph as applied by rule 38, 39 or 40);

(ii) paragraph (1C) of rule 37 as it extends to Northern Ireland (including that paragraph as applied by rule 38, 39 or 40);

(b) in sub-paragraph (c)—

(i) paragraph (1F) of rule 37 as it extends to England and Wales and to Scotland (including that paragraph as applied by rule 38, 39 or 40);

(ii) paragraph (1DA) of rule 37 as it extends to Northern Ireland (including that paragraph as applied by rule 38, 39 or 40).]

Textual Amendments

F8 Words in Sch. 1 rule 26(3) substituted (16.1.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(1), Sch. 1 para. 13(2); S.I. 2022/1401, reg. 2(d)(vi) (with reg. 3(1))

F9 Sch. 1 rule 26(4) inserted (16.1.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(1), Sch. 1 para. 13(3); S.I. 2022/1401, reg. 2(d)(vi) (with reg. 3(1))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 Sch. 1 rule 26 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C12 Sch. 1 rule 26 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)-(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C13 Sch. 1 rule 26 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 26 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C14 Sch. 1 rule 26 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 26 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)

Special lists U.K.

F10 27 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Sch. 1 rule 27 repealed S.I. 1986/1080, arts. 3, 4(2)(c), Sch. by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 28, Sch. 5

Issue of official poll cards U.K.

28 [F11 (1) The returning officer shall as soon as practicable after the publication of notice of the election send to electors and their proxies an official poll card. U.K.

(1A) An official poll card shall not be sent to a person registered, or to be registered, in pursuance of an overseas elector's declaration.]

(2) An elector’s official poll card shall be sent or delivered to his qualifying address, F12 ... .

[F13 (2A) A proxy’s official poll card shall be sent or delivered to the address which—

(a) is shown as the proxy’s address in the list of proxies; or

(b) in the case of a proxy for an elector with an anonymous entry in a register maintained by the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland, would be so shown but for section 7(4A) of the Representation of the People Act 1985.]

(3) The official poll card shall be in the prescribed form and shall set out—

(a) the name of the constituency;

(b) the elector’s name, qualifying address and number on the register;

(c) the date and hours of the poll and the situation of the elector’s polling station.

[F14 (d) such other information as is prescribed;

(e) such other information as the returning officer thinks appropriate,

and different information may be provided in pursuance of sub-paragraph (d) and (e) to different electors or descriptions of elector.]

[F15 (3ZA) In the case of a form prescribed under paragraph (3) that relates to—

(a) elections in England and Wales or Scotland, and

(b) an official poll card to be sent to an elector or proxy voting in person at a polling station,

the form must include details of the documents the voter needs to bring to the polling station, namely—

(i) in the case of an elector (other than an elector with an anonymous entry) or a proxy, any of the forms of identification for the time being referred to in rule 37(1H);

(ii) in the case of an elector with an anonymous entry, the elector’s official poll card and an anonymous elector’s document showing the same electoral number as the electoral number shown on the official poll card.]

[F16 (3A) In the case of an elector with an anonymous entry, instead of containing the matter mentioned in paragraph (3)(b) above the polling card shall contain such matter as is prescribed.]

(4) Paragraph (6) of rule 7 above applies for the interpretation of this rule.

Textual Amendments

F11 Sch. 1 rule 28(1)(1A) substituted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 14.5.2008 for N.I.) for Sch. 1 rule 28(1) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 47, 77, Sch. 1 para. 70(2); S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(w)(bb)(iii) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 3

F12 Words in Sch. 1 rule 28(2) omitted (15.9.2014) by virtue of The Anonymous Registration (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1880), arts. 1(1), 2(2)(a)

F13 Sch. 1 rule 28(2A) inserted (15.9.2014) by The Anonymous Registration (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1880), arts. 1(1), 2(2)(b)

F14 Sch. 1 rule 28(3)(d)(e) and words inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 14.5.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 47, 77, Sch. 1 para. 70(3); S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(w)(bb)(iii) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts 2, 3

F15 Sch. 1 rule 28(3ZA) inserted (16.1.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(1), Sch. 1 para. 14; S.I. 2022/1401, reg. 2(d)(vi) (with reg. 3(1))

F16 Sch. 1 rule 28(3A) inserted (E.W.S.) (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 10(2), 77, Sch. 1 para. 14(3); S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 1, 12(a) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 Sch. 1 rule 28 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C16 Sch. 1 rule 28 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C17 Sch. 1 rule 28 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 28 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

Sch. 1 rule 28 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)

C18 Sch. 1 rule 28(1)-(3) applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Equipment of polling stations U.K.

29 (1) The returning officer shall provide each presiding officer with such number of ballot boxes and ballot papers as in the returning officer’s opinion may be necessary. E+W+S

(2) Every ballot box shall be so constructed that the ballot papers can be put in it, but cannot be withdrawn from it, without the box being unlocked.

(3) The returning officer shall provide each polling station with—

(a) materials to enable voters to mark the ballot papers;

(b) F17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) copies of the register of electors or such part of it as contains the [F18 entries relating to] the electors allotted to the station;

(d) the parts of any special lists prepared for the election corresponding to the register of electors or the part of it provided under subparagraph (c) above;

[F19 (e) a list consisting of that part of the list prepared under rule 19A which contains the numbers (but not the other unique identifying marks) corresponding to those on the ballot papers provided to the presiding officer of the polling station];

[F20 (f) in the case of an election held in Northern Ireland, the lists prepared for the polling station under rule 19B.]

[F21 (3ZA) In the case of an election held in England and Wales or Scotland, the returning officer must also provide each polling station with a prescribed form (referred to in these rules as “the ballot paper refusal list”) on which entries are to be made as mentioned in rule 40ZB (refusal to deliver ballot paper: Great Britain).]

[F22 (3A) The returning officer shall also provide each polling station with—

(a) at least one large version of the ballot paper which shall be displayed inside the polling station for the assistance of voters who are partially-sighted; and

[F23 (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 37 (including in relation to voting secretly).]]

[F24 (3B) In this rule, “relevant persons” means persons who find it difficult or impossible to vote in the manner directed by rule 37 because of—

(a) blindness or partial sight, or

(b) another disability.]

(4) A notice in the form in the Appendix, giving directions for the guidance of the voters in voting, shall be printed in conspicuous characters and exhibited inside and outside every polling station.

[F25 (4A) In the case of an election held in England and Wales or Scotland, a large notice must be displayed inside each polling station containing—

(a) details of the documents the voter needs to produce when applying for a ballot paper, namely—

(i) in the case of an elector (other than an elector with an anonymous entry) or a proxy, any of the forms of identification for the time being referred to in rule 37(1H);

(ii) in the case of an elector with an anonymous entry, the elector’s official poll card and an anonymous elector’s document showing the same electoral number as the electoral number shown on the official poll card, and

(b) a statement that further proof of identity may be required to resolve any discrepancy between the name of the holder of a specified form of identification and the name of the elector or proxy that the voter claims to be.]

(5) In every compartment of every polling station there shall be exhibited [F26 the notice “Vote for one candidate only. Put no other mark on the ballot paper, or your vote may not be counted.”]

[F27 (6) The reference in paragraph (3)(c) to the copies of the registers of electors includes a reference to copies of any notices issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of this Act in respect of alterations to the register.]

[F28 (7) The reference in paragraph (3)(c) to the copies of the register of electors includes a reference to copies of any notices issued under section 13BA(9) in respect of alterations to the register.]

[F29 (8) The Electoral Commission must give guidance to returning officers in relation to the duty imposed by paragraph (3A)(b).

(9) Before giving guidance under paragraph (8), the Commission must consult such persons, including bodies representing the interests of relevant persons, as they consider appropriate.

(10) In performing the duty imposed by paragraph (3A)(b), a returning officer must have regard to guidance given under paragraph (8).]

Extent Information

E1 This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only

Textual Amendments

F17 Sch. 1 rule 29(3)(b) repealed (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 47, 74(2), 77, Sch. 1 para. 89, Sch. 2; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(w)(aa)(bb)(iii)(cc)(v) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts 2, 4

F18 Words in Sch. 1 rule 29(3)(c) substituted (E.W.S.) (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 10(2), 77, Sch. 1 para. 14(4); S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 1, 12(a) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2)

F19 Sch. 1 rule 29(3)(e) inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 31(3), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(o) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 4

F20 Sch. 1 rule 29(3)(f) inserted (31.1.2024) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(1), Sch. 1 para. 15(2); S.I. 2023/1145, reg. 4(a) (with Sch. para. 3)

F21 Sch. 1 rule 29(3ZA) inserted (27.8.2022 for specified purposes, 16.1.2023 in so far as not already in force) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(1), Sch. 1 para. 15(3); S.I. 2022/916, reg. 2(d)(viii); S.I. 2022/1401, reg. 2(d)(vii) (with reg. 3(1))

F22 Sch. 1 rule 29(3A) inserted (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(1)(2); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

F23 Sch. 1 rule 29(3A)(b) substituted (24.11.2022 for specified purposes, 29.12.2022 in so far as not already in force) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), ss. 9(2)(a), 67(1); S.I. 2022/1226, reg. 2(a); S.I. 2022/1270, reg. 2(a) (with reg. 3)

F24 Sch. 1 rule 29(3B) inserted (24.11.2022 for specified purposes, 29.12.2022 in so far as not already in force) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), ss. 9(2)(b), 67(1); S.I. 2022/1226, reg. 2(a); S.I. 2022/1270, reg. 2(a) (with reg. 3)

F25 Sch. 1 rule 29(4A) inserted (16.1.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), s. 67(1), Sch. 1 para. 15(4); S.I. 2022/1401, reg. 2(d)(vii) (with reg. 3(1))

F26 Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 79

F27 Sch. 1 rule 29(6) inserted (E.W.S.) (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 10(2), 77, Sch. 1 para. 34; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 1, 12(b) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2)

F28 Sch. 1 rule 29(7) inserted (14.5.2008) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 30(1), 31, Sch. 4 para. 6(2); S.I. 2008/1318, art. 2

F29 Sch. 1 rule 29(8)-(10) inserted (24.11.2022 for specified purposes, 29.12.2022 in so far as not already in force) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), ss. 9(2)(c), 67(1); S.I. 2022/1226, reg. 2(a); S.I. 2022/1270, reg. 2(a) (with reg. 3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 Sch. 1 rule 29 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C20 Sch. 1 rule 29 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C21 Sch. 1 rule 29 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 29 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)

C22 Sch. 1 rule 29 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 29 applied (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C23 Sch. 1 rule 29(5) applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(6)(d)(7)

C24 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2006/3304, Sch. 2 rule 26(5ZA) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Principal Area, Parish and Greater London Authority Elections) (Amendments) Rules 2022 (S.I. 2022/1284), rules 1(1), 3(2)(a)(i)(bb) (with rule 1(2)))

C25 Sch. 1 rule 29 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by The Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) Order 2001 (S.I. 2001/2599), art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1; and modified (16.2.2011) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), s. 19(1), Sch. 8 para. 18)

C26 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2006/3304, Sch. 3 rule 26(6ZA) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Principal Area, Parish and Greater London Authority Elections) (Amendments) Rules 2022 (S.I. 2022/1284), rules 1(1), 3(3)(a)(i)(bb) (with rule 1(2)))

C27 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2006/3305, Sch. 2 rule 26(5A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Principal Area, Parish and Greater London Authority Elections) (Amendments) Rules 2022 (S.I. 2022/1284), rules 1(1), 4(2)(a)(i)(bb) (with rule 1(2)))

C28 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2006/3305, Sch. 3 rule 26(6A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Principal Area, Parish and Greater London Authority Elections) (Amendments) Rules 2022 (S.I. 2022/1284), rules 1(1), 4(3)(a)(i)(bb) (with rule 1(2)))

C29 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2007/1024, Sch. 1 rule 28(5A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 6(3)(a)(ii) (with reg. 1(4)(5)))

C30 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2007/1024, Sch. 3 rule 28(6A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 6(6)(a)(ii) (with reg. 1(4)(5)))

C31 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2012/323, Sch. 3 rule 17(5A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 8(2)(a)(ii) (with reg. 1(4)))

C32 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2012/323, Sch. 5 rule 17(6A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 8(3)(a)(ii) (with reg. 1(4)))

C33 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2012/444, Sch. 3 rule 17(5A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 9(2)(a)(ii) (with reg. 1(4)))

C34 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2012/444, Sch. 5 rule 17(6A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 9(3)(a)(ii) (with reg. 1(4)))

C35 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2012/1917, Sch. 3 rule 29(5A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 10(3)(a)(ii) (with reg. 1(4)))

C36 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2012/2031, Sch. 3 rule 18(5A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 11(2)(a)(ii) (with reg. 1(4)))

C37 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2012/2031, Sch. 5 rule 18(6A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 11(3)(a)(ii) (with reg. 1(4)))

C38 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2012/2031, Sch. 7 rule 46(5A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 11(4)(a)(ii) (with reg. 1(4)))

C39 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2016/295, reg. 19(4A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 12(1)(b) (with reg. 1(4)))

C40 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2017/67, Sch. 1 rule 28(5A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 13(2)(a)(i)(bb) (with reg. 1(4)))

C41 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 2017/67, Sch. 3 rule. 28(6A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 13(3)(a)(i)(bb) (with reg. 1(4)))

C42 Sch. 1 rule 29(10) applied (with modifications) (29.12.2022) by S.I. 1987/1, Sch. 1 rule 11(3A) (as inserted by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Principal Area, Parish and Greater London Authority Elections) (Amendments) Rules 2022 (S.I. 2022/1284), rules 1(1), 2(3)(b) (with rule 1(2)(3)))

Appointment of polling and counting agents U.K.

30 (1) Each candidate may, before the commencement of the poll, appoint— U.K.

(a) polling agents to attend at polling stations for the purpose of detecting personation; and

(b) counting agents to attend at the counting of the votes.

(2) The returning officer may limit the number of counting agents, so however that—

(a) the number shall be the same in the case of each candidate; and

(b) the number allowed to a candidate shall not (except in special circumstances) be less than the number obtained by dividing the number of clerks employed on the counting by the number of candidates.

(3) Notice in writing of the appointment, stating the names and addresses of the persons appointed, shall be given by the candidate to the returning officer and shall be so given not later than the [F30 5th] day (computed like any period of time in the Timetable) before the day of the poll.

(4) If an agent dies, or becomes incapable of acting, the candidate may appoint another agent in his place, and shall forthwith give to the returning officer notice in writing of the name and address of the agent appointed.

(5) F31 . . . Any appointment authorised by this rule may be made and the notice of appointment given to the returning officer by the candidate’s election agent, instead of by the candidate.

(6) In the following provisions of these rules references to polling and counting agents shall be taken as references to agents—

(a) whose appointments have been duly made and notified; and

(b) where the number of agents is restricted, who are within the permitted number.

(7) Any notice required to be given to a counting agent by the returning officer may be delivered at or sent by post to the address stated in the notice of appointment.

(8) A candidate may himself do any act or thing which any polling or counting agent of his, if appointed, would have been authorised to do, or may assist his agent in doing any such act or thing.

(9) A candidate’s election agent may do or assist in doing anything which a polling or counting agent of his is authorised to do; and anything required or authorised by these rules to be done in the presence of the polling or counting agents may be done in the presence of a candidate’s election agent instead of his polling agent or counting agents.

(10) Where by these rules any act or thing is required or authorised to be done in the presence of the polling or counting agents, the non-attendance of any agents or agent at the time and place appointed for the purpose shall not, if the act or thing is otherwise duly done, invalidate the act or thing done.

Textual Amendments

F30 Word in Sch. 1 rule 30(3) substituted (6.4.2014) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), ss. 14(4), 27(1); S.I. 2014/414, art. 3(a) (with art. 4)

F31 Words in Sch. 1 rule 30(5) repealed (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 158(2), Sch. 22 (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C43 Sch. 1 rule 30 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C44 Sch. 1 rule 30 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C45 Sch. 1 rule 30 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 30 applied (with modifications) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C46 Sch. 1 rule 30 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)

C47 Sch. 1 rule 30(2)(9) applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(6)(d)(7)

[F32 Notification of requirement of secrecy] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F32 Sch. 1 rule 31 substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 80

[F33 31 [F34 (1)] The returning officer shall make such arrangements as he thinks fit to ensure that— U.K.

(a) every person attending at a polling station (otherwise than for the purpose of voting or assisting a [F35 relevant voter] to vote or as a constable on duty there) has been given a copy in writing of the provisions of subsections (1), (3) and (6) of section 66 of this Act; and

(b) every person attending at the counting of the votes (other than any constable on duty at the counting) has been given a copy in writing of the provisions of subsections (2) and (6) of that section.]

[F36 (1A) In paragraph (1)(a) “relevant voter” means a voter who is blind, has another disability, or is unable to read.]

[F37 (2) In the application of this rule to an election in England or Wales, a reference to a constable includes a person designated as a community support officer [F38 or community support volunteer] under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (police powers for employees [F39 or volunteers]).]

Textual Amendments

F33 Sch. 1 rule 31 substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 80

F34 Sch. 1 rule 31 renumbered as Sch. 1 rule 31(1) (6.4.2014) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), ss. 21(1), 27(1); S.I. 2014/414, art. 3(e) (with art. 4)

F35 Words in Sch. 1 rule 31(1)(a) substituted (12.12.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), ss. 7(6)(a), 67(1); S.I. 2023/1234, reg. 2(c) (with reg. 3)

F36 Sch. 1 rule 31(1A) inserted (12.12.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), ss. 7(6)(b), 67(1); S.I. 2023/1234, reg. 2(c) (with reg. 3)

F37 Sch. 1 rule 31(2) inserted (6.4.2014) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), ss. 21(1), 27(1); S.I. 2014/414, art. 3(e) (with art. 4)

F38 Words in Sch. 1 para. 31(2) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 12 para. 6(2)(a); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(k) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

F39 Words in Sch. 1 para. 31(2) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 12 para. 6(2)(b); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(k) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C48 Sch. 1 rule 31 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C49 Sch. 1 rule 31 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C50 Sch. 1 rule 31 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 para. 31 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C51 Sch. 1 rule 31 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 31 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)

[F40 Return of postal ballot papers U.K.

Textual Amendments

F40 Sch. 1 rule 31A inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 45(2), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(u) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2)S. 61(6A) inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 38(3), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(s) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts 2, 4

31A (1) Where— U.K.

(a) a postal vote has been returned in respect of a person who is entered on the postal voters list, or

(b) a proxy postal vote has been returned in respect of a proxy who is entered on the proxy postal voters list,

the returning officer must mark the list in the prescribed manner.

[F41 (1A) Paragraph (1) shall not apply in relation to a vote on a tendered postal ballot paper (see rule 40ZA).]

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1) above, regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which a postal vote or a proxy postal vote (as the case may be) is or is not to be treated as having been returned.

(3) Rule 45(1B) and (2) below does not apply for the purpose of determining whether, for the purposes of this rule, a postal vote or a proxy postal vote is returned.]

Textual Amendments

F41 Sch. 1 rule 31A(1A) inserted (15.9.2014) by The Anonymous Registration (Northern Ireland) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1116), arts. 1(1), 3(6)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C52 Sch. 1 rule 31A(1)(3) applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)