In section 15 of the 1983 Act (service declaration), after subsection (8) insert—

“(9)

The Secretary of State may by order provide that, in relation to the persons mentioned in section 14(1)(a) and (d), subsection (2)(a) above has effect as if for the period of 12 months there were substituted such other period (not exceeding five years) as he thinks appropriate.

(10)

The power to make an order under subsection (9) is exercisable by statutory instrument, which may contain such incidental or consequential provision as the Secretary of State thinks appropriate.

(11)

No order may be made under subsection (9) unless—

(a)

the Secretary of State first consults the Electoral Commission, and

(b)

a draft of the instrument containing the order is laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.

(12)

If the period substituted by an order under subsection (9) is longer than the period for the time being in force, the longer period has effect in relation to any person who immediately before the order was made was entitled to remain in a register by virtue of subsection (2).”

In section 59 of that Act (supplemental provisions as to members of forces and service voters), for subsection (3) substitute—

“(3)

Arrangements must be made by the appropriate government department for securing that every person having a service qualification by virtue of paragraph (a) or (b) of section 14(1) above has (so far as circumstances permit) an effective opportunity of exercising from time to time as occasion may require the rights conferred on him by this Act in relation to—

(a)

registration in a register of electors (and in particular in relation to the making and cancellation of service declarations);

(b)

the making and cancellation of appointments of a proxy;

(c)

voting in person, by post or by proxy.

(3A)

Arrangements must be made by the appropriate government department for securing that every such person receives such instructions as to the effect of this Act and any regulations made under it, and such other assistance, as may be reasonably sufficient in connection with the exercise by that person and any spouse or civil partner of that person of any rights conferred on them as mentioned above.

(3B)

In subsections (3) and (3A) “the appropriate government department” means, in relation to members of the forces, the Ministry of Defence, and in relation to any other person means the government department under which he is employed in the employment giving the service qualification.

(3C)

The Ministry of Defence must maintain, in relation to each member of the forces who provides information relating to his registration as an elector, a record of such information.

(3D)

The Ministry of Defence must make arrangements to enable each member of the forces to update annually the information recorded under subsection (3C).”