37.—(1) In Schedule 2, in paragraph 26 (closing date for applications), after sub-paragraph (4)(a) insert—
“(aa)on grounds relating to the applicant’s occupation, service or employment and the applicant became aware of those grounds after 5 p.m. on the sixth day before the date of the poll at the election for which it is made; or”.
(2) In that paragraph, after sub-paragraph (6) insert—
“(6A) Any application or notice mentioned in this paragraph must be disregarded for the purposes of a particular European Parliamentary election if, before the application or notice is considered by the registration officer, the elector or proxy has returned a postal ballot paper to the returning officer (except where it has been returned in accordance with paragraph 53 or 54 (spoilt and lost postal ballot papers)).”