[F19MGVoting in and conduct of referendumsU.K.
(1)The persons entitled to vote in a referendum held by a local authority under this Chapter are those who on the day of the referendum—
(a)would be entitled to vote as electors at an election of councillors for an electoral area which is situated within the authority's area, and
(b)are registered in the register of local government electors at an address within the authority's area.
(2)The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision as to the conduct of referendums under this Chapter.
(3)The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for the combination of polls at referendums under this Chapter with polls at any elections.
(4)Regulations under subsection (2) or (3) may apply or incorporate, with or without modifications or exceptions, any provision of any enactment (whenever passed or made) relating to elections or referendums.
(5)Regulations under subsection (2) may, in particular, include provision—
(a)as to the question to be asked in a referendum,
(b)as to the publicity to be given in connection with a referendum (including the publicity to be given with respect to the consequences of the referendum),
(c)about the limitation of expenditure in connection with a referendum (and the creation of criminal offences in connection with the limitation of such expenditure),
(d)as to the conduct of the authority, members of the authority and officers of the authority in relation to a referendum,
(e)as to when, where and how voting in a referendum is to take place,
(f)as to how the votes cast in a referendum are to be counted, and
(g)for disregarding alterations in a register of electors.
(6)Before making any regulations under this section that include provision as to the question to be asked in a referendum, the Secretary of State must consult the Electoral Commission.]
Textual Amendments
F1Pt. 1A inserted (3.12.2011 for specified purposes, 15.1.2012 for the insertion of Pt. 1A Ch. 4 so far as not already in force and ss. 9B, 9C and 9R for specified purposes, 9.3.2012 for the insertion of ss. 9H-9HE in so far as not already in force and s. 9R for specified purposes, 4.5.2012 in so far as not already in force) by Localism Act 2011 (c. 20), s. 240(2), Sch. 2 para. 1; S.I. 2011/2896, art. 2(e); S.I. 2012/57, art. 4(1)(b) (with arts. 6, 7, 9-11); S.I. 2012/628, art. 2(a); S.I. 2012/1008, art. 4(b)