Search Legislation

The Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001

Status:

Point in time view as at 12/12/2023.

Changes to legislation:

The Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001, Cross Heading: Issue of Postal Ballot Papers is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 13 July 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

Close

Changes to Legislation

Changes and effects yet to be applied by the editorial team are only applicable when viewing the latest version or prospective version of legislation. They are therefore not accessible when viewing legislation as at a specific point in time. To view the ‘Changes to Legislation’ information for this provision return to the latest version view using the options provided in the ‘What Version’ box above.

Issue of Postal Ballot PapersE+W

Combination of pollsE+W

65.[F1(1)] Where the polls at elections are taken together under—

(a)subsection (1) or (2) of section 15 of the 1985 Act (combination of polls at parliamentary F2... and local government elections), or

(b)subsection (3) or (3AB) of section 36 of the 1983 Act (combination of polls at local elections)(1),

the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers in respect of each election may, [F3subject to paragraph (2) and] if the returning officers concerned agree, be taken together.

[F4(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply where the polls of a UK parliamentary election and a local government election in Wales are taken together.]

Textual Amendments

F1Reg. 65 renumbered as reg. 65(1) (12.12.2023 with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), regs. 1(2), 2(4)(a)

F3Words in reg. 65(1) inserted (12.12.2023 with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), regs. 1(2), 2(4)(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5Reg. 65 applied (with modifications) (12.12.2023 with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)) by S.I. 2007/1024, Sch. 2 Table 4 (as amended by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), regs. 1(2), 5(3)(a))

Commencement Information

I1Reg. 65 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Form of [F5postal voting statement] E+W

66.  The form of the [F5postal voting statement] for the purposes of rule 24 of the rules in Schedule 1 to the 1983 Act(2) shall be—

(a)in Form G at a parliamentary election taken alone;

(b)in Form H at a parliamentary election where the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers are taken together with those proceedings at another election;

(c)in Form J at a parliamentary election where the poll is taken together with the poll at another election, but where the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers are not.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I2Reg. 66 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Persons entitled to be present at proceedings on issue of postal ballot papersE+W

67.  [F6Without prejudice to the provisions of section 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, or 6E of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000,] no person may be present at the proceedings on the issue of postal ballot papers other than the returning officer and his clerks.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I3Reg. 67 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Persons entitled to be present at proceedings on receipt of postal ballot papersE+W

68.  [F7Without prejudice to the provisions of section 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, or 6E of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000,] no person may be present at the proceedings on the receipt of postal ballot papers other than—

(a)the returning officer and his clerks,

(b)a candidate,

(c)an election agent or any person appointed by a candidate to attend in his election agent’s place or, at an election of parish or community councillors, any person appointed by the candidate to attend at those proceedings, and

(d)any agents appointed under regulation 69 below.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15Reg. 68 applied (with modifications) (E.) (3.8.2012) by The Neighbourhood Planning (Referendums) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2031), regs. 1, 8, 12, 13, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 Table 6

Commencement Information

I4Reg. 68 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Agents of candidates who may attend proceedings on receipt of postal ballot papersE+W

69.—(1) Each candidate may appoint one or more agents to attend the proceedings on the receipt of the postal ballot papers up to the number he may be authorised by the returning officer to appoint so, however, that the number authorised shall be the same in the case of each candidate.

(2) Notice in writing of the appointment stating the names and addresses of the persons appointed shall be given by the candidate to the returning officer before the time fixed for the opening of the postal voters' ballot box.

(3) Where postal ballot papers for more than one election are issued together under regulation 65 above, the returning officer to whom notice shall be given under paragraph (2) above and paragraphs (4) and (5) below is the returning officer who issues the postal ballot papers.

(4) If an agent dies or becomes incapable of acting, the candidate may appoint another agent in his place and shall forthwith give to the returning officer notice in writing of the name and address of the agent appointed.

(5) Agents may be appointed and notice of appointment given to the returning officer by the candidate’s election agent instead of by the candidate.

(6) In this Part of these Regulations references to agents shall be taken as references to agents whose appointments have been duly made and notified and, in the case of agents appointed under paragraph (1) above, who are within the number authorised by the returning officer.

(7) A candidate may himself do any act or thing which any agent of his, if appointed, would have been authorised to do, or may assist his agent in doing any such act or thing.

(8) Where in this Part of these Regulations any act or thing is required or authorised to be done in the presence of the candidates or their agents, the non-attendance of any such persons or person at the time and place appointed for the purpose shall not, if the act or thing is otherwise duly done, invalidate the act or thing done.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19Reg. 69 applied (with modifications) (E.) (3.8.2012) by The Neighbourhood Planning (Referendums) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2031), regs. 1, 8, 12, 13, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 Table 6

Commencement Information

I5Reg. 69 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Notification of requirement of secrecyE+W

70.  The returning officer shall make such arrangements as he thinks fit to ensure that every person attending the proceedings in connection with the issue of receipt or postal ballot papers has been given a copy in writing of the provisions of subsections (4) and (6) of section 66 of the 1983 Act(3).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C23Reg. 70 applied (with modifications) (E.) (3.8.2012) by The Neighbourhood Planning (Referendums) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2031), regs. 1, 8, 12, 13, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 Table 6

Commencement Information

I6Reg. 70 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

[F8Time when postal ballot papers are to be issuedE+W

71.  Postal ballot papers (and postal voting statements) must be issued by the returning officer as soon as it is practicable to do so.]

Procedure on issue of postal ballot paperE+W

72.F9(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) The number of the elector as stated in the register shall be marked on the [F10corresponding number list, next to the number and unique identifying mark of the ballot paper issued to that elector].

(3) A mark shall be placed in the [F11postal voters list] or the [F12proxy postal voters list] against the number of the elector to denote that a ballot paper has been issued to the elector or his proxy, but without showing the particular ballot paper issued.

(4) The number of a postal ballot paper shall be marked on the [F5postal voting statement] sent with that paper.

(5) Where postal ballot papers for more than one election are issued together under regulation 65 above—

(a)one mark shall be placed in the [F11postal voters list] or the [F13proxy postal voters list] under paragraph (3) above to denote that ballot papers have been issued in respect of all those elections; except that, where ballot papers are not so issued, a different mark shall be placed in the [F11postal voters list] or [F13proxy postal voters list] to identify the election in respect of which the ballot paper was issued; and

(b)the number of each ballot paper shall be marked on the [F5postal voting statement] under paragraph (4) above.

(6) Where the poll at one election is taken with the poll at another election (under the provisions referred to in regulation 65 above) but not the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers, the colour of the postal ballot paper shall also be marked on the [F5postal voting statement] sent with that paper.

[F14(7) [F15Subject to paragraph (8),] the address to which the postal ballot paper, [F5postal voting statement] and the envelopes referred to in regulation 74 below are to be sent is—

(a)in the case of an elector, the address shown in the [F11postal voters list];

(b)in the case of a proxy, the address shown in the [F16proxy postal voters list].]

[F17(8) Where a person has an anonymous entry in the register, the items specified in paragraph (7) must be sent (as the case may be) to the address to which postal ballot papers should be sent—

(a)as shown in the record kept under paragraph 3(4) or 7(6) of Schedule 4, or

(b)as given in pursuance of an application made under paragraph 4(1) or 7(4)(b) of Schedule 4.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C28Reg. 72 applied (with modifications) (E.) (3.8.2012) by The Neighbourhood Planning (Referendums) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2031), regs. 1, 8, 12, 13, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 Table 6

Commencement Information

I7Reg. 72 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Refusal to issue postal ballot paperE+W

73.  Where a returning officer is satisfied that two or more entries in the [F18postal voters list], or the [F19proxy postal voters list] or in each of those lists relate to the same elector, he shall not issue more than one ballot paper in respect of that elector at any one election.

EnvelopesE+W

74.—(1) Paragraphs (2) and (3) below prescribe the envelopes which are to be issued to a postal voter in addition to the ballot paper and [F5postal voting statement] (which are issued under rule 24 of the elections rules(4)).

(2) There shall be issued an envelope for the return of the postal ballot paper or, as the case may be, ballot papers and the [F5postal voting statement] (referred to as a “covering envelope”) which shall be marked with the letter “B”.

(3) There shall also be issued a smaller envelope (referred to as a “ballot paper envelope”) which shall be marked with-

(a)the letter “A”;

(b)the words “ballot paper envelope”, and

(c)[F20unless the envelope has a window through which the number on the ballot paper (or ballot papers) can be displayed,] the number of the ballot paper or, as the case may be, ballot papers.

(4) Where polls are taken together (under the provisions referred to in regulation 65 above) but not the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers—

(a)the envelope referred to in paragraph (2) above shall 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) above, after the words “Ballot paper envelope” there shall be added the words “for the [insert colour of ballot paper] coloured ballot paper”.

Sealing up of [F21completed corresponding number lists] and security of special listsE+W

75.—(1) As soon as practicable after the issue of each batch of postal ballot papers, the returning officer shall make up into a packet the [F21completed corresponding number lists] of those ballot papers which have been issued and shall seal such a packet.

[F22(2) Until the time referred to in regulation 84(9), the returning officer shall take proper precautions for the security of the marked copy of the postal voters list and the proxy postal voters list.]

F23(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Delivery of postal ballot papersE+W

76.—(1) For the purposes of delivering postal ballot papers, the returning officer may use—

(a)a universal postal service provider;

(b)a commercial delivery firm, or

(c)clerks appointed under rule 26(1) of the elections rules.

(2) Where the services of a universal postal service provider or commercial delivery firm are to be used, envelopes addressed to postal voters shall be counted and delivered by the returning officer with such form of receipt to be endorsed by that provider or firm as may be arranged.

(3) Postage shall be prepaid on envelopes addressed to the postal voters (except where paragraph (1)(c) above applies).

(4) Return postage shall be prepaid on all covering envelopes where the address provided by the postal voter for the receipt of the postal ballot paper is within the United Kingdom.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C44Reg. 76 applied (with modifications) (E.) (3.8.2012) by The Neighbourhood Planning (Referendums) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2031), regs. 1, 8, 12, 13, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 Table 6

Commencement Information

I11Reg. 76 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Spoilt postal ballot papersE+W

77.[F24(1) If a postal voter has inadvertently dealt with his postal ballot paper or [F5postal voting statement] in such a manner that it cannot be conveniently used as a ballot paper (referred to as “a spoilt ballot paper”) or, as the case may be, a [F5postal voting statement] (referred to as “a spoilt [F5postal voting statement]”) he may return (either by hand or by post) to the returning officer the spoilt ballot paper or, as the case may be, the spoilt [F5postal voting statement].

(2) Where a postal voter exercises the entitlement conferred by paragraph (1), he shall also return—

(a)the postal ballot paper or, as the case may be, the [F5postal voting statement], whether spoilt or not;

(b)where postal ballot papers for more than one election have been issued together under regulation 65, all other ballot papers so issued, whether spoilt or not; and

(c)the envelopes supplied for the return of the documents mentioned in paragraph (1) or sub-paragraph (a) or (b).]

(3) [F25Subject to paragraph (3A)] on receipt of the documents referred to in paragraph (1) and, where applicable paragraph (2) above, the returning officer shall issue another postal ballot paper or, as the case may be, ballot papers except where those documents are received after [F265pm on the day of the poll].

[F27(3A) Where the returning officer receives the documents referred to in paragraph (1) and, where applicable paragraph (2), after 5pm on the day before the day of the poll, he shall only issue another postal ballot paper or, as the case may be, ballot papers if the postal voter returned the documents by hand.]

(4) Regulations 72 (except paragraph (3)), 74, 75 and, subject to paragraph (7) below, 76 above shall apply to the issue of a replacement postal ballot paper under paragraph (3) above.

[F28(5) Any postal ballot paper or [F5postal voting statement], whether spoilt or not, returned in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2) shall be immediately cancelled.]

(6) The returning officer, as soon as practicable after cancelling those documents, shall make up those documents in a separate packet and shall seal the packet; and if on any subsequent occasion documents are cancelled as mentioned above, the sealed packet shall be opened and the additional cancelled documents included in it and the packet shall be again made up and sealed.

[F29(7) Where a postal voter applies in person—

(a)by 5pm on the day before the day of the poll, the returning officer may hand a replacement postal ballot paper to him; or

(b)after 5pm on the day before the day of the poll, the returning officer may only hand a replacement postal ballot paper to him,

instead of delivering it in accordance with regulation 76.]

(8) The returning officer shall enter in a list kept for the purpose (“the list of spoilt postal ballot papers”)—

(a)the name and number of the elector as stated in the register [F30 (or, in the case of an elector who has an anonymous entry, his electoral number alone)];

(b)the number of the postal ballot paper (or papers) issued under this regulation; and

(c)where the postal voter whose ballot paper is spoilt is a proxy, his name and address.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C48Reg. 77 applied (with modifications) (E.) (3.8.2012) by The Neighbourhood Planning (Referendums) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2031), regs. 1, 8, 12, 13, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 Table 6

Commencement Information

I12Reg. 77 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Lost postal ballot papersE+W

78.[F31(1) Where a postal voter claims either to have lost or not to have received—

(a)his postal ballot paper, or

(b)the [F5postal voting statement], or

(c)one or more of the envelopes supplied for their return,

by the fourth day before the day of the poll, he may apply (whether or not in person) to the returning officer for a replacement ballot paper.]

(2) Such an application shall include evidence of the voter’s identity.

[F32(2A) Where a postal voter exercises the entitlement conferred by paragraph (1), he shall return—

(a)the documents referred to in paragraph (1)(a) to (c); and

(b)where postal ballot papers for more than one election have been issued together under regulation 65, all other ballot papers so issued,

which he has received and which have not been lost.

(2B) Any postal ballot paper or [F5postal voting statement] returned in accordance with paragraph (2A) shall be immediately cancelled.

(2C) The returning officer, as soon as practicable after cancelling those documents, shall make up those documents in a separate packet and shall seal the packet; and if on any subsequent occasion documents are cancelled as mentioned above, the sealed packet shall be opened and the additional cancelled documents included in it and the packet shall be again made up and sealed.]

(3) [F33Subject to paragraph (3A)] where the application is received by the returning officer before [F345pm on the day of the poll] and the returning officer—

(a)is satisfied as to the voter’s identity, and

[F35(b)has no reason to doubt that the postal voter has either lost or has not received the original postal ballot paper or the [F5postal voting statement] or one or more of the envelopes provided for their return.]

he shall issue another postal ballot paper or, as the case may be, postal ballot papers.

[F36(3A) Where the application is received by the returning officer after 5pm on the day before the day of the poll, he shall only issue another postal ballot paper or, as the case may be, other ballot papers if the postal voter applied in person.]

(4) The returning officer shall enter in a list kept for the purpose (“the list of lost postal ballot papers”)—

(a)the name and number of the elector as stated in the register [F37(or, in the case of an elector who has an anonymous entry, his electoral number alone)];

(b)the number of the postal ballot paper issued under this regulation; and

[F38(c)where the postal voter is a proxy, his name and address.]

(5) Regulations 72 (except paragraph (3)), 74, 75 and, subject to paragraph (6) below, 76 above shall apply to the issue of a replacement postal ballot paper under paragraph (3) above.

[F39(6) Where a postal voter applies in person—

(a)by 5pm on the day before the day of the poll, the returning officer may hand a replacement postal ballot paper to him; or

(b)after 5pm on the day before the day of the poll, the returning officer may only hand a replacement postal ballot paper to him,

instead of delivering it in accordance with regulation 76.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C52Reg. 78 applied (with modifications) (E.) (3.8.2012) by The Neighbourhood Planning (Referendums) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2031), regs. 1, 8, 12, 13, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 Table 6

Commencement Information

I13Reg. 78 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

[F40Cancellation of postal ballot papersE+W

78A.(1) Where, after the final nomination day at a parliamentary or local government election, an application under—

(a)paragraph 3(5)(a) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act (application to be removed from record of absent voters),

(b)paragraph 3(6) or 4(3)(b) of that Schedule (application to vote by proxy by a person recorded as voting by post),

(c)paragraph 3(7) of that Schedule (application to vote by post by person recorded as voting by proxy),

(d)paragraph 4(3)(a) of that Schedule (application for postal ballot paper to be sent to different address),

(e)paragraph 6(7) or (8) of that Schedule (appointment of proxy),

(f)paragraph 7(7) of that Schedule (application from postal proxy voter for postal ballot paper to be sent to a different address), or

(g)paragraph 7(9)(a) of that Schedule (application by proxy to be removed from record of postal proxies),

is granted or a notice under paragraph 6(10) of that Schedule (cancellation of proxy appointment) is received, and the application or notice is not to be disregarded for the purposes of that election under regulation 56, the registration officer must notify the returning officer who must immediately cancel any postal ballot paper issued to the elector or proxy and, in the case of an application mentioned in sub-paragraph (d) or (f), must issue a replacement ballot paper.

(2) Where a person returns a postal ballot paper that has been or is to be cancelled in accordance with paragraph (1) (whether to the registration officer or the returning officer), it must be dealt with as follows—

(a)the ballot paper, together with any other ballot papers, postal voting statements or covering envelopes which are returned to the registration officer, must be given by the registration officer to the returning officer;

(b)any document returned in accordance with this paragraph but not cancelled in accordance with paragraph (1) must be immediately cancelled;

(c)the returning officer, as soon as practicable after receiving and cancelling those documents, shall make up those documents in a separate packet and shall seal the packet, and if on any subsequent occasion documents are returned in accordance with this paragraph, the sealed packet shall be opened and the additional cancelled documents included in it and the packet shall be again made up and sealed.

(3) The returning officer must enter in a list kept for the purpose of recording postal ballot papers cancelled under this regulation (“the list of cancelled postal ballot papers”)—

(a)the name and number of the elector as stated in the register of electors (or, in the case of an elector who has an anonymous entry, their electoral number alone);

(b)the number of the cancelled postal ballot paper;

(c)the number of any replacement postal ballot paper issued under paragraph (1); and

(d)where the postal voter is a proxy, their name and address.

(4) Regulations 72 (except paragraph (3)), 74, 75 and 76 apply to a replacement postal ballot paper issued under paragraph (1).

(5) In this regulation “the final nomination day” has the meaning given by section 13B(5) of the 1983 Act.]

(1)

Section 36(3) was substituted by section 17 of the 1985 Act and section 36(3B) was inserted by Schedule 16 to the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 (c. 19).

(2)

Rule 24 was substituted by Schedule 6 to the 2000 Act.

(3)

Section 66(6) was amended by Schedule 3 to the 1985 Act.

(4)

Rule 24 was substituted by paragraph 10(3) of Schedule 6 to the 2000 Act.

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

You have chosen to open The Whole Instrument

The Whole Instrument you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Instrument as a PDF

The Whole Instrument you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Instrument without Schedules

The Whole Instrument without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open The Whole Instrument without Schedules as a PDF

The Whole Instrument without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Instrument

The Whole Instrument you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

You have chosen to open the Whole Instrument without Schedules

The Whole Instrument without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.

Would you like to continue?

Close

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

Point in Time: This becomes available after navigating to view revised legislation as it stood at a certain point in time via Advanced Features > Show Timeline of Changes or via a point in time advanced search.

Close

See additional information alongside the content

Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.

Close

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources
Close

Timeline of Changes

This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.

Close

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as made version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources