The Representation of the People (Proxy Vote Applications) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021

Amendment of the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections Order 2012

5.—(1) Schedule 2 to the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections Order 2012 (absent voting in PCC elections)(1) is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph 14 (additional requirements: applications for the appointment of a proxy for a particular PCC election), after sub-paragraph (5) insert—

“(5ZA) For the purposes of sub-paragraphs (4) and (5), an application on grounds of the applicant’s disability does not include an application on grounds relating to coronavirus within the meaning of paragraph 16(2A)(a), (b) or (c).”.

(3) In paragraph 16 (closing dates for applications)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (2), after paragraph (a) insert—

“(aza) on grounds relating to coronavirus, or”;

(b) after sub-paragraph (2) insert—

“(2A) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(aza), an application is made on grounds relating to coronavirus if it is made—

(a) because the applicant (“A”) considers that attendance at the allotted polling station would not be permitted due to A’s need to comply with a legal requirement to self-isolate;

(b) because A has been notified that they are clinically extremely vulnerable in respect of coronavirus or (as the case may be) at the highest risk of severe illness from coronavirus, or because A considers that attendance at the allotted polling station would otherwise be contrary to coronavirus advice given to A;

(c) because A considers that, due to A’s particular circumstances, attendance at the allotted polling station would give rise to a risk of transmission of coronavirus by A to another person;

(d) where A already has a person appointed as proxy under paragraph 5 (“P”), on the ground that P considers that they are, or are likely to be, unable to attend the allotted polling station because any of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) applies (reading references in those paragraphs to A as references to P).

(2B) In this paragraph—

“coronavirus” means severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2);

“coronavirus advice” means advice relating to coronavirus given by a registered medical practitioner or a registered nurse.”.

(1)

S.I. 2012/1917; relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2014/921, 2018/1310.