Representation of the People Act 1983

Postal ballot papers U.K.

[F1 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

F1 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)

C1 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)