81.—(1) The returning officer shall provide a separate ballot box for the reception of–
(a)the covering envelopes when returned by the postal voters (“postal voters' ballot box”), and
(b)postal ballot papers (“postal ballot box”).
(2) Each such ballot box shall be marked “postal voters' ballot box” or “postal ballot box”, as the case may be, and with the name of the constituency or electoral area for which the election or elections is or are held.
(3) The postal ballot box shall be shown to the agents present on the occasion of opening the first postal voters' ballot box as being empty.
(4) The returning officer shall then lock the ballot box and apply his seal in such manner as to prevent its being opened without breaking the seal; any of the agents present who wish to add their seals may then do likewise.
(5) The returning officer shall provide the following receptacles–
(a)the receptacle for rejected votes;
F1(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(c)the receptacle for ballot paper envelopes; F2...
(d)the receptacle for rejected ballot paper envelopes.
[F3(e)the receptacle for rejected votes (verification procedure); and
(f)the receptacle for postal voting statements (verification procedure).]
(6) The returning officer shall take proper precautions for the safe custody of every ballot box and receptacle referred to in this regulation.
Textual Amendments
F1Reg. 81(5)(b) revoked (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), reg. 1(3)(a), Sch. 2
F2Word in reg. 81(5) omitted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/305), regs. 1(1), 7
F3Reg. 81(5)(e)(f) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/305), regs. 1(1), 7
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Reg. 81 applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 37
Commencement Information
I1Reg. 81 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)