The Local Elections (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 1997

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order amends Part I of Schedule 2 to the Local Elections (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 and extends to Northern Ireland only.

Paragraph 6 of that Part sets out the additional requirements which apply where a person applies for an absent vote at local elections for an indefinite period on the grounds of physical incapacity. Paragraph 6(2) makes provision for the attestation of such applications. Article 3 of this Order amends paragraph 6(2) to allow any registered nurse to attest such an application (instead of a first level nurse). It also amends that pararaph to take account of changes to the law about residential care homes and nursing homes in Northern Ireland made by the Registered Homes (Northern Ireland) Order 1992.

Paragraphs 8(6) and 11 of Part I of Schedule 2 to the 1985 Order set out the time by which applications relating to absent voting at local elections must be received by the registration officer in order to be effective at a particular election. Article 4 of this Order extends the deadline in rspect of most applications from noon on the thirteenth working day before the day of the poll to 5 p.m. on the eleventh working day before the day of the poll. In the case of applications falling within paragraph 8(6) (late applications for an absent vote at a particular election because of unforeseen circumstances relating to the applicant’s health) the deadline is extended from noon on the sixth working day before the day of the poll to 5 p.m. on that sixth day.