SCHEDULE 2ABSENT VOTING
PART IIIISSUE AND RECEIPT OF POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS
Abandoned poll
18.
Where a poll is countermanded or abandoned after postal ballot papers have been issued, by reason of the death of a candidate, the returning officer—
(a)
shall not take any step or further step to open covering envelopes or deal with their contents in accordance with the provisions of this Part, and
(b)
shall, notwithstanding paragraphs 16 or 17, treat all unopened covering envelopes and the contents of those which have been opened as if they were counted ballot papers.