2

Except as regards persons falling within subsection (2A), so far as is reasonably practicable, every person who is entitled to vote in the ballot must—

a

have a voting paper sent to him by post at his home address or any other address which he has requested the trade union in writing to treat as his postal address; and

b

be given a convenient opportunity to vote by post.

2A

Where a merchant seaman to whom this subsection applies is entitled to vote in the ballot he must, so far as is reasonably practicable—

a

have a voting paper made available to him while he is on board the ship or is at a place where the ship is; and

b

be given an opportunity to vote while he is on board the ship or is at a place where the ship is.

2B

Subsection (2A) applies to a merchant seaman who the trade union reasonably believes will, throughout the period during which votes may be cast in the ballot, be employed in a ship either at sea or at a place outside Great Britain.

2C

In subsections (2A) and (2B) “merchant seaman” means a person whose employment, or the greater part of it, is carried out on board sea-going ships.