Representation of the People Act 1983

Section 23.

SCHEDULE 1 U.K.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Parliamentary election rules modified (N.I.) (prosp.) by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 10, Sch. 1 paras. 8–23

C2 Paras. 3–7 of Pt. II of Sch. 1 to Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42) have effect (N.I.) (prosp.) by virtue of s. 10 of, and Sch. 1 para. 2 to, that Act as additional rules in Sch. 1 to this Act

C3 Sch. 1 applied with modifications (S.) by S.I. 1986/2213, Rules 2, 5

Sch. 1 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) (28.4.1999) by 1985 c. 50, s. 15(1)(2) (as applied (with modifications) (28.4.1999) by S.I. 1999/1214, reg. 8, Sch. 3) (which S.I. was revoked (23.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/293, reg. 126)

C4 Sch. 1 modified (E.W.) by S.I. 1986/1081, regs. 2, 97, 98, 100 (which S.I. was revoked (23.3.2004) by S.I. 2004/294, reg. 3)

C5 Sch. 1 modified (S.) by S.I. 1986/1111, regs. 2, 95, 96, 98(1)

Sch. 1 modified (10.4.2001) by 2001 c. 7, s. 4, Sch. para. 1

Sch. 1 modified (E.W.) (23.3.2004) by The Representation of People (Combination of Polls) (England and Wales) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/294), reg. 8, Sch. 2

C6 Sch. 1 extended (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 6(1)-(4)

Part I U.K. Provisions as to Time

Timetable U.K.

1 The proceedings at the election shall be conducted in accordance with the following Table.

Timetable

Proceeding	Time
Issue of Writ	In the case of a general election, as soon as practicable after the issue of the proclamation summoning the new Parliament.
	In the case of a by-election, as soon as practicable after the issue of the warrant for the writ.
Publication of notice of election.	In the case of a general election or by-election, not later than 4 in the afternoon on the second day after that on which the writ is received.
Delivery of nomination papers.	In the case of a general election, between the hours of 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon on any day after the date of publication of the notice of election, but not later than the sixth day after the date of the proclamation summoning the new Parliament.
	In the case of a by-election, the same as in the case of a general election, except that the last day shall be a day fixed by the returning officer and shall be not earlier than the third day after the date of publication of the notice of election nor later than the seventh day after that on which the writ is received.
Delivery of notices of withdrawals of candidature.	Within the time for the delivery of nomination papers at the election.
The making of objections to nomination papers.	In the case of a general election or a by-election, during the hours allowed for delivery of nomination papers on the last day for their delivery and the hour following; but—
	(a) no objection may be made in the afternoon of that last day except to a nomination paper delivered within 24 hours of the last time for its delivery, and in the case of a nomination paper so delivered no objection may be so made to the sufficiency or nature of the particulars of the candidate unless made at or immediately after the time of the delivery of the nomination paper; and
	(b) the foregoing provisions do not apply to objections made in pursuance of rule 15(2).
Publication of statement of persons nominated.	In the case of a general election or a by-election, at the close of the time for making objections to nomination papers or as soon afterwards as any objections are disposed of.
Polling	In the case of a general election, between the hours of 7 in the morning and 10 at night on the [F1 eleventh] day after the last day for delivery of nomination papers.
	In the case of a by-election, between the hours of 7 in the morning and 10 at night on the day fixed by the returning officer, which shall not be earlier than the [F2 ninth] nor later than the [F2 eleventh] day after the last day for delivery of nomination papers.

Textual Amendments

F1 Word substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 73(a)

F2 Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 73(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 Sch. 1 rule 1 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C8 Sch. 1 rule 1 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C9 Sch. 1 rule 1 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 1 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (as amended (20.3.2003) by Northern Ireland Assembly Elections Act 2003 (c. 3), s. 1(6))

C10 Sch. 1 rule 1 amended (E.W.) (1.4.2004) by European Parliamentary and Local Elections (Pilots) Act 2004 (c. 2), s. 8, Sch. para. 1

Computation of time U.K.

2 (1) In computing any period of time for the purposes of the Timetable—

(a) a Saturday or Sunday,

[F3 (b) Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday or a bank holiday]

(c) a day appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning,

shall be disregarded, and any such day shall not be treated as a day for the purpose of any proceedings up to the completion of the poll nor shall the returning officer be obliged to proceed with the counting of the votes on such a day.

(2) In this rule “bank holiday” means—

(a) in relation to a general election, a day which is a bank holiday under the M1 Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 in any part of the United Kingdom,

(b) in relation to a by-election, a day which is a bank holiday under that Act in that part of the United Kingdom in which the constituency is situated,

but at a general election sub-paragraph (b) and not sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph applies in relation to any proceedings—

(i) commenced afresh by reason of a candidate’s death; and

(ii) extending, by reason of riot or open violence, beyond the time laid down by the Timetable.

F4 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F3 Sch. 1 rule 2(1)(b) substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 19(5)(a)

F4 Sch. 1 rule 2(3) repealed by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), ss. 19(5)(b), Sch. 5

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 Sch. 1 rule 2 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C12 Sch. 1 rule 2 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C13 Sch. 1 rule 2 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 2 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Marginal Citations

M1 1971 c. 80.

Part II U.K. Stages Common to Contested and Uncontested Elections

U.K. Issue of Writ and Notice of Election

Issue of writ U.K.

3 (1) Writs for parliamentary elections shall continue to be sealed and issued in accordance with the existing practice of the office of the Clerk of the Crown. U.K.

(2) Each writ shall be in the form in the Appendix and shall be directed to the returning officer by the title of his office as returning officer (and not by his name) and conveyed to him.

(3) Her Majesty may by Order in Council—

(a) specify the manner in which writs are to be conveyed whether by post, by an officer appointed by the Lord Chancellor or, as regards Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State, or otherwise, and make different provision for different classes of writs; and

(b) provide for the giving of receipts for writs by persons to whom they are delivered or who may receive them in the course of their conveyance.

(4) Delivery of the writ to a person for the time being authorised by law to act as deputy for the officer who by virtue of his office is returning officer shall be as good as delivery to the returning officer.

(5) An Order in Council under this rule—

(a) may require a returning officer to provide an address to which writs are to be conveyed and any change of that address; and

(b) may provide for recording those addresses; and

(c) may provide that the delivery of a writ to a person found in and for the time being in charge of a place so recorded as the office of a returning officer shall be as good as delivery to that returning officer.

(6) The person to whom the writ is delivered shall endorse the date of receipt on the writ in the form shown in the Appendix.

(7) A draft of an Order in Council under this rule shall be laid before Parliament, and any such Order may provide for any incidental or supplemental matter.

Conveyance of writ to acting returning officer U.K.

4 (1) For an election in a constituency in England and Wales the writ shall (notwithstanding anything in rule 3 above) be conveyed to the acting returning officer if the returning officer— U.K.

(a) has so requested by notice in the form prescribed by an Order in Council under rule 3 and received by the Clerk of the Crown one month or more before the issue of the writ; and

(b) has not revoked it by a further notice in the form so prescribed and received within such time as is mentioned above.

(2) A notice under this rule has effect in relation to all constituencies—

(a) of which the person giving it is returning officer at the time of giving it; or

(b) of which he or a successor in office becomes returning officer by virtue of that office.

(3) Where by virtue of this rule writs are conveyed to the acting returning officer paragraph (5) of rule 3 applies in relation to him as it applies in relation to a returning officer.

Notice of election U.K.

5 (1) The returning officer shall publish notice of the election F5 . . . , stating—

(a) the place and times at which nomination papers are to be delivered, and

(b) the date of the poll in the event of a contest,

and the notice shall state that forms of nomination paper may be obtained at that place and those times.

(2) The notice of election shall state the date by which [F6 (except in such circumstances as may be prescribed)]—

(a) applications to [F7 vote by post or by proxy], and

(b) other applications and notices about postal or proxy voting,

must reach the registration officer in order that they may be effective for the election.

F8 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F5 Words repealed by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), ss. 24, 28, Sch. 4 para. 74(a), Sch. 5

F6 Words in Sch. 1 rule 5(2) inserted (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 15(1), Sch. 6 para. 10(1)(2); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

F7 Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 11, Sch. 2 para. 4

F8 Sch. 1 rule 5(3) repealed by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), ss. 24, 28, Sch. 4 para. 74(b), Sch. 5

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 Sch. 1 rule 5 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)-(8), Sch. 1 Pt. 1

Sch. 1 rule 5 applied (with modifications)(1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

C15 Sch. 1 rule 5 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

U.K. Nomination

Nomination of candidates U.K.

6 (1) Each candidate shall be nominated by a separate nomination paper, in the form in the Appendix delivered—

(a) by the candidate himself, or

(b) by his proposer or seconder,

to the returning officer at the place fixed for the purpose, but the paper may be so delivered on the candidate’s behalf by his election agent if the agent’s name and address have been previously given to the returning officer as required by section 67 of this Act or are so given at the time the paper is delivered.

(2) The nomination paper shall state the candidate’s—

(a) full names,

(b) home address in full, and

(c) if desired, description,

and the surname shall be placed first in the list of his names.

[F9 (3) The description, if any, must consist of either—

(a) a description (of not more than 6 words in length) which is authorised as mentioned in rule 6A(1) below; or

(b) the word “Independent” or, where the candidate is the Speaker of the House of Commons seeking re-election, the words “The Speaker seeking re-election”.]

Textual Amendments

F9 Sch. 1 rule 6(3) substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 38(1)(2) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 Sch. 1 rule 6 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)95)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 6 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

C17 Sch. 1 rules 6, 7, 8 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C18 Sch. 1 rules 6, 7, 8 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

[F10 Nomination papers: name of registered political party] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F10 Sch. 1 rule 6A: cross-heading inserted (24.3.1999) by 1998 c. 48, s. 13, Sch. 2 para. 2; S.I. 1999/393, art. 2

[F11 6A (1) A nomination paper may not include a description of a candidate which is likely to lead voters to associate the candidate with a registered political party unless [F12 the party is a qualifying party in relation to the constituency and] the description is authorised by a certificate—

(a) issued by or on behalf of the registered nominating officer of the party, and

(b) received by the returning officer at some time during the period for delivery of nomination papers set out in the Table in rule 1.

(2) A person shall be guilty of a corrupt practice if he fraudulently purports to be authorised to issue a certificate under paragraph (1) on behalf of a registered political party’s nominating officer.

[F13 (3) For the purposes of the application of this rule in relation to an election—

(a) “registered political party” means a party which was registered under Part II of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 at the time by which the notice of the election is required to be published by virtue of rule 1 (“the relevant time”);

(b) a registered political party is a qualifying party in relation to a constituency if—

(i) the constituency is in England, Scotland or Wales and the party was at the relevant time registered in respect of that part of Great Britain in the Great Britain register maintained under that Part of that Act, or

(ii) the constituency is in Northern Ireland and the party was at the relevant time registered in the Northern Ireland register maintained under that Part of that Act.]]

Textual Amendments

F11 Sch. 1 rule 6A inserted (24.3.1999) by 1998 c. 48, s. 13, Sch. 2 para. 2; S.I. 1999/393, art. 2

F12 Words in Sch. 1 rule 6A(1) inserted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 38(1)(3)(a) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II

F13 Sch. 1 rule 6A(3) substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 38(1)(3)(b) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 Sch. 1 rule 6A applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Subscription of nomination paper U.K.

7 (1) The nomination paper shall be subscribed by two electors as proposer and seconder, and by eight other electors as assenting to the nomination.

(2) Where a nomination paper bears the signatures of more than the required number of persons as proposing, seconding or assenting to the nomination of a candidate, the signature or signatures (up to the required number) appearing first on the paper in each category shall be taken into account to the exclusion of any others in that category.

(3) The nomination paper shall give the electoral number of each person subscribing it.

(4) The returning officer—

(a) shall supply any elector with a form of nomination paper at the place and during the time for delivery of nomination papers, and

(b) shall at any elector’s request prepare a nomination paper for signature,

but it is not necessary for a nomination to be on a form supplied by the returning officer.

(5) A person shall not subscribe more than one nomination paper at the same election and, if he does, his signature shall be inoperative on any paper other than the one first delivered, but he shall not be prevented from subscribing a nomination paper by reason only of his having subscribed that of a candidate who has died or withdrawn before delivery of the first mentioned paper.

[F14 (6) In this rule “elector”—

(a) means a person who is registered in the register of parliamentary electors for the constituency on the last day for publication of notice of the election; and

(b) includes a person then shown in that register as below voting age if (but only if) it appears from the register that he will be of voting age on the day fixed for the poll.]

Textual Amendments

F14 Sch. 1 rule 7(6) substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 8(a), Sch. 1 para. 23(2); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 Sch. 1 rules 6, 7, 8 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C21 Sch. 1 rules 6, 7, 8 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

Sch. 1 rule 7 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Consent to nomination U.K.

8 (1) A person shall not be validly nominated unless his consent to nomination—

(a) is given in writing on or within one month before the day fixed as the last day for the delivery of nomination papers,

(b) is attested by one witness, and

(c) is delivered at the place and within the time for the delivery of nomination papers,

subject to paragraph (2) below.

(2) If the returning officer is satisfied that owing to the absence of a person from the United Kingdom it has not been reasonably practicable for his consent in writing to be given as mentioned above, a telegram (or any similar means of communication) consenting to his nomination and purporting to have been sent by him shall be deemed for the purposes of this rule to be consent in writing given by him on the day on which it purports to have been sent, and attestation of his consent shall not be required.

(3) A candidate’s consent given under this rule—

(a) shall state the day, month and year of his birth; and

(b) shall state—

(i) that he is aware of the provisions of the M2 House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975; and

(ii) that to the best of his knowledge and belief he is not disqualified for membership of the House of Commons.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22 Sch. 1 rules 6, 7, 8 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C23 Sch. 1 rules 6, 7, 8 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

Sch. 1 rule 8 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

C24 Sch. 1 rule 8 modified (17.2.1994) by S.I. 1994/342, regs. 1(2)(3), 5(4), 6(4)

Marginal Citations

M2 1975 c. 24.

Deposit U.K.

9 (1) A person shall not be validly nominated unless the sum of [F15 £500] is deposited by him or on his behalf with the returning officer at the place and during the time for delivery of nomination papers.

(2) The deposit may be made either—

(a) by the deposit of any legal tender, or

(b) by means of a banker’s draft, or

(c) with the returning officer’s consent, in any other manner.

but the returning officer may refuse to accept a deposit sought to be made by means of a banker’s draft if he does not know that the drawer carries on business as a banker in the United Kingdom.

[F16 (3) Where the deposit is made on behalf of the candidate, the person making the deposit shall at the time he makes it give his name and address to the returning officer (unless they have previously been given to him under section 67 of this Act or rule 6(1) above).]

Textual Amendments

F15 "£500" substituted for "£150" by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 13(a)

F16 Sch. 1 rule 9(3) added by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 75

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C25 Sch. 1 rule 9 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C26 Sch. 1 rule 9 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

Sch. 1 rule 9 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Place for delivery of nomination papers U.K.

10 (1) The returning officer shall fix the place at which nomination papers are to be delivered to him, and shall attend there during the time for their delivery and for the making of objections to them. U.K.

(2) Except in Scotland, the place shall be in—

(a) the constituency; or

(b) the registration area which includes the constituency; or

(c) unless the constituency is a borough constituency, in a [F17 local government area][F18 or Welsh county or county borough] adjoining the constituency or registration area.

For the purposes of paragraph (b) above “registration area” means—

(i) in England and Wales, the area of two or more constituencies which have the same registration officer;

(ii) in Northern Ireland, the county borough of Belfast and each county.

(3) In Scotland the place shall be in—

(a) the constituency; or

(b) the [F17 local government area] or (if more than one) any of the [F17 local government areas] in which the constituency is situated; or

(c) any district adjoining the [F17 local government area] or [F17 local government areas] (as the case may be) in which the constituency is situated.

Textual Amendments

F17 Words in s. 1 rule 10 substituted (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/739, art. 7(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 5(5)(a)

F18 Words in Sch. 1 rule 10(2)(c) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 66(6), Sch. 16 para. 68(17) (with ss. 54(4)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 4, Sch. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C27 Sch. 1 rule 10 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C28 Sch. 1 rule 10 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)-(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

Sch. 1 rule 10 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)

Right to attend nomination U.K.

11 (1) Except for the purpose of delivering a nomination paper or of assisting the returning officer, and subject to paragraph (4) below, no person is entitled to attend the proceedings during the time for delivery of nomination papers or for making objections to them unless he is—

(a) a person standing nominated as a candidate, or

(b) the election agent, proposer or seconder of such a person,

but where a candidate acts as his own election agent he may name one other person who shall be entitled to attend in place of his election agent.

(2) Where a person stands nominated by more than one nomination paper, only the persons subscribing as proposer and seconder—

(a) to such one of those papers as he may select, or

(b) in default of such a selection, to that one of those papers which is first delivered,

shall be entitled to attend as his proposer and seconder.

(3) The right to attend conferred by this rule includes the right—

(a) to inspect, and

(b) to object to the validity of,

any nomination paper.

(4) A candidate’s wife or husband is entitled to be present at the delivery of the candidate’s nomination, and may afterwards, so long as the candidate stands nominated, attend the proceedings referred to in paragraph (1) above, but without any such right as is conferred by paragraph (3) above.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C29 Sch. 1 rule 11 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C30 Sch. 1 rule 11 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

Sch. 1 rule 11 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Decisions as to validity of nomination papers U.K.

12 (1) Where a nomination paper and the candidate’s consent to it are delivered and a deposit is made in accordance with these rules, the candidate shall be deemed to stand nominated unless and until—

(a) the returning officer decides that the nomination paper is invalid; or

(b) proof is given to the returning officer’s satisfaction of the candidate’s death; or

(c) the candidate withdraws.

(2) The returning officer is entitled to hold a nomination paper invalid only on one of the following grounds—

(a) that the particulars of the candidate or the persons subscribing the paper are not as required by law;

(b) that the paper is not subscribed as so required; and

(c) that the candidate is disqualified by the Representation of the M3 People Act 1981.

(3) [F19 Subject to paragraph (3A),] the returning officer shall give his decision on any objection to a nomination paper as soon as practicable after it is made.

[F20 (3A) If in the returning officer’s opinion a nomination paper breaks rule 6A(1), he shall give a decision to that effect as soon as practicable after the close of the period for delivery of nomination papers set out in the Table in rule 1.]

(4) [F21 Where the returning officer] decides that a nomination paper is invalid, he shall endorse and sign on the paper the fact and the reasons for his decision.

(5) The returning officer’s decision that a nomination paper is valid shall be final and shall not be questioned in any proceeding whatsoever.

(6) Subject to paragraph (5) above nothing in this rule prevents the validity of a nomination being questioned on an election petition.

Textual Amendments

F19 Words in Sch. 1 rule 12(3) inserted (24.3.1999) by 1998 c. 48, s. 13, Sch. 2 para. 3(2); S.I. 1999/393, art. 2

F20 Sch. 1 rule 12(3A) inserted (24.3.1999) by 1998 c. 48, s. 13, Sch. 2 para. 3(3); S.I. 1999/393, art. 2

F21 Words in Sch. 1 rule 12(4) substituted (24.3.1999) by 1998 c. 48, s. 13, Sch. 2 para. 3(4); S.I. 1999/393, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C31 Sch. 1 rule 12 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C32 Sch. 1 rule 12 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

Sch. 1 rule 12 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

C33 Sch. 1 rule 12 modified (17.2.1994) by S.I. 1994/342, regs. 1(2)(3), 5(5), 6(5)

C34 Sch. 1 rule 12 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Marginal Citations

M3 1981 c. 34.

Withdrawal of candidates U.K.

13 (1) A candidate may withdraw his candidature by notice of withdrawal— U.K.

(a) signed by him and attested by one witness, and

(b) delivered to the returning officer at the place for delivery of nomination papers.

(2) Where a candidate is outside the United Kingdom, a notice of withdrawal signed by his proposer and accompanied by a written declaration also so signed of the candidate’s absence from the United Kingdom shall be of the same effect as a notice of withdrawal signed by the candidate; but where the candidate stands nominated by more than one nomination paper a notice of withdrawal under this paragraph shall be effective if, and only if—

(a) it and the accompanying declaration are signed by all the proposers except any who is, and is stated in that declaration to be, outside the United Kingdom; or

(b) it is accompanied, in addition to that declaration, by a written statement signed by the candidate that the proposer giving the notice is authorised to do so on the candidate’s behalf during his absence from the United Kingdom.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C35 Sch. 1 rule 13 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C36 Sch. 1 rule 13 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C37 Sch. 1 rule 13 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 13 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)

Publication of statement of persons nominated U.K.

14 (1) The returning officer shall prepare and publish a statement showing the persons who have been and stand nominated and any other persons who have been nominated, with the reason why they no longer stand nominated.

(2) The statement shall show the names, addresses and descriptions of the persons nominated as given in their nomination papers, together with the names of the persons subscribing those papers.

(3) The statement shall show the persons standing nominated arranged alphabetically in the order of their surnames, and, if there are two or more of them with the same surname, of their other names.

(4) In the case of a person nominated by more than one nomination paper, the returning officer shall take the particulars required by the foregoing provisions of this rule from such one of the papers as the candidate (or the returning officer in default of the candidate) may select, but if the election is contested a candidate standing nominated may require the returning officer to include in the statement the names of the persons subscribing a second and third nomination.

[F22 (5) The returning officer shall send to the Electoral Commission—

(a) a copy of the statement; and

(b) in the case of each candidate standing nominated in respect of whom a certificate has been received by the returning officer in accordance with rule 6A above, a copy of that certificate as well.]

Textual Amendments

F22 Sch. 1 rule 14(5) inserted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 158(1), Sch. 21 para. 6(9) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C38 Sch. 1 rules 14, 15 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C39 Sch. 1 rules 14, 15 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C40 Sch. 1 rule 14 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 14 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Valid from 01/01/2007

[F23 Correction of minor errors U.K.

Textual Amendments

F23 Sch. 1 rule 14A inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 19(8), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(f) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 4

14A (1) A returning officer may, if he thinks fit, at any time before the publication under rule 14 above of the statement of persons nominated, correct minor errors in a nomination paper.

(2) Errors which may be corrected include—

(a) errors as to a person's electoral number;

(b) obvious errors of spelling in relation to the details of a candidate.

(3) Anything done by a returning officer in pursuance of this rule must not be questioned in any proceedings other than proceedings on an election petition.

(4) A returning officer must have regard to any guidance issued by the Electoral Commission for the purposes of this rule.]

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C41 Sch. 1 rule 14A applied (with modifications) 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)

Disqualification by Representation of the People Act 1981 U.K.

15 (1) If it appears to the returning officer that any of the persons nominated might be disqualified by the Representation of the M4 People Act 1981 he shall, as soon as practicable after the expiry of the time allowed for the delivery of nomination papers, prepare and publish a draft of the statement required under rule 14 above. U.K.

(2) The draft shall be headed “Draft statement of persons nominated” and shall omit the names of the persons subscribing the papers but shall contain a notice stating that any person who wishes to object to the nomination of any candidate on the ground that he is disqualified for nomination under the Representation of the People Act 1981 may do so between the hours of 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon on the day and at the place specified in the notice; and the day so specified shall be the day next after the last day for the delivery of nomination papers.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C42 Sch. 1 rules 14, 15 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C43 Sch. 1 rules 14, 15 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)-(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

Sch. 1 rule 15 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)

Marginal Citations

M4 1981 c. 34.

Adjournment of nomination proceedings in case of riot U.K.

16 (1) Where the proceedings for or in connection with nomination are on any day interrupted or obstructed by riot or open violence— U.K.

(a) the proceedings shall be abandoned for that day, and

(b) if that day is the last day for the delivery of nomination papers, the proceedings shall be continued on the next day as if that were the last day of such delivery,

and that day shall be treated for the purposes of these rules as being the last day for such delivery (subject to any further application of this rule in the event of interruption or obstruction on that day).

(2) Where proceedings are abandoned by virtue of this rule nothing—

(a) may be done after they are continued if the time for doing it had passed at the time of the abandonment;

(b) done before the abandonment shall be invalidated by reason of the abandonment.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C44 Sch. 1 rule 16 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C45 Sch. 1 rule 16 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)-(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

Sch. 1 rule 16 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)

Method of election U.K.

17 (1) If the statement of persons nominated shows more than one person standing nominated, a poll shall be taken in accordance with Part III of these rules. U.K.

(2) If the statement of persons nominated shows only one person standing nominated, that person shall be declared to be elected in accordance with Part IV of these rules.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C46 Sch. 1 rule 17 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C47 Sch. 1 rule 17 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C48 Sch. 1 rule 17 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 17 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)

Part III U.K. Contested Elections

U.K. General Provisions

Poll to be taken by ballot U.K.

18 U.K. The votes at the poll shall be given by ballot, the result shall be ascertained by counting the votes given to each candidate and the candidate to whom the majority of votes have been given shall be declared to have been elected.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C49 Sch. 1 rule 18 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C50 Sch. 1 rule 18 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C51 Sch. 1 rule 18 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 18 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)

The ballot papers U.K.

19 (1) The ballot of every voter shall consist of a ballot paper, and the persons shown in the statement of persons nominated as standing nominated, and no others, shall be entitled to have their names inserted in the ballot paper.

(2) Every ballot paper shall be in the form in the Appendix, and shall be printed in accordance with the directions in that Appendix, and—

(a) shall contain the names and other particulars of the candidates as shown in the statement of persons nominated;

(b) shall be capable of being folded up;

(c) shall have a number printed on the back;

(d) shall have attached a counterfoil with the same number printed [F24 on it].

[F25 (2A) If a candidate who is the subject of a party’s authorisation under rule 6A(1) so requests, the ballot paper shall contain, against the candidate’s particulars, the party’s registered emblem (or, as the case may be, one of the party’s registered emblems).

(2B) The request must—

(a) be made in writing to the returning officer, and

(b) be received by him during the period for delivery of nomination papers set out in the Table in rule 1.]

(3) The order of the names in the ballot paper shall be the same as in the statement of persons nominated.

Textual Amendments

F24 Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 76

F25 Sch. 1 rule 19(2A)(2B) inserted (24.3.1999) by 1998 c. 48, s. 13, Sch. 2 para. 4; S.I. 1999/393, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C52 Sch. 1 rule 19 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C53 Sch. 1 rule 19 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C54 Sch. 1 rule 19 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 19 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Valid from 01/01/2007

[F26 Corresponding number list U.K.

Textual Amendments

F26 Sch. 1 rule 19A inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 14.5.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 31(2), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(o) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 3

19A (1) The returning officer must prepare a list containing the numbers and other unique identifying marks of all of the ballot papers to be issued by him in pursuance of rule 24(1) or provided by him in pursuance of rule 29(1). U.K.

(2) The list shall be in such form as the Secretary of State in regulations prescribes.]

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C55 Sch. 1 rule 19A applied (with modifications) 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)

The official mark U.K.

20 (1) Every ballot paper shall be marked with an official mark, which shall perforate the ballot paper.

(2) The official mark shall be kept secret, and an interval of not less than seven years shall intervene between the use of the same official mark at elections for the same constituency.

(3) The official mark used for ballot papers issued for the purpose of voting by post shall not be used at the same election for ballot papers issued for the purpose of voting in person.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C56 Sch. 1 rules 20, 21 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C57 Sch. 1 rules 20, 21 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C58 Sch. 1 rule 20 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 20 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C59 Sch. 1 rule 20 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 20 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Prohibition of disclosure of vote U.K.

21 U.K. No person who has voted at the election shall, in any legal proceeding to question the election or return, be required to state for whom he voted.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C60 Sch. 1 rules 20, 21 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C61 Sch. 1 rules 20, 21 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C62 Sch. 1 rule 21 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 21 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)

Use of schools and public rooms U.K.

22 (1) The returning officer may use, free of charge, for the purpose of taking the poll— U.K.

(a) a room in a school to which this rule applies;

(b) a room the expense of maintaining which is payable out of any rate.

This rule applies—

(i) in England and Wales, to a school maintained or assisted by a local education authority F27 . . . or a school in respect of which grants are made out of moneys provided by Parliament to the person or body of persons responsible for the management of the school;

(ii) in Scotland, to a school other than an independent school within the meaning of the M5 Education (Scotland) Act 1980;

(iii) in Northern Ireland, to a school in receipt of a grant out of moneys appropriated by Measure of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

(2) The returning officer shall make good any damage done to, and defray any expense incurred by the persons having control over, any such room as mentioned above by reason of its being used for the purpose of taking the poll.

[F28 (3) The use of a room in an unoccupied house for that purpose does not render a person liable to be rated or to pay any rate for the house.]

(4) In Northern Ireland this rule does not apply to any school adjoining or adjacent to any church or other place of worship nor to any school connected with a nunnery or other religious establishment.

Textual Amendments

F27 Words in Sch. 1 rule 22(1)(i) repealed (1.9.1999) by 1998 c. 31, s. 140(3), Sch. 31 (with ss. 138(9), 144(6)); S.I. 1999/2323, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F28 Sch. 1 rule 22(3) repealed (E.W.S.) by Local Government Finance Act 1988 (c. 41, SIF 81:1, 103:2), s. 149, Sch. 13 Pt. I

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C63 Sch. 1 rule 22 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C64 Sch. 1 rule 22 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C65 Sch. 1 rule 22 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 22 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C66 Sch. 1 rule 22 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)

C67 Sch. 1 rule 22(1)(2) applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Marginal Citations

M5 1980 c. 44.

U.K. Action to be Taken Before the Poll

Notice of poll U.K.

23 (1) The returning officer shall in the statement of persons nominated include a notice of the poll, stating the day on which and hours during which the poll will be taken. U.K.

(2) The returning officer shall also give public notice (which may be combined with the statement of persons nominated) of—

(a) the situation of each polling station;

(b) the description of voters entitled to vote there; F29

F30 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F31 and he shall as soon as practicable after giving such a notice give a copy of it to each of the election agents]

F32 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F29 Word repealed by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), ss. 24, 28, Sch. 4 para. 77(a), Sch. 5

F30 Sch. 1 rule 23(2)(c) repealed by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), ss. 24, 28, Sch. 4 para. 77(a), Sch. 5

F31 Words inserted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 77(a)

F32 Sch. 1 rule 23(3) repealed by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), ss. 24, 28, Sch. 4 para. 77(b), Sch. 5

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C68 Sch. 1 rule 23 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C69 Sch. 1 rule 23 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C70 Sch. 1 rule 23 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 23 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C71 Sch. 1 rule 23 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)

C72 Sch. 1 rule 23(1) applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by S.I. 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Postal ballot papers U.K.

F33 [24 The returning officer shall, in accordance with regulations, issue to those entitled to vote by post a ballot paper and a declaration of identity in the prescribed form, together with such envelopes for their return (whether free of charge or otherwise) as may be prescribed.]

Textual Amendments

F33 Sch. 1 rule 24 substituted (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 15(1), Sch. 6 para. 10(1)(3); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art 2(4))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C73 Sch. 1 rule 24 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Provision of polling stations U.K.

25 (1) The returning officer shall provide a sufficient number of polling stations and, subject to the following provisions of this rule, shall allot the electors to the polling stations in such manner as he thinks most convenient. U.K.

(2) One or more polling stations may be provided in the same room.

(3) the polling station allotted to electors from any polling district shall be in the polling place for that district.

(4) In a constituency in Scotland comprising the whole or any part of more [F34 local government areas] than one, there shall be at least one polling station in each of those [F34 local government areas].

(5) the returning officer shall provide each polling station with such number of compartments as may be necessary in which the voters can mark their votes screened from observation.

Textual Amendments

F34 Words in Sch. 1 rule 25(4) substituted (1.4.1996) by S.I. 1996/739, art. 7(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 5(5)(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C74 Sch. 1 rule 25 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C75 Sch. 1 rule 25 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C76 Sch. 1 rule 25 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 25 applied (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C77 Sch. 1 rule 25 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by S.I. 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 25 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)

Appointment of presiding officers and clerks U.K.

26 (1) The returning officer shall appoint and pay a presiding officer to attend at each polling station and such clerks as may be necessary for the purposes of the election, but he shall not appoint any person who has been employed by or on behalf of a candidate in or about the election. U.K.

(2) The returning officer may, if he thinks fit, preside at a polling station and the provisions of these rules relating to a presiding officer shall apply to a returning officer so presiding with the necessary modifications as to things to be done by the returning officer to the presiding officer or by the presiding officer to the returning officer.

(3) A presiding officer may do, by the clerks appointed to assist him, any act (including the asking of questions) which he is required or authorised by these rules to do at a polling station except order the arrest, exclusion or removal of any person from the polling station [F35 or refuse to deliver a ballot paper under paragraph (1C) of rule 37 (including that paragraph as applied by rule 38, 39 or 40)].

Textual Amendments

F35 Words inserted (N.I.) by Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985 (c. 2, SIF 42), s. 2(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C78 Sch. 1 rule 26 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C79 Sch. 1 rule 26 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)-(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C80 Sch. 1 rule 26 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 26 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C81 Sch. 1 rule 26 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 26 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)

Special lists U.K.

F36 27 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F36 Sch. 1 rule 27 repealed S.I. 1986/1080, arts. 3, 4(2)(c), Sch. by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 28, Sch. 5

Issue of official poll cards U.K.

28 (1) The returning officer shall as soon as practicable send to electors and their proxies an official poll card, but a card need not be sent to any person—

(a) as an elector if he is placed on the absent voters list for the election; or

(b) as a proxy if [F37 he is entitled to vote by post as proxy at the election]

[F38 and a card shall not be sent to any person registered, or to be registered, in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration].

(2) An elector’s official poll card shall be sent or delivered to his qualifying address, and a proxy’s to his address as shown in the list of proxies.

(3) The official poll card shall be in the prescribed form and shall set out—

(a) the name of the constituency;

(b) the elector’s name, qualifying address and number on the register;

(c) the date and hours of the poll and the situation of the elector’s polling station.

(4) Paragraph (6) of rule 7 above applies for the interpretation of this rule.

Textual Amendments

F37 Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 11, Sch. 2 para. 6

F38 Words inserted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 4(6)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C82 Sch. 1 rule 28 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C83 Sch. 1 rule 28 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C84 Sch. 1 rule 28 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 28 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

Sch. 1 rule 28 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

C85 Sch. 1 rule 28(1)-(3) applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Equipment of polling stations U.K.

29 (1) The returning officer shall provide each presiding officer with such number of ballot boxes and ballot papers as in the returning officer’s opinion may be necessary.

(2) Every ballot box shall be so constructed that the ballot papers can be put in it, but cannot be withdrawn from it, without the box being unlocked.

(3) The returning officer shall provide each polling station with—

(a) materials to enable voters to mark the ballot papers;

(b) instruments for stamping on them the official mark;

(c) copies of the register of electors or such part of it as contains the names of the electors allotted to the station;

(d) the parts of any special lists prepared for the election corresponding to the register of electors or the part of it provided under subparagraph (c) above.

[F39 (3A) The returning officer shall also provide each polling station with—

(a) at least one large version of the ballot paper which shall be displayed inside the polling station for the assistance of voters who are partially-sighted; and

(b) a device of such description as may be prescribed for enabling voters who are blind or partially-sighted to vote without any need for assistance from the presiding officer or any companion (within the meaning of rule 39(1)).]

(4) A notice in the form in the Appendix, giving directions for the guidance of the voters in voting, shall be printed in conspicuous characters and exhibited inside and outside every polling station.

(5) In every compartment of every polling station there shall be exhibited [F40 the notice “Vote for one candidate only. Put no other mark on the ballot paper, or your vote may not be counted.”]

Textual Amendments

F39 Sch. 1 rule 29(3A) inserted (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(1)(2); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

F40 Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 79

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C86 Sch. 1 rule 29 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C87 Sch. 1 rule 29 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C88 Sch. 1 rule 29 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 29 applied (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C89 Sch. 1 rule 29 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 29 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

C90 Sch. 1 rule 29(5) applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(6)(d)(7)

Appointment of polling and counting agents U.K.

30 (1) Each candidate may, before the commencement of the poll, appoint— U.K.

(a) polling agents to attend at polling stations for the purpose of detecting personation; and

(b) counting agents to attend at the counting of the votes.

(2) The returning officer may limit the number of counting agents, so however that—

(a) the number shall be the same in the case of each candidate; and

(b) the number allowed to a candidate shall not (except in special circumstances) be less than the number obtained by dividing the number of clerks employed on the counting by the number of candidates.

(3) Notice in writing of the appointment, stating the names and addresses of the persons appointed, shall be given by the candidate to the returning officer and shall be so given not later than the second day (computed like any period of time in the Timetable) before the day of the poll.

(4) If an agent dies, or becomes incapable of acting, the candidate may appoint another agent in his place, and shall forthwith give to the returning officer notice in writing of the name and address of the agent appointed.

(5) F41 . . . any appointment authorised by this rule may be made and the notice of appointment given to the returning officer by the candidate’s election agent, instead of by the candidate.

(6) In the following provisions of these rules references to polling and counting agents shall be taken as references to agents—

(a) whose appointments have been duly made and notified; and

(b) where the number of agents is restricted, who are within the permitted number.

(7) Any notice required to be given to a counting agent by the returning officer may be delivered at or sent by post to the address stated in the notice of appointment.

(8) A candidate may himself do any act or thing which any polling or counting agent of his, if appointed, would have been authorised to do, or may assist his agent in doing any such act or thing.

(9) A candidate’s election agent may do or assist in doing anything which a polling or counting agent of his is authorised to do; and anything required or authorised by these rules to be done in the presence of the polling or counting agents may be done in the presence of a candidate’s election agent instead of his polling agent or counting agents.

(10) Where by these rules any act or thing is required or authorised to be done in the presence of the polling or counting agents, the non-attendance of any agents or agent at the time and place appointed for the purpose shall not, if the act or thing is otherwise duly done, invalidate the act or thing done.

Textual Amendments

F41 Words in Sch. 1 rule 30(5) repealed (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 158(2), Sch. 22 (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt. II

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C91 Sch. 1 rule 30 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C92 Sch. 1 rule 30 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C93 Sch. 1 rule 30 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 30 applied (with modifications) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C94 Sch. 1 rule 30 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)

C95 Sch. 1 rule 30(2)(9) applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(6)(d)(7)

[F42 Notification of requirement of secrecy] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F42 Sch. 1 rule 31 substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 80

[F43 31 U.K. The returning officer shall make such arrangements as he thinks fit to ensure that—

(a) every person attending at a polling station (otherwise than for the purpose of voting or assisting a blind 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.]

Textual Amendments

F43 Sch. 1 rule 31 substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 80

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C96 Sch. 1 rule 31 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C97 Sch. 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

C98 Sch. 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

C99 Sch. 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)

Valid from 01/01/2007

[F44 Return of postal ballot papers U.K.

Textual Amendments

F44 Sch. 1 rule 31A inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 45(2), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(u) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2)S. 61(6A) inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 38(3), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(s) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts 2, 4

31A (1) Where— U.K.

(a) a postal vote has been returned in respect of a person who is entered on the postal voters list, or

(b) a proxy postal vote has been returned in respect of a proxy who is entered on the proxy postal voters list,

the returning officer must mark the list in the prescribed manner.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1) above, regulations may prescribe the circumstances in which a postal vote or a proxy postal vote (as the case may be) is or is not to be treated as having been returned.

(3) Rule 45(1B) and (2) below does not apply for the purpose of determining whether, for the purposes of this rule, a postal vote or a proxy postal vote is returned.]

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C100 Sch. 1 rule 31A(1)(3) 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)

U.K. The Poll

Admission to polling station U.K.

32 (1) The presiding officer shall regulate the number of voters to be admitted to the polling station at the same time, and shall exclude all other persons except—

(a) the candidates and their election agents;

(b) the polling agents appointed to attend at the polling station;

(c) the clerks appointed to attend at the polling station;

(d) the constables on duty; and

(e) the companions of [F45 voters with disabilities].

(2) Not more than one polling agent shall be admitted at the same time to a polling station on behalf of the same candidate.

(3) A constable or person employed by a returning officer shall not be admitted to vote in person elsewhere than at his own polling station under the relevant provision of this Act, except on production and surrender of a certificate as to his employment, which shall be in the prescribed form and signed by the prescribed officer of police or by the returning officer, as the case may be.

(4) Any certificate surrendered under this rule shall forthwith be cancelled.

Textual Amendments

F45 Words in rule 32(1)(e) substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(1)(4); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C101 Sch. 1 rules 32–34 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C102 Sch. 1 rules 32–34 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C103 Sch. 1 rule 32 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 32 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C104 Sch. 1 rule 32(1)(3)(4) applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 32 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (as amended (13.11.2003) by S.I. 2003/2989, art. 2(2))

C105 Sch. 1 rule 32(2) applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(6)(d)(7)

Keeping of order in station U.K.

33 (1) It is the presiding officer’s duty to keep order at his polling station. U.K.

(2) If a person misconducts himself in a polling station, or fails to obey the presiding officer’s lawful orders, he may immediately, by the presiding officer’s order, be removed from the polling station—

(a) by a constable in or near that station, or

(b) by any other person authorised in writing by the returning officer to remove him,

and the person so removed shall not, without the presiding officer’s permission, again enter the polling station during the day.

(3) Any person so removed may, if charged with the commission in the polling station of an offence, be dealt with as a person taken into custody by a constable for an offence without a warrant.

(4) The powers conferred by this rule shall not be exercised so as to prevent a voter who is otherwise entitled to vote at a polling station from having an opportunity of voting at that station.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C106 Sch. 1 rules 32–34 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C107 Sch. 1 rules 32–34 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C108 Sch. 1 rule 33 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 33 applied (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C109 Sch. 1 rule 33 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 33 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)

Sealing of ballot boxes U.K.

34 U.K. Immediately before the commencement of the poll, the presiding officer shall show the ballot box empty to such persons, if any, as are present in the polling station, so that they may see that it is empty, and shall then lock it up and place his seal on it in such a manner as to prevent its being opened without breaking the seal, and shall place it in his view for the receipt of ballot papers, and keep it so locked and sealed.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C110 Sch. 1 rules 32–34 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C111 Sch. 1 rules 32–34 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C112 Sch. 1 rule 34 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 34 applied (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C113 Sch. 1 rule 34 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 34 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)

Questions to be put to voters U.K.

35 (1) The presiding officer may, and if required by a candidate or his election or polling agent shall, put to any person applying for a ballot paper at the time of his application, but not afterwards, the following questions, or either of them—

(a) in the case of a person applying as an elector—

(i) “Are you the person registered in the register of parliamentary electors for this election as follows?” (read the whole entry from the register.)

(ii) “Have you already voted, here or elsewhere, at this by-election [general election], otherwise than as proxy for some other person?”

(b) in the case of a person applying as proxy—

(i) “Are you the person whose name appears as A.B. in the list of proxies for this election as entitled to vote as proxy on behalf of C.D.?”

(ii) “Have you already voted here or elsewhere at this by-election [general election] as proxy on behalf of C.D.?”

(2) In the case of a person applying as proxy, the presiding officer may, and if required as mentioned above shall, put the following additional question—

“Are you the husband [wife], parent, grandparent, brother [sister], child or grandchild of C.D.?”

and if that question is not answered in the affirmative the following question—

“Have you at this election already voted in this constituency on behalf of two persons of whom you are not the husband [wife], parent, grandparent, brother [sister], child or grandchild?”

(3) A ballot paper shall not be delivered to any person required to answer the above questions or any of them unless he has answered the questions or question satisfactorily.

(4) Save as by this rule authorised, no inquiry shall be permitted as to the right of any person to vote.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C114 Sch. 1 rule 35 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C115 Sch. 1 rule 35 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C116 Sch. 1 rule 35 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 35 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C117 Sch. 1 rule 35 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 35 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Challenge of voter U.K.

36 (1) If at the time a person applies for a ballot paper for the purpose of voting in person, or after he has applied for a ballot paper for that purpose and before he has left the polling station, a candidate or his election or polling agent—

(a) declares to the presiding officer that he has reasonable cause to believe that the applicant has committed an offence of personation, and

(b) undertakes to substantiate the charge in a court of law,

the presiding officer may order a constable to arrest the applicant, and the order of the presiding officer shall be sufficient authority for the constable so to do.

(2) A person against whom a declaration is made under this rule shall not by reason of it be prevented from voting.

(3) A person arrested under the provisions of this rule shall be dealt with as a person taken into custody by a constable for an offence without a warrant.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C118 Sch. 1 rule 36 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C119 Sch. 1 rule 36 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C120 Sch. 1 rule 36 was prospectively repealed (E.W.) by Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (c. 60, SIF 95), s. 119(2), Sch. 7 Pt. I but before that repeal was brought into force, the relevant repealing provision was itself repealed (16.7.1985) by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 28, Sch. 5

C121 Sch. 1 rule 36 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 36 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C122 Sch. 1 rule 36 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 36 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Voting procedure U.K.

37 (1) A ballot paper shall be delivered to a voter who applies for one, and immediately before delivery—

(a) the ballot paper shall be stamped with the official mark;

(b) the number, [F46 and name] of the elector as stated in the copy of the register of electors shall be called out;

(c) the number of the elector shall be marked on the counterfoil;

(d) a mark shall be placed in the register of electors against the number of the elector to denote that a ballot paper has been received but without showing the particular ballot paper which has been received; and

(e) in the case of a person applying for a ballot paper as proxy, a mark shall also be placed against his name in the list of proxies.

(2) The voter, on receiving the ballot paper, shall forthwith proceed into one of the compartments in the polling station and there secretly mark his paper and fold it up so as to conceal his vote, and shall then show to the presiding officer the back of the paper, so as to disclose the official mark, and put the ballot paper so folded up into the ballot box in the presiding officer’s presence.

(3) The voter shall vote without undue delay, and shall leave the polling station as soon as he has put his ballot paper into the ballot box.

Extent Information

E1 This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Scotland only; a separate version has been created for Northern Ireland.

Textual Amendments

F46 Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 81

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C123 Sch. 1 rule 37 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

Sch. 1 rule 37 modified (17.2.1994) by S.I. 1994/342, arts. 1(2)(3), 2(2), 16(4)

C124 Sch. 1 rule 37 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 37 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

37 (1) [F88 Subject to paragraphs (1A) to (1G) below, a] ballot paper shall be delivered to a voter who applies for one, and immediately before delivery—

(a) the ballot paper shall be stamped with the official mark;

(b) the number, [F89 and name] of the elector as stated in the copy of the register of electors shall be called out;

(c) the number of the elector shall be marked on the counterfoil;

(d) a mark shall be placed in the register of electors against the number of the elector to denote that a ballot paper has been received but without showing the particular ballot paper which has been received; and

(e) in the case of a person applying for a ballot paper as proxy, a mark shall also be placed against his name in the list of proxies.

[F90 (1A) A ballot paper shall not be delivered to a voter unless he has produced a specified document to the presiding officer or a clerk.

(1B) Where a voter produces a specified document, the presiding officer or clerk to whom it is produced shall deliver a ballot paper to the voter unless the officer or clerk decides that the document raises a reasonable doubt as to whether the voter is the elector or proxy he represents himself to be.

(1C) Where a voter produces a specified document to a presiding officer and he so decides, he shall refuse to deliver a ballot paper to the voter.

(1D) Where a voter produces a specified document to a clerk and he so decides, he shall refer the matter and produce the document to the presiding officer who shall proceed as if the document had been produced to him in the first place.

(1E) For the purposes of this rule a specified document is one which for the time being falls within the following list:—

(a) a current licence to drive a motor vehicle granted under Part III of the M7 Road Traffic Act 1972 (excluding a provisional licence), or under [F91 Article 12] of the M8 Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 or any corresponding enactment for the time being in force;

(b) a current passport issued by the Government of the United Kingdom or by the Government of the Republic of Ireland;

(c) a current book for the payment of allowances, benefits or pensions issued by the Department of Health and Social Services for Northern Ireland;

(d) a medical card issued by the Northern Ireland Central Services Agency for the Health and Social Services;

(e) a certified copy, or extract, of an entry of marriage issued by a Registrar General, where the voter producing the copy or extract is a woman married within the period of two years ending with the day of the poll concerned.

[F92 (f) a British seaman’s card issued in accordance with regulations made, or having effect as if made, under section 79 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995;]

[F93 (g) a card made of plastic on which the name and national insurance number of the person to whom it is issued have been embossed and which has been issued by the Department for Social Development, the Department of Health and Social Security or the Department of Social Security]

In sub-paragraph (e) above “a Registrar General” means the Registrar General for England and Wales, the Registrar General of Births, Deaths and Marriages for Scotland or the Registrar General for Northern Ireland.

(1F) Regulations may make provision varying the list in paragraph (1E) above (whether by adding or deleting documents or varying any description of document).

(1G) References in this rule to producing a document are to producing it for inspection.]

(2) The voter, on receiving the ballot paper, shall forthwith proceed into one of the compartments in the polling station and there secretly mark his paper and fold it up so as to conceal his vote, and shall then show to the presiding officer the back of the paper, so as to disclose the official mark, and put the ballot paper so folded up into the ballot box in the presiding officer’s presence.

(3) The voter shall vote without undue delay, and shall leave the polling station as soon as he has put his ballot paper into the ballot box.

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1 Sch. 1 r. 37: for previous exercises of this power, see Index of Government Orders.

P2 Sch. 1 rule 37(1F): s. 53 (with s. 201(1), Sch. 1 r. 37(1F) and Sch. 2 para. 11A) power exercised (N.I.) by S.I.1991/1674.

Extent Information

E2 This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only.

Textual Amendments

F88 Words substituted (N.I.) by Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985 (c. 2, SIF 42), s. 2(3)(a)

F89 Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 81

F90 Sch. 1 rule 37(1A)–(1G) inserted (N.I.) by Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985 (c. 2, SIF 42), s. 1(2)

F91 Words in Sch. 1 rule 37 substituted (N.I.) (16.02.2001) by S.I. 2001/400, regs. 1(1), 14(1)

F92 Sch. 1 rule 37(1E)(f) substituted (N.I.) (16.02.2001) by S.I. 2001/400, regs. 1(1), 14(2)

F93 Sch. 1 rule 37(1E)(g) substituted (N.I.) (16.02.2001) by S.I. 2001/400, regs. 1(1), 14(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C190 Sch. 1 rule 37 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

Sch. 1 rule 37 modified (17.2.1994) by S.I. 1994/342, arts. 1(2)(3), 2(2), 16(4)

C191 Sch. 1 rule 37 applied (with modifications) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 37 applied (with modifications) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

Sch. 1 rule 37 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

C192 Sch. 1 rule 37 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Marginal Citations

M7 1972 c.20 (107).

M8 S.I. 1981/154 (N.I. 1)

Votes marked by presiding officer U.K.

38 (1) [F47 The][F47 Subject to paragraph (1A) below, the] presiding officer, on the application of a voter—

(a) who is incapacitated by blindness or other physical cause from voting in manner directed by these rules, or

(b) who declares orally that he is unable to read,

shall, in the presence of the polling agents, cause the voter’s vote to be marked on a ballot paper in manner directed by the voter, and the ballot paper to be placed in the ballot box.

[F48 (1A) Paragraphs (1A) to (1G) of rule 37 shall apply in the case of a voter who applies under paragraph (1) above as they apply in the case of a voter who applies under rule 37(1), but reading references to delivering a ballot paper to a voter as references to causing a voter’s vote to be marked on a ballot paper.]

(2) The name and number on the register of electors of every voter whose vote is marked in pursuance of this rule, and the reason why it is so marked, shall be entered on a list (in these rules called “the list of votes marked by the presiding officer”).

In the case of a person voting as proxy for an elector, the number to be entered together with the voter’s name shall be the elector’s number.

Textual Amendments

F47 Words substituted (N.I.) by Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985 (c. 2, SIF 42), s. 2(3)(b)

F48 Sch. 1 rule 38(1A) inserted (N.I.) by Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985 (c. 2, SIF 42), s. 1(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C125 Sch. 1 rule 38 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C126 Sch. 1 rule 38 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C127 Sch. 1 rule 38 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 38 applied (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C128 Sch. 1 rule 38 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 38 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

[F49 Voting by persons with disabilities] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F49 Sch. 1 rule 39 and preceding cross-heading substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(1)(3); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)

F50 [39 (1) If a voter makes an application to the presiding officer to be allowed, on the ground of—

(a) blindness or other physical incapacity, or

(b) inability to read,

to vote with the assistance of another person by whom he is accompanied (in these rules referred to as “the companion”), the presiding officer shall require the voter to declare, orally or in writing, whether he is so incapacitated by his blindness or other incapacity, or by his inability to read, as to be unable to vote without assistance.

(2) If the presiding officer—

(a) is satisfied that the voter is so incapacitated, and

(b) is also satisfied by a written declaration made by the companion (in these rules referred to as “the declaration made by the companion of a voter with disabilities”) that the companion—

(i) is a qualified person within the meaning of this rule, and

(ii) has not previously assisted more than one voter with disabilities to vote at the election,

the presiding officer shall grant the application, and then anything which is by these rules required to be done to or by that voter in connection with the giving of his vote may be done to, or with the assistance of, the companion.

(3) For the purposes of these rules, a person is a voter with disabilities if he has made such a declaration as is mentioned in paragraph (1) above, and a person shall be qualified to assist a voter with disabilities to vote if that person—

(a) is a person who is entitled to vote as an elector at the election; or

(b) is the father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, son or daughter of the voter and has attained the age of 18 years.

(4) The name and number in the register of electors of every voter whose vote is given in accordance with this rule and the name and address of the companion shall be entered on a list (in these rules referred to as “the list of voters with disabilities assisted by companions”).

In the case of a person voting as proxy for an elector, the number to be entered together with the voter’s name shall be the elector’s number.

(5) The declaration made by the companion—

(a) shall be in the form in the Appendix; and

(b) shall be made before the presiding officer at the time when the voter applies to vote with the assistance of a companion and shall forthwith be given to the presiding officer who shall attest and retain it.

(6) No fee or other payment shall be charged in respect of the declaration.]

Textual Amendments

F50 Sch. 1 rule 39 and preceding cross-heading substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(1)(3); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C129 Sch. 1 rule 39 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Tendered ballot papers U.K.

40 (1) If a person, representing himself to be—

(a) a particular elector named on the register and not named in the absent voters list, or

(b) a particular person named in the list of proxies as proxy for an elector and not F51 entitled to vote by post as proxy,

applies for a ballot paper after another person has voted in person either as the elector or his proxy, the applicant shall, on satisfactorily answering the questions permitted by law to be asked at the poll, be entitled, subject to the following provisions of this rule, to mark a ballot paper (in these rules referred to as “a tendered ballot paper”) in the same manner as any other voter.

[F52 (1A) Paragraphs (1A) to (1G) of rule 37 shall apply in the case of a person who seeks to mark a tendered ballot paper under paragraph (1) above as they apply in the case of a voter who applies for a ballot paper under rule 37(1).

(1B) Paragraph (1C) below applies where a presiding officer refuses to deliver a ballot paper to a person under paragraph (1C) of rule 37 (including that paragraph as applied by rule 38 or 39 of this rule).

(1C) The person shall, on satisfactorily answering the questions permitted by law to be asked at the poll, nevertheless be entitled, subject to the following provisions of this rule, to mark a ballot paper (in these rules referred to as “a tendered ballot paper”) in the same manner as any other voter.]

(2) A tendered ballot paper shall—

(a) be of a colour differing from the other ballot papers;

(b) instead of being put into the ballot box, be given to the presiding officer and endorsed by him with the name of the voter and his number in the register of electors, and set aside in a separate packet.

(3) The name of the voter and his number on the register of electors shall be entered on a list (in these rules referred to as the “tendered votes list”).

(4) In the case of a person voting as proxy for an elector, the number to be endorsed or entered together with the voter’s name shall be the number of that elector.

[F53 (5) A person who marks a tendered ballot paper under paragraph (1C) above shall sign the paper, unless it was marked after an application was refused under rule 38 or 39.

(6) A paper which is required to be signed under paragraph (5) above and is not so signed shall be void.]

Textual Amendments

F51 Words repealed by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), ss. 11, 28, Sch. 2 para. 7, Sch. 5

F52 Sch. 1 rule 40(1A)–(1C) inserted (N.I.) by Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985 (c. 2, SIF 42), s. 1(5)

F53 Sch. 1 rule 40(5)(6) inserted (N.I.) by Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985 (c. 2, SIF 42), s. 1(6)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C130 Sch. 1 rule 40 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C131 Sch. 1 rule 40 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C132 Sch. 1 rule 40 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 40 applied (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C133 Sch. 1 rule 40 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 40 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

[F54 Refusal to deliver ballot paper] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F54 Sch. 1 rule 40A inserted (N.I.) by Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985 (c. 2, SIF 42), s. 2(4)

[F55 40A (1) This rule applies where a presiding officer refuses to deliver a ballot paper under paragraph (1C) of rule 37 (including that paragraph as applied by rule 38, 39 or 40). U.K.

(2) The refusal shall be subject to review on an election petition but, subject to that, shall be final and shall not be questioned in any proceeding whatsoever.]

Textual Amendments

F55 Sch. 1 rule 40A inserted (N.I.) by Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985 (c. 2, SIF 42), s. 2(4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C134 Sch. 1 rule 40A applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C135 Sch. 1 rule 40A applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 40A applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

Sch. 1 rule 40A 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)

Spoilt ballot papers U.K.

41 U.K. A voter who has inadvertently dealt with his ballot paper in such manner that it cannot be conveniently used as a ballot paper may, on delivering it to the presiding officer and proving to his satisfaction the fact of the inadvertence, obtain another ballot paper in the place of the ballot paper so delivered (in these rules referred to as “a spoilt ballot paper”), and the spoilt ballot paper shall be immediately cancelled.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C136 Sch. 1 rules 41, 42 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C137 Sch. 1 rules 41, 42 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C138 Sch. 1 rule 41 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 41 applied (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C139 Sch. 1 rule 41 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 41 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)

Valid from 01/01/2007

[F56 Correction of errors on day of poll E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F56 Sch. 1 rule 41A inserted (E.W.S.) (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 11(6), 77, Sch. 1 para. 38; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 2, 12(b) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2)

41A E+W+S The presiding officer shall keep a list of persons to whom ballot papers are delivered in consequence of an alteration to the register made by virtue of section 13B(3B) or (3D) of this Act which takes effect on the day of the poll.]

Valid from 14/05/2008

[F57 Correction of errors on day of poll: Northern Ireland U.K.

Textual Amendments

F57 Sch. 1 rule 41B inserted (14.5.2008) by Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (c. 33), ss. 30(1), 31, Sch. 4 para. 6(8); S.I. 2008/1318, art. 2

41B U.K. The presiding officer shall keep a list of persons to whom ballot papers are delivered in consequence of an alteration to the register made by virtue of section 13BA(9) which takes effect on the day of the poll.]

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C140 Sch. 1 rule 41B applied (with modifications) 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)

Adjournment of poll in case of riot U.K.

42 (1) Where the proceedings at any polling station are interrupted or obstructed by riot or open violence, the presiding officer shall adjourn the proceedings till the following day and shall forthwith give notice to the returning officer. U.K.

(2) Where the poll is adjourned at any polling station—

(a) the hours of polling on the day to which it is adjourned shall be the same as for the original day; and

(b) references in this Act to the close of the poll shall be construed accordingly.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C141 Sch. 1 rules 41, 42 applied (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C142 Sch. 1 rules 41, 42 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C143 Sch. 1 rule 42 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 42 applied (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C144 Sch. 1 rule 42 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 42 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)

Procedure on close of poll U.K.

43 (1) As soon as practicable after the close of the poll, the presiding officer shall, in the presence of the polling agents, make up into separate packets, sealed with his own seal and the seals of such polling agents as desire to affix their seals—

(a) each ballot box in use at the station, sealed so as to prevent the introduction of additional ballot papers and unopened, but with the key attached,

(b) the unused and spoilt ballot papers placed together,

(c) the tendered ballot papers,

(d) the marked copies of the register of electors and of the list of proxies,

(e) the counterfoils of the used ballot papers and the certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll,

(f) the tendered votes list, the list of [F58 voters with disabilities] assisted by companions, the list of votes marked by the presiding officer, a statement of the number of voters whose votes are so marked by the presiding officer under the heads “physical incapacity” and “unable to read”, and the declarations made by the companions of [F58 voters with disabilities],

and shall deliver the packets or cause them to be delivered to the returning officer to be taken charge of by him; but if the packets are not delivered by the presiding officer personally to the returning officer, the arrangements for their delivery shall require the returning officer’s approval.

(2) The marked copies of the register of electors and of the list of proxies shall be in one packet but shall not be in the same packet as the counterfoils of the used ballot papers and the certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll.

(3) The packets shall be accompanied by a statement (in these rules referred to as “the ballot paper account”) made by the presiding officer showing the number of ballot papers entrusted to him, and accounting for them under the heads of ballot papers issued and not otherwise accounted for, unused, spoilt and tendered ballot papers.

Textual Amendments

F58 Words in rule 43(1)(f) substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(1)(4); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C145 Sch. 1 rules 43, 44 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C146 Sch. 1 rules 43, 44 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C147 Sch. 1 rule 43 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 43 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C148 Sch. 1 rule 43 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 43 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

U.K. Counting of Votes

Attendance at counting of votes U.K.

44 (1) The returning officer shall make arrangements for counting the votes in the presence of the counting agents as soon as practicable after the close of the poll, and shall give to the counting agents notice in writing of the time and place at which he will begin to count the votes.

(2) No person other than—

(a) the returning officer and his clerks,

(b) the candidates and their wives or husbands,

(c) the election agents,

(d) the counting agents,

may be present at the counting of the votes, unless permitted by the returning officer to attend.

(3) A person not entitled to attend at the counting of the votes shall not be permitted to do so by the returning officer unless he—

(a) is satisfied that the efficient counting of the votes will not be impeded; and

(b) has either consulted the election agents or thought it impracticable to do so.

(4) The returning officer shall give the counting agents all such reasonable facilities for overseeing the proceedings, and all such information with respect to them, as he can give them consistently with the orderly conduct of the proceedings and the discharge of his duties in connection with them.

(5) In particular, where the votes are counted by sorting the ballot papers according to the candidate for whom the vote is given and then counting the number of ballot papers for each candidate, the counting agents shall be entitled to satisfy themselves that the ballot papers are correctly sorted.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C149 Sch. 1 rules 43, 44 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C150 Sch. 1 rules 43, 44 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C151 Sch. 1 rule 44 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 44 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C152 Sch. 1 rule 44(5) applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(6)(d)(7)

Sch. 1 rule 44 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

The count U.K.

45 [F59 (1) The returning officer shall—

(a) in the presence of the counting agents open each ballot box and count and record the number of ballot papers in it;

(b) in the presence of the election agents verify each ballot paper account; and

(c) count such of the postal ballot papers as have been duly returned and record the number counted.

(1A) The returning officer shall not count the votes given on any ballot papers until—

(a) in the case of postal ballot papers, they have been mixed with the ballot papers from at least one ballot box, and

(b) in the case of ballot papers from a ballot box, they have been mixed with the ballot papers from at least one other ballot box.]

[F60 (1B) A postal ballot paper shall not, in England, Wales or Scotland, be taken to be duly returned unless—

(a) it is returned in the prescribed manner and reaches the returning officer or a polling station in the constituency before the close of the poll, and

(b) the declaration of identity, duly signed and authenticated, is also returned in the prescribed manner and reaches him or such a polling station before that time.]

(2) A postal ballot paper shall not [F61 , in Northern Ireland,] be deemed to be duly returned unless it is returned in the proper envelope so as to reach the returning officer before the close of the poll and is accompanied by the declaration of identity duly signed and authenticated.

(3) The returning officer shall not count any tendered ballot paper.

(4) The returning officer, while counting and recording the number of ballot papers and counting the votes, shall keep the ballot papers with their faces upwards and take all proper precautions for preventing any person from seeing the numbers printed on the back of the papers.

(5) The returning officer shall verify each ballot paper account by comparing it with the number of ballot papers recorded by him, and the unused and spoilt ballot papers in his possession and the tendered votes list (opening and resealing the packets containing the unused and spoilt ballot papers and the tendered votes list) and shall draw up a statement as to the result of the verification, which any election agent may copy.

(6) The returning officer shall so far as practicable proceed continuously with counting the votes, allowing only time for refreshment, except that he may, in so far as he and the agents agree, exclude the hours between 7 in the evening and 9 on the following morning.

For the purposes of this exception the agreement of a candidate or his election agent shall be as effective as the agreement of his counting agents.

(7) During the time so excluded the returning officer shall—

(a) place the ballot papers and other documents relating to the election under his own seal and the seals of such of the counting agents as desire to affix their seals; and

(b) otherwise take proper precautions for the security of the papers and documents.

Textual Amendments

F59 Sch. 1 rule 45(1)(1A) substituted for rule 45(1) by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 82

F60 Sch. 1 rule 45(1B) inserted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 15(1)(4), Sch. 6 para. 10(1)(4)(a); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (with art. 2(4))

F61 Words in Sch. 1 rule 45(2) inserted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 15(1), Sch. 6 para. 10(1)(4)(b); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (with art. 2(4))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C153 Sch. 1 rule 45 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)-(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

Sch. 1 rule 45 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 45 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

Sch. 1 rule 45 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Recount U.K.

46 (1) A candidate or his election agent may, if present when the counting or any recount of the votes is completed, require the returning officer to have the votes recounted or again recounted but the returning officer may refuse to do so if in his opinion the request is unreasonable. U.K.

(2) No step shall be taken on the completion of the counting or any recount of votes until the candidates and election agents present at its completion have been given a reasonable opportunity to exercise the right conferred by this rule.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C154 Sch. 1 rules 46–49 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C155 Sch. 1 rule 46 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Rejected ballot papers U.K.

47 (1) Any ballot paper—

(a) which does not bear the official mark, or

(b) on which votes are given for more than one candidate, or

(c) on which anything is written or marked by which the voter can be identified except the printed number on the back, or

(d) which is unmarked or void for uncertainty,

shall, subject to the provisions of the next following paragraph, be void and not counted.

(2) A ballot paper on which the vote is marked—

(a) elsewhere than in the proper place, or

(b) otherwise than by means of a cross, or

(c) by more than one mark,

shall not for such reason be deemed to be void if an intention that the vote shall be for one or other of the candidates clearly appears, and the way the paper is marked does not itself identify the voter and it is not shown that he can be identified by it.

(3) The returning officer shall endorse the word “rejected” on any ballot paper which under this rule is not to be counted, and shall add to the endorsement the words “rejection objected to” if an objection is made by a counting agent to his decision.

(4) The returning officer shall draw up a statement showing the number of ballot papers rejected under the several heads of—

(a) want of official mark;

(b) voting for more than one candidate;

(c) writing or mark by which voter could be identified;

(d) unmarked or void for uncertainty.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C156 Sch. 1 rules 46–49 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C157 Sch. 1 rule 47 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 47 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(6)(d)(7)

Sch. 1 rule 47 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C158 Sch. 1 rule 47 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Decisions on ballot papers U.K.

48 U.K. The decision of the returning officer on any question arising in respect of a ballot paper shall be final, but shall be subject to review on an election petition.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C159 Sch. 1 rules 46–49 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C160 Sch. 1 rule 48 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 48 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 1

Equality of votes U.K.

49 U.K. Where, after the counting of the votes (including any recount) is completed, an equality of votes is found to exist between any candidates and the addition of a vote would entitle any of those candidates to be declared elected, the returning officer shall forthwith decide between those candidates by lot, and proceed as if the candidate on whom the lot falls had received an additional vote.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C161 Sch. 1 rules 46–49 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C162 Sch. 1 rule 49 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Part IV U.K. Final Proceedings in Contested and Uncontested Elections

Declaration of result U.K.

50 (1) In a contested election, when the result of the poll has been ascertained, the returning officer shall forthwith— U.K.

(a) declare to be elected the candidate to whom the majority of votes has been given;

(b) return his name to the Clerk of the Crown; and

(c) give public notice of his name and of the total number of votes given for each candidate together with the number of rejected ballot papers under each head shown in the statement of rejected ballot papers.

(2) In an uncontested election, the statement of persons nominated, in addition to showing the person standing nominated, shall also declare that person elected, and the returning officer shall forthwith return his name to the Clerk of the Crown.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C163 Sch. 1 rule 50 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C164 Sch. 1 rule 50 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C165 Sch. 1 para. 50 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 50 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)

Return to the writ U.K.

51 (1) The returning officer shall return the name of the member elected by endorsing on the writ a certificate in the form in the Appendix.

(2) Any rule of law or enactment as to the effect of, or manner of dealing with, the return of a member to serve in Parliament applies to the certificate.

(3) The returning officer may, on receiving a receipt, deliver the writ with the certificate endorsed on it to the postmaster of the principal post office of the place of election or the postmaster’s deputy.

(4) The postmaster or his deputy shall send the writ so endorsed by the first post, free of charge, under cover to the Clerk of the Crown with the words “Election Writ and Return” endorsed on it.

(5) Any reference in the foregoing provisions of this Part of these rules to the Clerk of the Crown shall be taken, in relation to an election for a constituency in Northern Ireland, as a reference to the Clerk of the Crown for Northern Ireland, but any writ returned to the Clerk of the Crown for Northern Ireland shall be transmitted by him to the Clerk of the Crown in England and the return shall be certified to the House of Commons in the same manner as returns for elections for constituencies in Great Britain.

(6) A copy of each writ returned to the Clerk of the Crown for Northern Ireland and of the certificate endorsed on it shall be attested by the Secretary of State, shall be kept in the office of the Clerk of the Crown for Northern Ireland and may be given in evidence if the originals are lost.

Record of returns at Crown Office U.K.

52 (1) The Clerk of the Crown shall from the certificate on each writ returned to him enter the name of the member returned in a book to be kept by him at the Crown Office. U.K.

(2) The Clerk of the Crown shall also enter in the book any alteration or amendment made by him in the certificate endorsed on any writ.

(3) The book shall be open to public inspection at reasonable times and any person may, on payment of a reasonable fee, take copies from the book.

Return or forfeiture of candidate’s deposit U.K.

53 (1) The deposit made under rule 9 of these rules shall either be returned to the person making it or his personal representatives or be forfeited to Her Majesty. U.K.

(2) Except in the cases mentioned below in this rule, the deposit shall be returned [F62 not later than the next day after that on which] the result of the election is declared.

[F63 (2A) For the purposes of paragraph (2) above—

(a) a day shall be disregarded if it would be disregarded under rule 2 above in computing any period of time for the purposes of the timetable for an election of the kind in question; and

(b) the deposit shall be treated as being returned on a day if a cheque for the amount of the deposit is posted on that day.]

(3) If the candidate is not shown as standing nominated in the statement of persons nominated, or if the poll is countermanded or abandoned by reason of his death, the deposit shall be returned as soon as practicable after the publication of the statement or after his death, as the case may be.

(4) Subject to paragraph (3) above the deposit shall be forfeited if a poll is taken and, after the counting of the votes by the returning officer (including any recount) is completed, the candidate is found not to have polled more than [F64 one twentieth] of the total number of votes polled by all the candidates.

(5) Notwithstanding anything in paragraphs (2) to (4) above, if at a general election a candidate is shown as standing nominated in more than one constituency in the statements of persons nominated, not more than one of the deposits shall be returned and, if necessary, the Treasury shall direct which it is to be.

Textual Amendments

F62 Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 83(a)

F63 Sch. 1 rule 53(2A) inserted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 83(b)

F64 Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 13(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C166 Sch. 1 rule 53 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

Sch. 1 rule 53 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)

C167 Sch. 1 rule 53 applied (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)-(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

Part V U.K. Disposal of Documents

Valid from 04/09/2009

[F65 Destruction of home address forms U.K.

Textual Amendments

F65 Sch. 1 rule 53A and preceding cross-heading inserted (4.9.2009) before Sch. 1 rule 54 by Political Parties and Elections Act 2009 (c. 12), ss. 24(7), 43(1); S.I. 2009/2395, art. 2 (with art. 3)

53A U.K. The returning officer shall destroy each candidate's home address form—

(a) on the next working day following the 21st day after the officer has returned the name of the member elected; or

(b) if an election petition questioning the election or return is presented before that day, on the next working day following the conclusion of proceedings on the petition or on appeal from such proceedings.]

Sealing up of ballot papers U.K.

54 (1) On the completion of the counting at a contested election the returning officer shall seal up in separate packets the counted and rejected ballot papers.

(2) The returning officer shall not open the sealed packets of tendered ballot papers or of counterfoils and certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll, or of marked copies of the register of electors and lists of proxies.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C168 Sch. 1 rules 54–57, 60 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C169 Sch. 1 rules 54–57, 60 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C170 Sch. 1 rule 54 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 54 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

C171 Sch. 1 rule 54 applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Sch. 1 rule 54 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Delivery of documents to Clerk of the Crown U.K.

55 (1) The returning officer shall then forward to the Clerk of the Crown the following documents—

(a) the packets of ballot papers in his possession,

(b) the ballot paper accounts and the statements of rejected ballot papers and of the result of the verification of the ballot paper accounts,

(c) the tendered votes lists, the lists of [F66 voters with disabilities] assisted by companions, the lists of votes marked by the presiding officer and the related statements, and the declarations made by the companions of [F66 voters with disabilities],

(d) the packets of counterfoils and certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll,

(e) the packets containing marked copies of registers and of lists of proxies,

endorsing on each packet a description of its contents, the date of the election to which they relate and the name of the constituency for which the election was held.

(2) The returning officer may forward the documents either by delivering them by himself or his agent to the Clerk of the Crown or his deputy or by sending them by post in like manner as he may send the writ by post; but if he sends them by post—

(a) he shall send a letter to the Clerk of the Crown by the same post, specifying the number and description of the documents so sent;

(b) a copy of the receipt given him by the postmaster or deputy postmaster shall be signed by him and retained by the postmaster or deputy postmaster.

(3) The Clerk of the Crown shall on receiving the documents give a receipt to the person delivering them, and shall register them in books of the Crown Office specifying the date and time of receipt.

(4) Any receipt to be given for the documents shall show the date and time of their receipt.

Textual Amendments

F66 Words in rule 55(1)(c) substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(1)(4); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C172 Sch. 1 rules 54–57, 60 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C173 Sch. 1 rules 54–57, 60 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C174 Sch. 1 rule 55 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 55 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (25.4.1998) by S.I. 1998/1126, art. 6, Sch. 2

Orders for production of documents U.K.

56 (1) An order—

(a) for the inspection or production of any rejected ballot papers in the custody of the Clerk of the Crown, or

(b) for the opening of a sealed packet of counterfoils and certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll or the inspection of any counted ballot papers in his custody,

may be made—

(i) by the House of Commons; or

(ii) if satisfied by evidence on oath that the order is required for the purpose of instituting or maintaining a prosecution for an offence in relation to ballot papers, or for the purpose of an election petition, by the High Court or a county court.

(2) An order for the opening of a sealed packet of counterfoils and certificates or for the inspection of any counted ballot papers in the Clerk of the Crown’s custody may be made by an election court.

(3) An order under this rule may be made subject to such conditions as to—

(a) persons,

(b) time,

(c) place and mode of inspection,

(d) production or opening,

as the House of Commons or court making the order may think expedient; but in making and carrying into effect an order for the opening of a packet of counterfoils and certificates or for the inspection of counted ballot papers, care shall be taken that the way in which the vote of any particular elector has been given shall not be disclosed until it has been proved—

(i) that his vote was given; and

(ii) that the vote has been declared by a competent court to be invalid.

(4) An appeal lies to the High Court from any order of a county court under this rule.

(5) Any power given under this rule—

(a) to the High Court or, except in Northern Ireland, to a county court, may be exercised by any judge of the court otherwise than in open court; and

(b) in Northern Ireland to a county court, may be exercised in such manner as may be provided by rules of court.

(6) Where an order is made for the production by the Clerk of the Crown of any document in his possession relating to any specified election—

(a) the production by him or his agent of the document ordered in such manner as may be directed by that order shall be conclusive evidence that the document relates to the specified election; and

(b) any endorsement on any packet of ballot papers so produced shall be prima facie evidence that the ballot papers are what they are stated to be by the endorsement.

(7) The production from proper custody of a ballot paper purporting to have been used at any election, and of a counterfoil marked with the same printed number and having a number marked on it in writing, shall be prima facie evidence that the elector whose vote was given by that ballot paper was the person who at the time of the election had affixed to his name in the register of electors the same number as the number written on the counterfoil.

(8) Save as by this rule provided, no person shall be allowed to inspect any rejected or counted ballot papers in the possession of the Clerk of the Crown or to open any sealed packets of counterfoils and certificates.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C175 Sch. 1 rules 54–57, 60 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C176 Sch. 1 rules 54–57, 60 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C177 Sch. 1 rule 56 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 56 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Retention and public inspection of documents U.K.

57 (1) The Clerk of the Crown shall retain for a year all documents relating to an election forwarded to him in pursuance of these rules by a returning officer, and then, unless otherwise directed by order of the House of Commons or the High Court, shall cause them to be destroyed.

(2) Those documents, except ballot papers, counterfoils and certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll, shall be open to public inspection at such time and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the Clerk of the Crown with the consent of the Speaker of the House of Commons.

(3) The Clerk of the Crown shall, on request, supply copies of or extracts from the documents open to public inspection on payment of such fees and subject to such conditions as may be sanctioned by the Treasury.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C178 Sch. 1 rules 54–57, 60 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C179 Sch. 1 rules 54–57, 60 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C180 Sch. 1 rule 57 applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Sch. 1 rule 57 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Disposal of documents in Scotland U.K.

58 In Scotland, the documents mentioned in sub-paragraphs (a) to (e) of paragraph (1) of rule 55 of these rules shall, instead of being forwarded to the Clerk of the Crown—

(a) be kept by the sheriff clerk of the sheriff court district comprising the constituency, or

(b) if the constituency comprises the whole or part of more sheriff court districts than one, the sheriff clerk of such one of those sheriff court districts as the Secretary of State may by order appoint,

and the provisions of rules 56 and 57 of these rules apply to those documents with the substitution of that sheriff clerk for the Clerk of the Crown.

Disposal of documents in Northern Ireland U.K.

59 In relation to an election for a constituency in Northern Ireland, any reference in this Part of these rules to the Clerk of the Crown shall be taken as a reference to the Clerk of the Crown for Northern Ireland.

Part VI U.K. Death of Candidate

Valid from 01/01/2007

[F67 Deceased independent candidate wins U.K.

Textual Amendments

F67 Sch. 1 rules 60-65 substituted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) for Sch. 1 rule 60 by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 24, 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(k) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 4

61 (1) This rule applies if at an election mentioned in rule 60(1) the majority of votes is given to the deceased candidate. U.K.

(2) Rule 50(1) (declaration of result) does not apply but the returning officer must—

(a) declare that the majority of votes has been given to the deceased candidate,

(b) declare that no member is returned, and

(c) give public notice of the total number of votes given for each candidate together with the number of rejected ballot papers under each head shown in the statement of rejected ballot papers.

(3) Rule 53 (return or forfeiture of candidate's deposit) does not apply in relation to the remaining candidates.

(4) The returning officer must not return the writ and the proceedings with reference to the election must be commenced afresh subject to the following provisions of this rule.

(5) The writ for the election must be taken to have been received on the first working day after the end of the period of seven days starting on the day of the election mentioned in rule 60(1).

(6) No fresh nomination is necessary in the case of a person shown in the statement of persons nominated as standing nominated, and no other nomination may be made.

(7) The last day on which a notice of withdrawal of candidature by a person who stands nominated by virtue of paragraph (6) may be delivered is the seventh working day after the day on which the writ is taken to be received.

(8) Rule 9 (deposit) does not apply.

(9) The poll must be held on a day in the period which starts 15 working days after the day on which the writ is taken to have been received and ends 19 working days after that day.

(10) For the purposes of this rule a working day is a day which is not a day specified in rule 2(1)(a) to (c).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C181 Sch. 1 rule 61 applied (with modifications) 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)

Valid from 01/01/2007

Deceased independent candidate with equality of votes U.K.

62 U.K. In an election mentioned in rule 60(1), if—

(a) rule 49 applies (equality of votes), and

(b) any of the candidates to whom that rule applies is a deceased candidate,

the deceased candidate must be ignored.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C182 Sch. 1 rule 62 applied (with modifications) 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)

Valid from 01/01/2007

Party candidate U.K.

63 (1) This rule applies if— U.K.

(a) at a contested election proof is given to the returning officer's satisfaction before the result of the election is declared that one of the persons named or to be named as a candidate in the ballot paper has died, and

(b) that person is standing in the name of a registered political party.

(2) The returning officer must—

(a) countermand notice of the poll, or

(b) if polling has begun, direct that the poll be abandoned.

(3) The proceedings with reference to the election must be commenced afresh subject to the following provisions of this rule.

(4) The writ for the election must be taken to have been received on the first working day after the end of the period of seven days starting on the day the proof is given to the returning officer.

(5) No fresh nomination is necessary in the case of a person shown in the statement of persons nominated as standing nominated.

(6) No other nomination may be made except for a person standing in the name of the same registered political party in whose name the deceased candidate was standing.

(7) The last day on which a nomination mentioned in paragraph (6) may be delivered is the seventh working day after the day on which the writ is taken to be received.

(8) The last day on which a notice of withdrawal of candidature by a person who stands nominated by virtue of paragraph (5) or in pursuance of paragraph (6) may be delivered is the seventh working day after the day on which the writ is taken to be received.

(9) The poll must be held on a day in the period which starts 15 working days after the day on which the writ is taken to have been received and ends 19 working days after that day.

(10) For the purposes of this rule—

(a) a person stands in the name of a registered political party if his nomination paper contains a description which is authorised as mentioned in rule 6A(1) or (1B);

(b) a registered political party is a party which is registered under Part 2 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000;

(c) a working day is a day which is not a day specified in rule 2(1)(a) to (c).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C183 Sch. 1 rule 63 applied (with modifications) 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)

Valid from 01/01/2007

Speaker of the House of Commons seeking re-election U.K.

64 (1) This rule applies if at a contested election— U.K.

(a) one of the candidates is the Speaker of the House of Commons seeking re-election, and

(b) proof is given to the returning officer's satisfaction before the result of the election is declared that that candidate has died.

(2) The returning officer must—

(a) countermand notice of the poll, or

(b) if polling has begun, direct that the poll be abandoned.

(3) The proceedings with reference to the election must be commenced afresh subject to the following provisions of this rule.

(4) The writ for the election must be taken to have been received on the first working day after the end of the period of seven days starting on the day the proof is given to the returning officer.

(5) The last day on which—

(a) nominations, or

(b) notice of withdrawal of candidature,

may be delivered is the seventh working day after the day on which the writ is taken to be received.

(6) The poll must be held on a day in the period which starts 15 working days after the day on which the writ is taken to have been received and ends 19 working days after that day.

(7) For the purposes of this rule a working day is a day which is not a day specified in rule 2(1)(a) to (c).

Valid from 01/01/2007

Abandoned poll U.K.

65 (1) This rule applies to— U.K.

(a) a poll which is abandoned in pursuance of rule 60(4)(b) as if it were a poll at a contested election;

(b) a poll which is abandoned in pursuance of rule 63(2)(b) or 64(2)(b).

(2) The presiding officer at a polling station must take the like steps (so far as not already taken) for the delivery to the returning officer of ballot boxes and of ballot papers and other documents as he is required to take on the close of the poll.

(3) The returning officer must dispose of ballot papers and other documents in his possession as is he required to do on the completion of the counting of the votes.

(4) It is not necessary for a ballot paper account to be prepared or verified.

(5) No step or further step is to be taken for the counting of the ballot papers or of the votes.

(6) The returning officer must seal up all the ballot papers (whether the votes on them have been counted or not) and it is not necessary to seal up counted and rejected ballot papers in separate packets.

(7) The provisions of these rules as to the inspection, production, retention and destruction of ballot papers and other documents relating to a poll at an election apply subject to paragraphs (8) and (9).

(8) Ballot papers on which the votes were neither counted nor rejected must be treated as counted ballot papers.

(9) No order is to be made for—

(a) the production or inspection of any ballot papers, or

(b) the opening of a sealed packet of the completed corresponding number lists or of certificates as to employment on the day of the poll,

unless the order is made by a court with reference to a prosecution.]

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C184 Sch. 1 rule 65 applied (with modifications) 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)

Countermand or abandonment of poll on death of candidate U.K.

60 (1) If at a contested election proof is given to the returning officer’s satisfaction before the result of the election is declared that one of the persons named or to be named as candidate in the ballot papers has died, then the returning officer shall countermand notice of the poll or, if polling has begun, direct that the poll be abandoned and all proceedings with reference to the election shall be commenced afresh in all respects as if the writ had been received 28 days after the day on which proof was given to the returning officer of the death except that—

(a) no fresh nomination shall be necessary in the case of a person shown in the statement of persons nominated as standing nominated, and

(b) in the case of a general election, as in the case of a by-election, the time for delivery of nomination papers and the time for polling shall be determined in accordance with the third column in the Timetable in rule 1 of these rules (with the necessary modification of any reference to the date on which the writ is received).

(2) Where the poll is abandoned by reason of a candidate’s death the proceedings at or consequent on that poll shall be interrupted, and the presiding officer at any polling station shall take the like steps (so far as not already taken) for the delivery to the returning officer of ballot boxes and of ballot papers and other documents as he is required to take on the close of the poll in due course, and the returning officer shall dispose of ballot papers and other documents in his possession as he is required to do on the completion in due course of the counting of the votes, but—

(a) it shall not be necessary for any ballot paper account to be prepared or verified; and

(b) the returning officer, without taking any step or further step for the counting of the ballot papers or of the votes shall seal up all the ballot papers, whether the votes on them have been counted or not, and it shall not be necessary to seal up counted and rejected ballot papers in seperate packets.

(3) The provisions of these rules as to the inspection, production, retention and destruction of ballot papers and other documents relating to a poll at an election apply to any such documents relating to a poll abandoned by reason of a candidate’s death, with the following modifications—

(a) ballot papers on which the votes were neither counted nor rejected shall be treated as counted ballot papers; and

(b) no order shall be made for the production or inspection of any ballot papers of for the opening of a sealed packet of counterfoils or certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll unless the order is made by a court with reference to a prosecution.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C185 Sch. 1 rules 54–57, 60 applied with modifications (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

C186 Sch. 1 rules 54–57, 60 applied with modifications (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)–(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

Sch. 1 rule 60 applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art. 3(1), Sch. 1

Appendix of forms U.K.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C187 Appendix of Forms applied (with modifications) (N.I.) by S.I. 1986/2250, regs. 2, 3, 5, Sch. 1 Pt. I

Appendix of Forms applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(5)-(8), Sch. 1

Appendix of Forms applied (with modifications) (N.I.) (4.5.1996) by S.I. 1996/1220, art. 3(1)(b)(6)(d)(7)

C188 Appendix of Forms applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) by S.I. 1986/2209, regs. 2, 3, 5(1)(6)-(8), Sch. 1 Pt. I

C189 Appendix of Forms applied (with modifications) (31.7.1997) by 1997 c. 61, s. 3, Sch. 3 para. 13 Table 2

Appendix of Forms applied (with modifications) (1.8.2001) by S.I. 2001/2599, art 3(1), Sch. 1

Note.—The forms contained in this Appendix may be adapted so far as circumstances require.

Form of writ U.K.

*The name of the sovereign may be altered when necessary. U.K.

*Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Our other Realms and Territories Queen Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith to the Returning Officer for the    Constituency Greeting

†This preamble to be omitted execpt in case of a general election.   ‡Except in a general election insert here in the place of A. B., deceased or othewise, stating the cause of vacancy. U.K.

†Whereas by the advice of Our Council We have ordered a Parliament to be holden at Westminster on the   day of   next We Command you that due notice being first given you do cause election to be made according to law of a Member to serve in Parliament for the said   Constituency [‡in the place of   ]

And that you do cause the name of such Member when so elected, whether he be present or absent, to be certified to Us in Our Chancery without delay

Witness Ourself at Westminster the   day of   in the   year of Our Reign, and in the year of Our Lord 19   .

Label or direction of writ U.K.

To the Returning Officer for the   Constituency.

A writ of a new election of a Member for the said Constituency.

Endorsement U.K.

Received the within Writ on the   day of   , 19   .

(Signed)

Returning Officer (or as the case may be.)

Certificate endorsed on writ U.K.

I hereby certify, that the Member elected for the   Constituency in pursuance of the within written Writ is   of   in the County of  

(Signed)

Returning Officer (or as the case may be.)

[F68 Note: in relation to any constituency in Wales, “county” in this form refers to a preserved county (as defined by section 64 of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994).]

Textual Amendments

F68 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of certificate to be endorsed on writ: words inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 1(3), Sch. 2 para. 12(2) (with ss. 54(4)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1995/3198, art. 3, Sch. 1

F69 Form of notice of election U.K.

Textual Amendments

F69 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms: Form of notice of election repealed by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 28, Sch. 5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Form of nomination paper U.K.

ELECTION OF A MEMBER to serve in Parliament for the Constituency.

We the undersigned, being electors for the said Constituency, do hereby nominate the undermentioned person as a candidate at the said election.

Candidate’s surname	Other names in full	Description	Home address in full
Brown	John Edward	[F70 Independent]	52, George Street, Bristol

Textual Amendments

F70 Appendix of forms: word in “Form of nomination paper” substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 41, s. 38(1)(4) (with s. 156(6)); S.I. 2001/222, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I (subject to transitional provisions in Sch. 1 Pt II)

Signatures	Electoral Number (See Note 3)
	Distinctive letter	Number
Proposer
Seconder
We, the undersigned, being electors for the said Constituency, do hereby assent to the foregoing nomination.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

NOTE U.K.

1 U.K. The attention of candidates and electors is drawn to the rules for filling up nomination papers and other provisions relating to nomination contained in the parliamentary elections rules in Schedule 1 to the Representation of the M6 People Act 1983.

Marginal Citations

M6 1983 c. 2.

2 U.K. Where a candidate is commonly known by some title he may be described by his title as if it were his surname.

Valid from 01/01/2007

[F71 2B U.K. But the ballot paper will show the other name if the returning officer thinks—

(a) that the use of the commonly used name may be likely to mislead or confuse electors, or

(b) that the commonly used name is obscene or offensive.]

Textual Amendments

F71 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of nomination paper, Note: paras. 2A, 2B inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 21(5), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(h) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 4

F72 3 U.K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F72 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of nomination paper: Note 3 repealed (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, ss. 8(a), 15(2), Sch. 1 para. 23(3)(a), Sch. 7 Pt. I; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (with art. 2(4))

4 U.K. An elector may not subscribe more than one nomination paper for the same election.

5 U.K. A person whose name is entered in the register F73 . . . may not subscribe a nomination paper if the entry gives as the date on which he will become of voting age a date later than the day fixed for the poll.

Textual Amendments

F73 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of nomination paper: words in Note 5 omitted (16.2.2001) by virtue of 2000 c. 2, s. 8(a), Sch. 1 para. 23(3)(b) and the words "electors lists" repealed (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 15(2), Sch. 7 Pt. I; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (with art. 2(4))

Form of Ballot Paper U.K.

Form of Front of Ballot Paper

F74 Form of Back of Ballot Paper

No.

Election for the Constituency on 19

Note.—The number on the ballot paper is to correspond with that on the counterfoil.

Textual Amendments

F74 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms: Form of Front of Ballot Paper substituted (24.3.1999) by 1998 c. 48, s. 13, Sch. 2 para. 5, Appendix; S.I. 1999/393, art. 2

Directions as to printing the ballot paper U.K.

1 U.K. Nothing is to be printed on the ballot paper except in accordance with these directions.

2 U.K. So far as practicable, the following arrangements shall be observed in the printing of the ballot paper—

(a) no word shall be printed on the face [F75 except the direction to vote for one candidate only][F76 , the particulars of the candidates and words forming part of emblems];

(b) no rule shall be printed on the face except [F77 the horizontal rule separating the direction mentioned in paragraph (a) above from the particulars of the candidates and] the horizontal rules separating the particulars of the candidates from one another and the vertical rules separating those particulars from the numbers on the lefthand side and the spaces on the right where the vote is to be marked;

(c) the whole space between the top and bottom of the paper shall be equally divided between [F78 the direction mentioned in paragraph (a) above and each of the candidates by the horizontal rules mentioned in paragraph (b) above].

Textual Amendments

F75 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Directions as to printing the ballot paper: words in para. 2(a) substituted (21.12.1993) by 1993 c. 38, ss. 35(4), 36(1)

F76 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Directions as to printing the ballot paper: words in para. 2(a) substituted (24.3.1999) by 1998 c. 48, s. 13, Sch. 2 para. 6(a); S.I. 1999/393, art. 2

F77 Words inserted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 85(b)

F78 Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 85(c)

[F79 2A U.K. The direction mentioned in paragraph 2(a) above shall be printed in large capitals.]

Textual Amendments

F79 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Directions as to printing the ballot paper: para. 2A inserted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 85(d)

Valid from 01/01/2007

[F80 2B U.K. Nothing in paragraph 2 prohibits the face of the ballot paper containing more than one column of numbers, candidates particulars and spaces where the vote is to be marked if the returning officer thinks it is appropriate for the ballot paper to be printed with more than one column, but in such a case each column must be separated by a double vertical rule.]

Textual Amendments

F80 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Directions as to printing the ballot paper: para. 2B inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 1.7.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 30(3), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(n) (subject to transitional provisions in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 4

3 The surname of each candidate shall in all cases be printed by itself in large capitals, and his full particulars shall be set out below it and shall be printed in ordinary type except that small capitals shall be used—

(a) if his surname is the same as another candidate’s, for his other names; and

(b) if his other names are also the same as the other candidate’s, either for his home address or for his description unless each of them is the same as that of another candidate with the same surname and other names.

[F81 3A U.K. Where an emblem is to be printed against a candidate’s particulars—

(a) it shall be printed between the candidate’s particulars and the vertical rule separating the candidates’ particulars from the spaces where the vote is to be marked, and

(b) its size as printed shall not exceed two centimetres square.]

Textual Amendments

F81 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Directions as to printing the ballot paper: para. 3A inserted (24.3.1999) by 1998 c. 48, s. 13, Sch. 2 para. 6(b); S.I. 1999/393, art. 2

4 The number on the back of the ballot paper shall be printed in small characters.

[F82 Form of directions for the guidance of the voters in voting] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F82 Form of directions for the guidance of voters in voting substituted by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42), s. 24, Sch. 4 para. 86

Guidance for Voters

1 When you are given a ballot paper make sure it is stamped with the official mark.

2 Go to one of the compartments. Mark a cross (X) in the box on the right hand side of the ballot paper opposite the name of the candidate you are voting for.

3 Fold the ballot paper in two. Show the official mark to the presiding officer, but do not let anyone see your vote. Put the ballot paper in the ballot box and leave the polling station.

4 Vote for one candidate only. Put no other mark on the ballot paper, or your vote may not be counted.

5 If by mistake you spoil a ballot paper, show it to the presiding officer and ask for another one.

Form of declaration to be made by the companion of a [F83 voter with disabilities] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F83 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms: words in Form of declaration to be made by the companion of a blind voter substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(1)(4)(a); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)

*State the relationship of the companion to the voter. U.K.

I, A. B., of    , having been requested to assist C. D., (in the case of a [F84 voter with disabilities] voting as proxy add voting as proxy for M. N.) whose number on the register is   to record his vote at the election now being held in this constituency, hereby declare that [I am entitled to vote as an elector at the said election] [I am the   *  of the said voter and have attained the age of 18 years], and that I have not previously assisted any [F85 voter with disabilities] [except E. F., of   ] to vote at the said election.

(Signed) A. B.,

   day of   19   .

I, the undersigned, being the presiding officer for the   polling station for the   Consitiuency, hereby certify that the above declaration, having been first read to the above-named declarant, was signed by the declarant in my presence.

(Signed) G. H.,

   day of   19   .

  minutes past   o’clock [a.m.] [p.m.]

[F86 NOTE 1.]If the person making the above declaration knowingly and wilfully makes therein a statement false in a material particular, he will be guilty of an offence.

[F87 2. A voter with disabilities is a voter who has made a declaration under the parliamentary elections rules that he is so incapacitated by his blindness or other incapacity, or by his inability to read, as to be unable to vote without assistance.]

Textual Amendments

F84 Appendix of forms: words in “form of declaration to be made by the companion of a blind person” substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(1)(4)(a); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)

F85 Appendix of forms: words in “form of declaration to be made by the companion of a blind person” substituted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(1)(4)(a); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)

F86 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of declaration to be made by the companion of a blind voter: Note renumbered as Note 1(16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(5)(b); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)

F87 Sch. 1 Appendix of Forms, Form of declaration to be made by the companion of a blind voter: Note 2 inserted (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 13(5)(b); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)