Elections Act 2001

Part 3 U.K. Postal Ballots

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Sch. 1 Pt. 3: power to modify conferred by 1985 c. 50, s. 15(5B)(a) (as substituted (15.9.2011) by Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 (c. 14), s. 7(2), Sch. para. 15(3) (with s. 6))

Parliamentary elections U.K.

30 (1) Part V of the Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/400) is amended as follows.

(2) In regulation 66 (form of declaration of identity) for “in Form G” substitute—

“(a) in Form G at a parliamentary election where the poll is taken alone;

(b) in Form J at a parliamentary election where the poll is taken together with the poll at a local election.”

(3) In regulation 71 (procedure on issue of postal ballot paper) after paragraph (4) insert—

“(5) Where the poll at one election is taken with the poll at another election, the colour of the postal ballot paper must also be marked on the declaration of identity sent with that paper.”

(4) In regulation 73 (envelopes) after paragraph (3) insert—

“(4) Where polls are taken together—

(a) the envelope referred to in paragraph (2) must also be marked “Covering envelope for the[insert colour of ballot paper] coloured ballot paper”, and

(b) on the envelope referred to in paragraph (3) after the words “Ballot paper envelope” there must be added “for the[insert colour of ballot paper] coloured ballot paper”.”

(5) In Schedule 3 (Forms) in the Arrangement of Forms after the entry relating to Form H insert—

“Form J: Declaration of identity (combined polls)”.

(6) In that Schedule after Form H insert—

“Regulation 66(b)

Form J: DECLARATION OF IDENTITY (COMBINED POLLS)

(for use when a parliamentary poll is combined with a local poll)

Front of form

REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACTS

DECLARATION OF IDENTITY

To be returned with the[insert colour of ballot paper] coloured ballot paper No .

I hereby declare that I am the person to whom the[insert colour of ballot paper] coloured ballot paper numbered as above was sent.

Voter’s signature

The voter, who is personally known to me, has signed this declaration in my presence.

Witness’s signature

Name of witness (WRITE CLEARLY)

Address of witness (WRITE CLEARLY)

SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE BACK OF THIS FORM

Back of form

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE VOTER

1 You must sign this declaration of identity in the presence of a person known to you.You are required to do this even if you have already signed a similar declaration of identity in respect of another election to be held on the same day. That person should then sign this declaration as a witness, adding his or her name and address. Without this the declaration will be invalid.

2 Vote for one candidate only. Put no other mark on the ballot paper or your vote may not be counted.

3 Mark a cross (✗) in the box on the right hand side of the ballot paper opposite the name of the candidate you are voting for. Do this secretly. If you cannot vote without assistance, the person assisting you must not disclose how you have voted.

4 Different colours are used for the ballot papers for each election. Each ballot paper has its own ballot paper envelope (the smaller envelope marked “A”), declaration of identity and covering envelope (the larger envelope marked “B”). The covering envelope and declaration of identity for a particular ballot paper are those which refer to the colour of that ballot paper. It is important that you use the correct envelopes and declaration of identity, otherwise your vote may not be counted. You may find it helpful to sort the documents into separate sets, each consisting of a ballot paper, ballot paper envelope, declaration of identity and covering envelope. Then proceed as follows—

(a) place each ballot paper in the correct smaller envelope and seal it;

(b) put that envelope, together with the correct declaration of identity, in the correct covering envelope and seal it;

(c) return the covering envelopes without delay. Ballot papers must be received by the returning officer not later than the close of poll.

5 If you receive more than one ballot paper, remember that it is illegal to vote more than once (otherwise than as proxy) at thesame election. You are entitled to vote at different elections which are held on the same day.

6 At this election you cannot vote in person at a polling station, even if you receive an official poll card.

7 If you inadvertently spoil your ballot paper, you can apply to the returning officer for another one. With your application you must return, in your own envelope, the spoilt ballot paper, the declaration of identity and the envelopes marked “A” and “B”. Remember that there is little time available if a fresh postal ballot paper is to be issued and counted.”

Local elections U.K.

31 (1) Part III of Schedule 2 to the Local Elections (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (S.I. 1985/454) is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph 6 (marking of postal ballot paper) at the end insert—

“(3) Where the poll at one election is taken with the poll at another election, the colour of the postal ballot paper shall also be marked on the declaration of identity sent with that paper.”

(3) The text of paragraph 8 (ballot paper envelope) becomes sub-paragraph (1) of that paragraph and at the end insert—

“(2) Where polls are taken together—

(a) the covering envelope must also be marked “Covering envelope for the[insert colour of ballot paper] coloured ballot paper”, and

(b) on the ballot paper envelope after the words “Ballot paper envelope” there must be added “for the[insert colour of ballot paper] coloured ballot paper”.”