10.—(1) Where under paragraph 9(1)(b) or paragraph 9(2)(b) a poll is to be taken, the Countryside Agency shall give to each of the parish councils and parish meetings (if any), within the group of parishes in respect of which a poll is to be taken, a ballot paper.
(2) The ballot paper shall—
(a)be prepared by the Countryside Agency;
(b)include the names of the candidates as shown in the statement of the persons nominated in accordance with paragraph 7; and
(c)be given to the parish councils and parish meetings as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) at the same time as the statement of persons nominated is given in accordance with paragraph 7.
(3) Not later than 42 days from the receipt of the ballot paper, each parish council and parish meeting within that group may record on the ballot paper—
(a)in respect of a parish council within group 1 or a parish council or parish meeting within group 2, its vote for one candidate;
(b)in respect of a parish council or a parish meeting within group 3 or group 4, its vote for no more than 2 candidates;
and shall forthwith deliver the completed ballot paper to the Countryside Agency.