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Representation of the People Act 1983, Paragraph 31 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 18 August 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
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[F131[F2(1)]The returning officer shall make such arrangements as he thinks fit to ensure that—U.K.
(a)every person attending at a polling station (otherwise than for the purpose of voting or assisting a [F3relevant voter] to vote or as a constable on duty there) has been given a copy in writing of the provisions of subsections (1), (3) and (6) of section 66 of this Act; and
(b)every person attending at the counting of the votes (other than any constable on duty at the counting) has been given a copy in writing of the provisions of subsections (2) and (6) of that section.]
[F4(1A)In paragraph (1)(a) “relevant voter” means a voter who is blind, has another disability, or is unable to read.]
[F5(2)In the application of this rule to an election in England or Wales, a reference to a constable includes a person designated as a community support officer [F6or community support volunteer] under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (police powers for employees [F7or volunteers]).]
Textual Amendments
F1Sch. 1 rule 31 substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 80
F2Sch. 1 rule 31 renumbered as Sch. 1 rule 31(1) (6.4.2014) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), ss. 21(1), 27(1); S.I. 2014/414, art. 3(e) (with art. 4)
F3Words in Sch. 1 rule 31(1)(a) substituted (12.12.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), ss. 7(6)(a), 67(1); S.I. 2023/1234, reg. 2(c) (with reg. 3)
F4Sch. 1 rule 31(1A) inserted (12.12.2023) by Elections Act 2022 (c. 37), ss. 7(6)(b), 67(1); S.I. 2023/1234, reg. 2(c) (with reg. 3)
F5Sch. 1 rule 31(2) inserted (6.4.2014) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), ss. 21(1), 27(1); S.I. 2014/414, art. 3(e) (with art. 4)
F6Words in Sch. 1 para. 31(2) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 12 para. 6(2)(a); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(k) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)
F7Words in Sch. 1 para. 31(2) inserted (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 15.12.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), s. 183(1)(5)(e), Sch. 12 para. 6(2)(b); S.I. 2017/1139, reg. 2(k) (as amended by S.I. 2017/1162, reg. 2)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Sch. 1 rule 31 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I
C2Sch. 1 rule 31 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I
C3Sch. 1 rule 31 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1
Sch. 1 para. 31 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2
C4Sch. 1 rule 31 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2
Sch. 1 rule 31 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3, Sch. 1 (as substituted (10.2.2009) by S.I. 2009/256, arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. 1)
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