Combination and timing of polls U.K.

15 Combination of polls at parliamentary, [F1 European Parliamentary] and local elections. E+W+S

(1) Where the polls at—

(a) a parliamentary general election and an [F1 European Parliamentary] general election;

(b) an ordinary local government election and a parliamentary general election; or

(c) an ordinary local government election and an [F1 European Parliamentary] general election,

are to be taken on the same date, they shall be taken together.

(2) Where the polls at elections for related areas are to be taken on the same date but are not required by subsection (1) above or section 36 of the principal Act to be taken together, they may nevertheless be so taken if the returning officer for each election thinks fit.

(3) In subsection (2) above the reference to elections includes [F1 European Parliamentary] elections but does not include elections under the local government Act which are not local government elections; and for the purposes of that subsection two areas are related if one is coterminous with or situated wholly or partly within the other.

(4) Where the polls at any elections are combined under this section the cost of taking the combined polls (excluding any cost solely attributable to one election) and any cost attributable to their combination shall be apportioned equally among the elections.

(5) The Secretary of State may by regulations make such provision as he thinks fit in connection with the combining of polls at any elections under this section including provision modifying the Representation of the People Acts in relation to such elections.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words substituted retrospectively by virtue of European Communities (Amendment) Act 1986 (c. 58, SIF 29:5), s. 3(1)(b)(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 15 applied (with modifications) (2.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1298, reg. 16(6) Sch. 5 Pt. I Table