Citation, commencement, extent and interpretation

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Parliamentary Elections (Forms) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2015.

(2) These Regulations come into force on the day after the day on which they are made.

(3) These Regulations extend to Northern Ireland only.

(4) In these Regulations, “the 2008 Regulations” means the Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2008(1).

Amendments relating to the declaration of identity

2.—(1) In regulation 71(b) of the 2008 Regulations, for the words “a local” substitute “another”.

(2) In regulation 87 of the 2008 Regulations (procedure in relation to declarations of identity)—

(a)in paragraph (1)(a), omit the words “and given his name and address”; and

(b)after paragraph (1) insert—

(1A) A person must not sign the declaration as a witness under paragraph (1)(a) unless he is—

(a)aged 18 years or over; and

(b)satisfied to the best of his knowledge and belief as to the identity of the voter..

Amendment of Schedule 3 to the 2008 Regulations (Forms)

3.—(1) Schedule 3 to the 2008 Regulations (Forms) is amended as follows.

(2) Replace Form A (elector’s official poll card) with the form in Schedule 1 to these Regulations.

(3) Replace Form A1 (elector’s official postal poll card)(2) with the form in Schedule 2 to these Regulations.

(4) Replace Form B (proxy’s official poll card) with the form in Schedule 3 to these Regulations.

(5) Replace Form B1 (proxy’s official postal poll card)(3) with the form in Schedule 4 to these Regulations.

(6) Replace Form E (proxy paper)(4) with the form in Schedule 5 to these Regulations.

(7) Replace Form F (certificate of employment) with the form in Schedule 6 to these Regulations.

(8) Replace Form L (declaration of identity)(5) with the form in Schedule 7 to these Regulations.

(9) Replace Form M (declaration of identity (combined polls))(6) with the form in Schedule 8 to these Regulations.

Andrew Murrison

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

Northern Ireland Office

11th February 2015