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

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Version Superseded: 31/12/2019

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Point in time view as at 01/07/2018.

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PART IIIE+WREGISTRATION

Information about electorsE+W

Power to require informationE+W

23.—(1) A registration officer may require any person to give information required for the purposes of that officer’s duties in maintaining registers of parliamentary and local government electors.

[F1(1A) A registration officer may not use the power conferred by paragraph (1) to require a person who has made an application under section 10ZC or 10ZD of the 1983 Act to provide information to assist the registration officer in determining, in connection with that application, whether the applicant is the person named in the application or is entitled to be registered.]

(2) A registration officer is under a duty to require persons to give information required for the purposes of that officer’s duty under section 3(1) of the Juries Act 1974(1).

(3) If any person—

(a)fails to comply with F2...

F2(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

any such requisition of the registration officer as is mentioned in this regulation, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

Evidence as to age and nationalityE+W

24.—(1) Where a registration officer has doubts about a person’s age or nationality, he may require that person to produce such evidence as is specified in paragraph (2) below for the purposes of registration.

(2) The evidence which the registration officer may require is as follows—

(a)a birth certificate F3...;

(b)a certificate of naturalisation;

(c)where a person has made an overseas elector’s declaration, further evidence of his status as a British citizen including a document showing that he has become a British citizen by virtue of registration;

(d)in any other case—

(i)a document showing that he has become a Commonwealth citizen by virtue of registration; or

(ii)a statutory declaration that he is a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or citizen of the Republic of Ireland or a relevant citizen of the Union.

(3) If any fee is payable in connection with the making of a declaration for the purposes of this regulation, the registration officer shall pay that fee and it shall be treated as part of his registration expenses within the meaning of section 54(1) of the 1983 Act(2).

(4) Any such declaration shall be made available for inspection at the registration officer’s office until the determination of the application for registration and of any objections duly made to it.

[F4(4A) Paragraph (4) does not apply where the declarant has, or has applied for, an anonymous entry.]

(5) This regulation does not apply where an application for registration is made in pursuance of a service declaration.

(6) In this regulation “qualifying Commonwealth citizen” has the same meaning as in section 4 of the 1983 Act(3).

Reminders to electors registered pursuant to a declarationE+W

25.—(1) This regulation applies in respect of a person registered in pursuance of—

(a)a service declaration;

(b)a declaration of local connection; and

(c)an overseas elector’s declaration.

(2) Subject to paragraph (4) below, the registration officer shall, during the relevant period, send to a person to whom this regulation applies a reminder of the need to make a fresh declaration if he wishes to remain registered as an elector in pursuance of such a declaration.

[F5(3) In paragraph (2) “the relevant period” means—

(a)except in cases to which sub-paragraph (b) applies, the period beginning nine months after the date when the existing entry in a register of the person in question first takes effect and ending ten months after that date, and

[F6(b)in the case of a person mentioned in section 14(1)(a) or (d) of the 1983 Act (members of the forces and their spouses or civil partners) who is registered in pursuance of a service declaration, the period beginning 57 months after the date when the existing entry in a register of the person in question first takes effect and ending 58 months after that date.]]

[F7(3A) Subject to paragraph (4) below, the registration officer must send a second reminder not less than 21 nor more than 28 days after the date of the sending of the first reminder.]

(4) [F8Paragraphs (2) and (3A) above do] not apply in respect of a person to whom this regulation applies where—

(a)the registration officer has already received from that person a fresh declaration, or

(b)information which the registration officer has received indicates that that person is no longer entitled to make the relevant declaration.

[F9Reminders to persons who have an anonymous entryE+W

25A.(1) This regulation applies to each person who has an anonymous entry.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the registration officer must, during the relevant period, send to a person to whom this regulation applies a reminder that—

(a)his entitlement to registration will terminate at the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the date on which his entry in the register first took effect;

(b)if he wishes to remain entered in the register after that period, he must make a fresh application for registration in accordance with the requirements prescribed for the purposes of [F10section 10ZC(1)(b) of the 1983 Act];

(c)if he wishes to remain entered in the register anonymously, the application for registration must be accompanied by a fresh application for an anonymous entry.

(3) Paragraph (2) does not apply where the registration officer has already received from that person a fresh application for registration made in accordance with the requirements prescribed for the purposes of section 10A(1)(a) which is accompanied by a fresh application for an anonymous entry.

(4) In this regulation, “the relevant period” must be construed in accordance with regulation 25(3)(a).]

[F11Applications for registrationE+W

26.(1) An application for registration as a parliamentary or local government elector (or both) under section 10ZC or an application for alteration in respect of address under section 10ZD of the 1983 Act (“an application”) must be in writing and must state—

(a)the applicant’s full name F12...;

(b)except in the case of an application being made in pursuance of a service declaration or an overseas elector’s declaration, the address in respect of which the applicant applies to be registered and at which they are resident on the date of the application;

(c)any address at which the applicant has ceased to reside within 12 months before the date of the application and, where that address is not in the United Kingdom, an indication of whether the person was registered in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration during this period;

(d)an indication of whether the applicant is resident at any other address, including at any address in respect of which the applicant is currently registered as an elector and in respect of which the applicant claims to be entitled to remain registered;

(e)the applicant’s date of birth or, if they are not able to provide that information, the reason why they are not able to do so and a statement as to whether the applicant is under 18 years old or [F13aged 76 or over];

(f)the applicant’s national insurance number or, if they are not able to provide that information, the reason why they are not able to do so;

(g)except in the case of a person applying to be registered in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration, the applicant’s nationality or nationalities or, if they are not able to provide that information, the reason why they are not able to do so;

(h)an indication of whether the applicant requests that their name and address are omitted from the edited version of the register;

(i)in the case of an applicant whose application is accompanied by an application for an anonymous entry, that fact;

(j)a declaration by the applicant that the information provided in the application is true; and

(k)the date of the application.

(2) In the case of a person applying to be registered as a parliamentary or local government elector (or both) in pursuance of a service declaration, a declaration of local connection or an overseas elector’s declaration, an application under paragraph (1) must include the appropriate declaration.

(3) The Electoral Commission must design a paper application form which requires the information and declarations in paragraphs (1) and (2) and includes—

(a)a statement that the information provided in the application will be processed in accordance with [F14the data protection legislation] and as to what information will appear on the electoral register;

(b)a statement that persons without lawful immigration status are ineligible to register to vote, and that registration officers may request checks in relation to an applicant’s immigration status against Home Office records;

[F15(ba)a statement that persons who are not qualifying Commonwealth citizens, citizens of the Republic of Ireland or relevant citizens of the Union are ineligible to register to vote and that, in relation to an applicant’s nationality, registration officers may require the applicant to provide additional information or may carry out checks against Government records;]

(c)a statement that it is an offence to provide false information to the registration officer, together with a statement of the maximum penalty for that offence;

[F16(ca)a statement that failure to provide an address at which the applicant has ceased to reside within 12 months before the date of the application or any other mandatory information required on the form may delay the registration process;]

(d)space for a bar code, local authority reference number and security code unique to each form;

(e)space for the email address and telephone number or numbers of the applicant and an explanation that provision of this information is not mandatory;

[F17(ea)space for the applicant to provide their most recent previous name (if they have one) and an explanation that provision of this information is not mandatory but may assist the registration officer in verifying the applicant’s identity, and that if the information is not provided then additional personal information may be required;]

[F18(eb)space for the applicant to provide information as to whether the applicant is the only person aged 16 or over resident at the address in respect of which the application is made and an explanation that provision of this information is not mandatory;]

(f)space for the registration officer to include local authority information and details of how the registration officer may be contacted;

(g)an indication of whether the applicant wishes to be able to cast an absent vote;

(h)an explanation of what the edited register is, using the short version of the form of words prescribed by regulation 45 of and Schedule 3 to the Representation of the People (England and Wales)(Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013; and

(i)the web site address of the digital service.

(4) The paper application form for persons applying to be registered in pursuance of a service declaration must—

(a)instead of the information required in paragraph (1)(b), request the applicant’s correspondence address or British Forces Post Office Number;

(b)in the case of an application in pursuance of a service declaration on the grounds that the applicant is a member of the forces (within the meaning of section 59(1) of the 1983 Act) or the spouse or civil partner of a member of the forces (within the meaning of section 59(1) of the 1983 Act), also include a statement that the applicant must renew their application for registration every 5 years but may cancel it at any time;

[F19(c)not include space for the information mentioned in paragraph (3)(eb).]

[F20(5) The paper application form for persons applying to be registered in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration must—

(a)instead of the information required in paragraph (1)(b), request—

(i)the last address at which the applicant was registered as an elector; and

(ii)the address at which the applicant can be contacted; and

(b)not include space for the information mentioned in paragraph (3)(eb).]

[F21(5A) The paper application form for persons applying to be registered in pursuance of a declaration of local connection must not include space for the information mentioned in paragraph (3)(eb).]

(6) The Electoral Commission must obtain the approval of the [F22Minister for the Cabinet Office] to the design of the application forms under paragraphs [F23(3) to (5A)] and must then make the forms available to registration officers.

[F24(6A) Before giving approval under paragraph (6) in respect of the design of forms under paragraphs (3), (4) and (5A), the Minister must consult the Welsh Ministers.]

(7) Where a registration officer gives a paper application form to a person resident in England or Wales, it must be accompanied by a pre-addressed reply envelope, return postage of which must be prepaid.

(8) A registration officer may authorise the applicant to provide the information required by paragraph (1) to the registration officer by telephone or in person and, where the officer does so, the registration officer must—

(a)provide the applicant with an explanation of what the edited register is, using the short version of the form of words prescribed by regulation 45 of and Schedule 3 to the Representation of the People (England and Wales)(Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013; and

(b)transfer the information provided by the applicant into an application in writing.

(9) [F25Where, by virtue of arrangements made by the Minister for the Cabinet Office, an application under paragraph (1) may be made through the digital service, the Minister] must request the applicant’s email address and telephone number or numbers and provide an explanation of the purpose for which this information will be used.

[F26(10) Where an application in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration under paragraph (1) is made through the digital service, a registration officer may, but need not, accept it.]

(11) The [F27Minister for the Cabinet Office] must send to the registration officer any application he receives together with—

(a)the applicant’s email address and telephone numbers (if provided); and

(b)a reference number unique to that application.]

Textual Amendments

[F28Application for alteration of register in respect of name under section 10ZDE+W

26A.(1) An application for alteration in respect of name under section 10ZD of the 1983 Act must be in writing and must state—

(a)the applicant’s full name;

(b)the full name in respect of which the applicant is currently registered;

(c)the date of the change of name;

(d)the address in respect of which the applicant is registered;

(e)a declaration by the applicant that the information provided in the application is true;

(f)the date of the application.

(2) The Electoral Commission must design a form for applications for alteration in respect of name under section 10ZD of the 1983 Act, which requires the information in paragraph (1) and includes—

(a)a statement that the information provided in the application will be processed in accordance with [F29the data protection legislation] and as to what information will appear on the electoral register;

(b)space for a bar code, local authority reference number and security code unique to each form; and

(c)space for the registration officer to include local authority information and details of how the registration officer may be contacted.

(3) The Electoral Commission must obtain the approval of the [F30Minister for the Cabinet Office] to the design of the application form under paragraph (2) and must then make the form available to registration officers.

[F31(3A) Before giving approval under paragraph (3), the Minister must consult the Welsh Ministers.]

(4) A person making an application for alteration in respect of name under paragraph (1) must give to the registration officer as part of their application [F32documentary evidence of the applicant’s change of name].

(5) Where a person is unable to provide [F33any documentary evidence], they must provide their date of birth and national insurance number as part of their application or, if they are not able to provide their date of birth or national insurance number, the reason why they are not able to do so.

(6) Where the registration officer considers it appropriate, the officer may require that the applicant provide the original of [F34any copy document] provided under paragraph (4) after the application has been made.

Power to request additional evidence where certain information is unavailable or where the registration officer considers it necessaryE+W

26B.(1) This regulation applies where a registration officer considers additional evidence is necessary to verify the identity of a person or determine their entitlement to register in respect of their application under section 10ZC or 10ZD of the 1983 Act, including where that is necessary because the person is not able to state the information required by any of sub-paragraphs (e), (f) or (g) of regulation 26(1).

(2) The registration officer may require that the applicant give them a copy, or where the registration officer considers it appropriate, the original, of one of the following documents—

(a)the applicant’s passport;

(b)the applicant’s identity card issued in the European Economic Area;

(c)the applicant’s biometric immigration document issued in the United Kingdom in accordance with regulations made under section 5 of the Borders Act 2007;

(d)the applicant’s electoral identity card issued in Northern Ireland; or

(e)the applicant’s photocard driving licence granted in the United Kingdom or driving licence granted by a Crown Dependency, which bears a photograph of the applicant.

(3) Where an applicant is not able to give one of the documents in paragraph (2), the registration officer may require that the applicant give them a copy, or where the registration officer considers it appropriate, the original, of—

(a)one of the following documents, which, except in relation to paragraph (vii), must have been issued in the United Kingdom or Crown Dependencies—

(i)the applicant’s birth certificate;

(ii)the applicant’s marriage or civil partnership certificate;

(iii)the applicant’s adoption certificate;

(iv)the applicant’s firearms certificate granted under the Firearms Act 1968;

(v)the record of a decision on bail made in respect of the applicant in accordance with section 5(1) of the Bail Act 1976;

(vi)the applicant’s driving licence, which is not in the form of a photocard; or

(vii)the applicant’s driving licence granted other than in the United Kingdom or Crown Dependencies, which bears a photograph of the applicant and which must be valid for at least 12 months from the date the applicant entered the United Kingdom; and

(b)two other documents, each of which may be either from sub-paragraph (a) or from paragraph (4).

(4) Where the applicant is not able to give documents in accordance with paragraph (3), the registration officer may require that the applicant give them a copy, or where the registration officer considers it appropriate, the original, of four documents, each of which may be any of the following kinds of evidence and which must bear the applicant’s full name—

(a)a financial statement, including but not limited to—

(i)a mortgage statement;

(ii)a bank or building society statement or a letter from a bank or building society confirming that the applicant has opened an account with that bank or building society;

(iii)a credit card statement;

(iv)a pension statement;

(b)a council tax demand letter or statement;

(c)a utility bill;

(d)a Form P45 or Form P60 issued to the applicant by their employer or former employer;

(e)a statement of benefits or entitlement to benefits, such as a statement of child benefit, within the meaning of section 141 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, or a letter confirming that the applicant is entitled to housing benefit, within the meaning of section 130 of that Act.

(5) If an applicant is unable to give the documentary evidence required under paragraphs (2) to (4), the registration officer may require that the applicant give an attestation as set out in paragraph (6).

(6) An attestation must—

(a)confirm that the applicant is the person named in the application;

(b)state that the person signing the attestation is aware of the penalty for providing false information to a registration officer;

(c)be in writing and signed by a person—

(i)whom the registration officer is satisfied is of good standing in the community;

(ii)who is registered as an elector [F35in a local authority area in England or Wales];

(iii)who is not the spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild of the applicant; and

[F36(iv)who has not already signed attestations under this regulation for two applicants since, whichever is the later,—

(aa)the date on which the revised register in which that person’s name appears was last published under section 13(1) of the 1983 Act; or

[F37(bb)the date on which a notice specifying that person’s entry in the register was issued under (as the case may be) section 13A(2), 13AB(2), 13B or 13BC of that Act (and if there has been more than one such notice, the date on which the last one was issued);]]

(d)state the full name, date of birth, address, electoral number and occupation of the person signing the attestation; and

(e)state the date on which it is made.

(7) Paragraphs (2) to (6) do not apply where the application is made pursuant to the following declarations—

(a)a service declaration on the grounds that the applicant is a Crown servant (within the meaning of regulation 14) or the spouse or civil partner of a Crown servant (within the meaning of regulation 14);

(b)a service declaration on the grounds that the applicant is a member of the forces (within the meaning of section 59(1) of the 1983 Act);

(c)a service declaration on the grounds that the applicant is the spouse or civil partner of a member of the forces (within the meaning of section 59(1) of the 1983 Act); or

(d)an overseas elector’s declaration.

(8) In the case of an application in pursuance of a declaration within paragraph (7)(a) or (c), the registration officer may require that the applicant give them a copy, or where the registration officer considers it appropriate, the original, of one of the following documents, which has been certified by a Crown servant (within the meaning of regulation 14) or British Council employee or an officer of the forces (within the meaning of section 59(1) of the 1983 Act) who is not the applicant’s spouse or civil partner—

(a)the applicant’s passport; or

(b)the applicant’s identity card issued in the European Economic Area.

(9) In the case of an application in pursuance of a declaration within paragraph (7)(b), the registration officer may require that the applicant give an attestation which must—

(a)confirm that the applicant is the person named in the application;

(b)be in writing and signed by an officer of the forces (within the meaning of section 59(1) of the 1983 Act) who is not the spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild of the applicant;

(c)state the full name, address and rank of the person signing the attestation and the service (whether naval, military or air forces) in which they serve; and

(d)state the date on which it is made.

(10) In the case of an application in pursuance of a declaration within paragraph (7)(d), the registration officer may require that the applicant give an attestation which must—

(a)confirm that the applicant is the person named in the application;

(b)be in writing and signed by a registered elector who is a British citizen living overseas and who is not the spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild of the applicant;

(c)state the full name, address and occupation of the person signing the attestation;

(d)state the attestor’s British passport number together with its date and place of issue; and

(e)state the date on which it is made.

(11) Where a registration officer considers that additional evidence is necessary in order to determine whether the applicant is a qualifying Commonwealth citizen, the registration officer may require that the applicant provide evidence relating to the applicant’s immigration status, including, if applicable, the applicant’s biometric immigration document issued in the United Kingdom.

(12) In this regulation—

(a)“Crown Dependency” means the Bailiwick of Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey or the Isle of Man;

(b)“qualifying Commonwealth citizen” has the same meaning as in section 4 of the 1983 Act.]

Objections to registrationE+W

27.—(1) Any objection to a person’s registration shall state—

(a)the name of the person against whom the objection is made;

(b)[F38in the case of an objection made before that person is entered in the register,] the address of that person as given in the application for registration;

[F39(ba)in the case of an objection made after that person is entered in the register, the electoral number and qualifying address of that person contained in the register;]

(c)the grounds of the objection;

(d)the name of the objector and his address as shown in the register (if so shown) together with the address to which correspondence should be sent if that address is different or if no address is shown in the register; and

(e)the electoral number of the objector.

(2) An objection shall be made in writing and be signed and dated by the person objecting.

(3) In this Part of these Regulations “objection” includes [F40representations made against an application for registration under section 13A(1)(za) of the 1983 Act].

Inspection of applications and objectionsE+W

28.[F41(1)] [F42An entry on the list of applications for registration kept under regulation 29(2)(a)] and any objection to a person’s registration shall be made available for inspection at the registration officer’s office until the application [F43to which the entry relates] or objection has been determined by the registration officer.

[F44(2) This regulation does not apply to an application for registration which is accompanied by an application for an anonymous entry.]

Determination of applications and objectionsE+W

[F45Verification of information provided in an applicationE+W

29ZA.(1) On receipt of an application under section 10ZC or 10ZD of the 1983 Act made [F46otherwise than through the digital service], a registration officer must disclose the name or names, date of birth and national insurance number given under regulation [F4726 or 26A] to the [F48Minister for the Cabinet Office] in such a format and through such a conduit system as the [F49Minister for the Cabinet Office] may have notified to the registration officer in writing.

(2) Following receipt of the information from the registration officer or (in the case of an application made through the digital service) from the applicant, the [F50Minister for the Cabinet Office] may disclose the information to the Secretary of State.

(3) Where information has been disclosed to the Secretary of State under paragraph (2), the Secretary of State may compare it against—

(a)the name, date of birth and national insurance number of individuals appearing in the following types of databases kept by the Secretary of State—

(i)databases kept for the purposes of functions relating to social security (including such information kept on behalf of the Department for Social Development); and

(ii)databases relating to working tax credit, child tax credit and child benefit (being information kept on behalf of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs); and

(b)any other information contained in those databases which relates to the information disclosed under paragraph (2).

(4) The Secretary of State may disclose the results of the comparison to the [F51Minister for the Cabinet Office].

(5) On receipt of such results, the [F51Minister for the Cabinet Office] may disclose them to the registration officer in whose register the applicant has applied to be registered.

(6) Where the [F51Minister for the Cabinet Office] does so, the registration officer must take the results into account in determining the application.

(7) In this regulation—

(a)“conduit system” has the same meaning as in paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 to the Telecommunications Act 1984;

(b)“the Secretary of State” means the Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions.

Processing of information provided in connection with an application under section 10ZC or 10ZDE+W

29ZB.(1) If a person provides an original document under regulation 26A(4), 26B(2) to (4) or 26B(8), the registration officer must make a copy of that document and return the original document to the person who provided it.

(2) In respect of any application under section 10ZC or 10ZD of the 1983 Act, the registration officer must retain until the application has been determined—

(a)the application form or, in the case of an application made through the digital service, the information contained in the application;

(b)any other information or documents provided to the registration officer in connection with the application or, in the case of original documents which are returned under paragraph (1), a copy of such documents.

(3) Subject to paragraph (4), the registration officer may retain the application form, information and documents in paragraph (2) after the application has been determined but, if they do so, must delete the applicant’s national insurance number from the application form, information and documents in paragraph (2) by no later than the date which is 13 months from the date on which the registration officer determined the application under section 10ZC or 10ZD.

(4) The requirement to delete the national insurance number in paragraph (3) does not apply where the application, information and documents in paragraph (2) are required for the purpose of any civil or criminal proceedings.

(5) Information disclosed under regulation 29ZA may not be disclosed to any other person, except—

(a)for the purpose of determining the application in connection with which the information was disclosed; or

(b)for the purpose of any civil or criminal proceedings.

(6) A person who discloses information in breach of paragraph (5) is guilty of an offence and liable—

(a)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to a fine, or to both;

(b)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or to both.

(7) Any person who discloses information under regulation 29ZA must process it in accordance with any requirements as to the processing of information that may have been imposed by the [F52Minister for the Cabinet Office] in writing, including requirements as to the transfer, storage, destruction and security of that information.

(8) Any requirements, in accordance with which a person must process information, must be imposed by the [F53Minister for the Cabinet Office] before a registration officer is required to disclose that information under regulation 29ZA(1).

(9) “Copy” in this regulation includes an electronic copy.]

Procedure for determining applications for registration and objections without a hearingE+W

29.—(1) A registration officer shall discharge his functions of determining [F54an application under section 10ZC(1)(a) or 10ZD(1)(a) of the 1983 Act or considering an objection under section 10ZC(2), 10ZD(2) or 10ZE(5)(a) of that Act] in accordance with this regulation and regulations 30 [F55to 31A] below.

[F56(2) The registration officer must keep separate lists of—

(a)applications for registration;

(b)objections made before the person against whom the objection is made is entered in the register;

(c)objections made after the person against whom the objection is made is entered in the register.

(2A) On receipt of an application the registration officer must enter the name [F57and nationality] of the applicant and the address claimed as his qualifying address in the list he keeps in pursuance of paragraph (2)(a).

(2B) Paragraph (2A) does not apply to an application accompanied by an application for an anonymous entry.

[F58(2BA) Where an application for registration has been made and that application is successful, the registration officer must give confirmation in writing to the applicant of that fact, before either—

(a)publication of the revised register to which the applicant will be added under section 13(1) of the 1983 Act; or

(b)issue of a notice of alteration under section 13A(2) of that Act specifying that the applicant’s name will be added to the register,

whichever is appropriate.

(2BB) Where confirmation is given under paragraph (2BA) in relation to an application for registration made in response to an invitation to register under section 9E(1) of the 1983 Act, the registration officer must give that confirmation either—

(a)by delivering it to the applicant, leaving it at the applicant’s address or sending it to the applicant’s address by post; or

(b)by electronic means.

(2BC) Where confirmation is given under paragraph (2BA) in relation to an application for registration made other than in response to an invitation to register under section 9E(1) of the 1983 Act—

(a)the registration officer must give confirmation by delivering it to the applicant, by leaving it at their address or by sending it to them by post; and

(b)the confirmation must give the registration officer’s contact details and must request that any person who receives that confirmation inform the registration officer if the applicant is not resident at the address in respect of which the application was made.

(2BD) A confirmation given under paragraph (2BA) must—

(a)contain the date on which the applicant’s name will be published in the revised register under section 13(1) or in a notice of alteration under section 13A(2) of the 1983 Act; and

(b)where—

(i)the registration officer has information that the applicant is registered in respect of a different address from the one in respect of which they have applied to be registered; and

(ii)in their application for registration, the applicant has identified that address as being an address at which they have ceased to reside in accordance with regulation 26(1)(c);

inform the applicant that their entry relating to that address will be removed from the register under section 10ZE(2) of the 1983 Act.

(2BE) In the case of an application to register in pursuance of a service declaration, or an overseas elector’s declaration, the address to be used for the purposes of paragraph (2BB)(a) or (2BC)(a), is the address the applicant has given under regulation 26(4)(a) or 26(5)(b), as appropriate.

(2BF) The Electoral Commission must—

(a)design the forms of confirmation to be used under paragraph (2BA);

(b)obtain the approval of the [F59Minister for the Cabinet Office] to the forms; and

(c)then make them available to registration officers.]

[F60(2BG) Before giving the approval referred to in paragraph (2BF)(b), the Minister must consult the Welsh Ministers.]

(2C) On receipt of an objection made before the person against whom the objection is made is entered in the register, the registration officer must enter—

(a)in the list he keeps in pursuance of paragraph (2)(b), the name and qualifying address of the objector together with the particulars referred to in paragraph (2A), and

(b)in the list he keeps in pursuance of paragraph (2)(a), the particulars of the objection.

(2D) On receipt of any other objection, the registration officer must enter the name and qualifying address of the objector together with the particulars referred to in paragraph (2A) in the list he keeps in pursuance of paragraph (2)(c).]

(3) The registration officer may ask for further information and take no further action until such information is supplied, if he is of opinion that the particulars given in the application or objection are insufficient.

(4) [F61Subject to paragraph (4A),] the registration officer may allow an application without a hearing provided that no objection is made within [F62the period of five days beginning with the day following] the entry of the application in the list of applications.

[F63(4A) In the case of an application for registration accompanied by an application for an anonymous entry, the registration officer may allow the former application without a hearing at any time.]

(5) The registration officer may disallow an objection if he is of opinion that the objector is not entitled to object F64...; and he shall so inform the objector.

[F65(5A) The registration officer may disallow an objection without a hearing if he is of the opinion that the objection is clearly without merit.

(5B) Where the registration officer disallows an objection under paragraph (5A), he must send to the objector a notice stating that the application has been disallowed on that basis and the grounds for his opinion.

(5C) An objector may require the objection to be heard by giving notice to the registration officer within three days from the date of the notice given under paragraph (5B).

(5D) A notification under paragraph (5C) is not to prevent the application to which the objection relates from being allowed.]

(6) The registration officer may send to the applicant or objector a notice stating his opinion that an application or objection cannot be allowed because—

(a)the matter has been concluded by the decision of a court, or

(b)the particulars given in the application or objection do not entitle the applicant or objector to succeed.

(7) In cases to which paragraph (6) applies, the registration officer shall state the grounds for his opinion and that he intends to disallow the application or objection unless that person gives the registration officer notice within three days from the date of the registration officer’s notice that he requires the application or objection to be heard; and if he receives no such notice within that time, he may disallow the application or objection.

[F66(8) In this regulation, “qualifying address” includes the address specified in an overseas elector’s declaration in accordance with section 2(4)(b) or (c)(ii) of the 1985 Act.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I6Reg. 29 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Notice of hearingE+W

30.—(1) The registration officer shall, unless he allows or disallows the application or objection under regulation 29 above, send a notice—

(a)in the case of an application, to the person making the application, and

(b)in the case of an objection, to the objector and the person objected to, stating—

(i)the time and place at which he proposes to hear the application or objection;

(ii)the name and address of the objector and the grounds of the objection (in the case of a notice sent to a person objected to).

(2) The time fixed for the hearing of an application or objection shall not be earlier than the third day or later than the seventh day after the date of the notice referred to in paragraph (1) above.

Commencement Information

I7Reg. 30 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Hearing of applications and objectionsE+W

31.—(1) The persons entitled to appear and be heard are as follows—

(a)on an application, the applicant;

(b)on an objection, the objector and the person objected to;

(c)on an application or an objection, any other person who appears to the registration officer to be interested.

(2) The right to appear and be heard includes the right to make written representations.

(3) Any person entitled to appear and be heard may do so either in person or by any other person on his behalf.

(4) The registration officer may, at the request of any person entitled to appear and be heard or, if he thinks fit, without such a request, require that the evidence tendered by any person shall be given on oath and may administer the oath for the purpose.

Commencement Information

I8Reg. 31 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

[F67Objections relating to applications that have been allowed, but before alterations to register have taken effectE+W

31A.(1) This regulation applies where—

(a)an application for registration has been allowed (whether without or following a hearing), and

(b)either—

(i)an objection is later made to that application, or

(ii)an objector whose objection in respect of that application has been disallowed in pursuance of regulation 29(5A) notifies the registration officer, in accordance with regulation 29(5C), that he requires the objection to be heard, and

(c)no alteration to the register has yet taken effect in respect of that application by virtue of section 13(5), 13A(2) [F68,13AB(2)] or 13B(3) of the 1983 Act.

(2) Where the registration officer—

(a)is able to determine the objection before the alteration to the register is due to take effect, and

(b)allows the objection,

the application is to be treated as if it had been disallowed.

(3) Where the registration officer is not able to determine the objection before the alteration to the register is due to take effect, the objection is to be treated as if it was made after the person against whom it is made is entered in the register.

(4) Where paragraph (3) applies, the registration officer must transfer the entry relating to the objection from the list he keeps in pursuance of paragraph (2)(b) of regulation 29 to the list he keeps in pursuance of paragraph (2)(c) of that regulation.]

[F69Other determinations by registration officer of entitlement to registrationE+W

31B.(1) A registration officer must discharge the functions specified in paragraph (2) in accordance with regulations 31C to [F7031FZA].

[F71(2) The functions specified in this paragraph are—

(a)determining, under the following provisions, whether a person was entitled to be registered—

(i)sections 7(3)(aa), 7A(3)(aa), 7C(2)(aa), 10ZE(1)(a) and 15(2)(aa) of the 1983 Act, and

(ii)section 2(2)(aa) of the 1985 Act;

(b)determining, under the following provisions, whether a person was registered or their entry has been altered as a result of an application made by another person—

(i)sections 7(3)(ab), 7A(3)(ab), 7C(2)(ab), 10ZE(1)(c) and 15(2)(ab) of the 1983 Act; and

(ii)section 2(2)(ab) of the 1985 Act;

(c)determining under section 10ZE(1)(b) of the 1983 Act whether a person has ceased to be resident at the address or has otherwise ceased to satisfy the conditions for registration set out in section 4 of the 1983 Act.]

[F72Summary procedure for determining in specified circumstances person has ceased to satisfy conditions for registrationE+W

31C.(1) In any of the circumstances specified in paragraph (2) the registration officer may make a determination under section 10ZE of the 1983 Act in respect of an elector without following the procedure set out in regulations 31D to [F7331FZA].

(2) The circumstances specified in this paragraph are where F74...

(a)the registration officer has received information either through the digital service or from another registration officer that—

(i)the elector has made an application under section 10ZC or 10ZD of the 1983 Act in respect of an address which is different from the one in respect of which they are registered; and

(ii)in that application the elector has in accordance with regulation 26(1)(c) identified the address in respect of which they are registered as being an address at which they have ceased to reside; and

the relevant registration officer has determined that the person should be entered on the register maintained by that officer; or

(b)the registration officer—

(i)has information from at least two sources that support such a determination;

(ii)has been provided with a death certificate in respect of the elector; or

(iii)has been notified by the registrar of births and deaths that the elector has died [F75; or]

[F76(c)the registration officer has not received the information referred to in paragraph (2)(b)(ii) or (iii) but—

(i)has determined that the elector has died after inspecting records kept by—

(aa)the council by which the registration officer was appointed,

(bb)where the council by which the registration officer was appointed is a council for a district in a county for which there is a county council, that county council, or

(cc)a person providing services to, or authorised to exercise any function of, the council referred to in (aa) or (bb);

(ii)has received information from the spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild of the elector, which allows the registration officer to determine that the elector has died;

(iii)has received information as a result of the annual canvass required by section 9D of the 1983 Act, which allows the registration officer to determine that the elector has died; or

(iv)has received information from a person managing a care home service registered under Part 2 of the Care Standards Act 2000 where the elector was resident, which allows the registration officer to determine that the elector has died.

(2A) The information referred to in paragraph (2)(c)(ii) and (iv) may be provided in person, by telephone or in writing and must include—

(a)the full name and address of the elector who has died;

(b)the full name and address of the person providing the information and, in case of information received under paragraph (2)(c)(ii), that person’s relationship to the elector; and

(c)a statement that the person providing the information is aware of the penalty for providing false information to a registration officer.

(2B) Where the information referred to in paragraph (2)(c)(ii) and (iv) has been provided in person or by telephone by virtue of paragraph (2A), the registration officer must record that information in writing or in data form.]

(3) In this regulation “elector” means a person who is duly entered in a register in respect of an address.]

Procedure for reviewing entitlement to registrationE+W

31D.(1) A registration officer [F77must], for the purposes of making a determination of the nature specified in regulation 31B(2), conduct a review in respect of a person entered in the register.

(2) Where the registration officer is not satisfied that the subject of the review is entitled to be registered, he must—

(a)send to that person such notice, of a kind specified in paragraph (4), as he considers appropriate, and

(b)enter the review in the list kept in pursuance of regulation 31E.

(3) Paragraph (2)(b) does not apply where the subject of a review has an anonymous entry.

(4) A notice is specified for the purposes of this paragraph if it—

(a)states that the registration officer is of the opinion that the subject of the review [F78is or was not entitled to be registered, or has an entry in the register which results from or was altered as the result of an application made by another person,] and the grounds for his opinion,

(b)states the reason for the review and requires the subject of the review to provide such further information as might be specified in the notice or requires him to make a declaration under regulation 24 or both, or

(c)states the reason for the review and that the registration officer intends to conduct a hearing of it.

[F79(4A) A notice specified for the purposes of paragraph (4)(a) must also state that—

(a)where the subject of the review does not notify the registration officer within 14 days beginning with the date of the notice that the subject of the review requires the review to be heard, the registration officer may determine the review and remove the subject’s entry from the register;

(b)the subject of the review would not be entitled to a right of appeal against the registration officer’s determination in the circumstances described in sub-paragraph (a); and

(c)after 14 days beginning with the date of the notice, the subject of the review can contact the registration officer to find out if the registration officer has removed the subject’s entry from the register.] 

(5) Where—

(a)the registration officer sends to the subject of the review a notice in the form specified in paragraph (4)(a), and

(b)that person does not, within 14 days beginning with the date of that notice, notify the registration officer that he requires the review to be heard,

the registration officer may determine without a hearing that the subject of the review was not entitled to be registered [F80, that the subject of the review was registered and their entry has been altered as the result of an application made by another person,] or, as the case may be, [F81that the subject of the review] has ceased to satisfy the conditions for registration set out in section 4 of the 1983 Act.

(6) Paragraph (7) applies where—

(a)the registration officer sends to the subject of the review a notice in the form specified in paragraph (4)(b), and

(b)that person does not respond to the registration officer’s satisfaction, or at all, within the period of 28 days beginning with the date of that notice.

[F82(7) The registration officer may send a notice to the subject of the review which states that—

(a)the registration officer is not satisfied that the subject of the review is or was entitled to be registered, or that the subject’s entry in the register does not result from or has not been altered as the result of an application made by another person, and the grounds for the registration officer’s opinion;

(b)if within 14 days beginning with the date of the notice, the subject of the review does not require the review to be heard, the registration officer may determine the review and remove the subject’s entry from the register;

(c)the subject of the review would not be entitled to a right of appeal against the registration officer’s determination in the circumstances described in sub-paragraph (b); and

(d)after 14 days beginning with the date of the notice, the subject of the review can contact the registration officer to find out if the registration officer has removed the subject’s entry from the register.] 

(8) Where—

(a)the registration officer sends to the subject of the review a notice in pursuance of paragraph (7), and

(b)the subject of the review does not, within the period of 14 days beginning with the date of that notice, notify the registration officer that he requires the review to be heard,

the registration officer may determine without a hearing that the subject of the review was not entitled to be registered [F83, that the subject of the review was registered and their entry has been altered as the result of an application made by another person,] or, as the case may be, [F84that the subject of the review] has ceased to satisfy the conditions for registration set out in section 4 of the 1983 Act.

(9) In making a determination under paragraph (5) or (8), the registration officer must take into account any written representations made to him by the subject of the review and may take into account the written representations of any other person who appears to him to be interested.

(10) In this regulation and regulations 31E and 31F—

“review” must be construed in accordance with paragraph (1);

“the subject of the review” means the person in respect of whom the review is conducted.

Textual Amendments

List of reviewsE+W

31E.(1) The registration officer must keep a list of reviews.

(2) The list must contain, in relation to each review, the following particulars—

(a)the full name of the subject of the review,

(b)his electoral number,

(c)his qualifying address, and

(d)the reason for the review.

(3) The list must be made available for inspection at the registration officer’s office.

(4) This regulation does not apply to any review where the subject of the review has an anonymous entry.

Hearings of reviewsE+W

31F.(1) Where the registration officer determines that a hearing of the review should be conducted, the notice given under regulation 31D(4)(c) must also state the time and place at which he proposes to hear the review.

(2) Where the subject of the review requires the review to be heard, the registration officer must send to that person a notice stating the time and place at which he proposes to hear the review.

(3) The time fixed for the hearing must not be earlier than the third day after the date of the notice in which that time is stated.

(4) The persons entitled to appear and be heard are—

(a)the subject of the review;

(b)any other person who appears to the registration officer to be interested.

(5) Paragraphs (2) to (4) of regulation 31 apply to the hearing of a review as they apply to the hearing of an application for registration or objection.

(6) The registration officer may determine that the subject of the review was not entitled to be registered [F85, that the subject of the review was registered and their entry has been altered as the result of an application made by another person,] or, as the case may be, [F86that the subject of the review] has ceased to satisfy the conditions for registration set out in section 4 of the 1983 Act, despite the failure of that person (or any other person entitled to appear and be heard) to attend.

(7) In making a determination under paragraph (6), the registration officer must take into account any written representations made to him by the subject of the review and may take into account the written representations of any other person who appears to him to be interested.]

[F87Notification of outcome of reviewsE+W

31FZA.(1) Where the registration officer is required to send to the subject of the review a notice under regulation 31D(2) and the subject of the review has required the review to be heard or has made representations to the registration officer, the registration officer must notify the subject of the review in writing of its outcome and when doing so—

(a)state whether there is a right of appeal under section 56(1)(azd) or (aa) of the 1983 Act;

(b)specify the time within which any notice of appeal under that section must be given (in accordance with regulation 32(2)); and

(c)provide such other information about the appeal that the registration officer considers necessary.

(2) Where the registration officer is required to send to the subject of the review a notice under regulation 31D(2) and the subject of the review has not required that the review be heard, or has not made any representations to the registration officer, the registration officer may notify the subject of the review of its outcome and when doing so state that there is no right of appeal of that decision.]

[F88Determinations of entitlement to remain registered during the annual canvassE+W

31FA.[F89(1)] If a registration officer is required by section 10ZE(5)(b) of the 1983 Act to consider making a determination under section 10ZE(1) of that Act as a result of information received in response to the canvass conducted under section 9D of that Act, the registration officer must so far as reasonably practicable take any relevant steps under regulations 31D to [F9031FZA] so as to enable the relevant determination to be made [F91, and the subject of the review to be notified of the determination,] before the registration officer publishes a revised version of the register under section 13(1)(a) of the 1983 Act.]

[F92(2) This regulation does not apply where under regulation 31C(2)(c)(iii) a registration officer has received information as a result of the annual canvass which allows the registration officer to determine that the elector has died.]

[F93Anonymous registration: applications and declarationsE+W

31G.(1) An application for an anonymous entry must state—

(a)the applicant’s full name,

(b)the address given in accordance with regulation 26(1)(b),

(c)the reason for the application, and

(d)the date of the application.

(2) The application must be in writing and signed by the applicant.

(3) The application must be accompanied by evidence of the nature prescribed in regulation 31I or 31J.

(4) Where the evidence mentioned in paragraph (3) relates not to the applicant, but to another person of the same household as the applicant, the application must be accompanied by evidence that that person is of that household.

(5) The application must be accompanied by a declaration made by the applicant that—

(a)the particulars given in accordance with paragraph (1) are true,

(b)so far as he is aware, the evidence provided in pursuance of paragraph (3) is genuine, and

(c)where paragraph (4) applies—

(i)the person to whom the evidence relates is a person of the same household of the applicant, and

(ii)so far as he is aware, the evidence provided in pursuance of paragraph (4) is genuine.

(6) The application may give an address to which the registration officer must send correspondence, other than the address given in accordance with paragraph (1)(b).

Anonymous registration: determination of applications by registration officerE+W

31H.(1) Paragraph (2) applies where—

(a)the registration officer determines that the applicant for an anonymous entry is entitled to be registered, and

(b)the application for an anonymous entry is made in accordance with regulation 31G(1), (2) and (5).

(2) The registration officer must determine that the safety test is satisfied (and accordingly allow the application for an anonymous entry) where he is satisfied—

(a)that the evidence provided in support of the application in pursuance of regulation 31G(3) constitutes evidence of the nature prescribed in regulation 31I or 31J, and

(b)in the case of an application where regulation 31G(4) applies, that the evidence provided in pursuance of that paragraph establishes that the person in question is a person of the same household as the applicant.

Anonymous registration: evidence consisting of relevant court orders or injunctionsE+W

31I.(1) Evidence which meets the following conditions is prescribed for the purposes of regulations 31G(3) and 31H(2)(a).

(2) The first condition is that the evidence is, or is a copy of, a relevant order or injunction.

(3) A relevant order or injunction is—

(a)an injunction for the purpose of restraining a person from pursuing any conduct which amounts to harassment granted in proceedings under section 3 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997;

(b)an injunction granted under section 3A(2) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997(4);

(c)a restraining order made under section 5(1) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997(5);

(d)a restraining order on acquittal made under section 5A(1) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997(6);

[F94(e)a non-harassment order, interdict or interim interdict made under section 8 or 8A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997;]

(f)a non-harassment order made under section 234A(2) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995(7);

(g)a non-molestation order made under section 42(2) of the Family Law Act 1996(8);

[F95(h)an injunction for the purpose of restraining a person from pursuing any conduct which amounts to harassment granted in proceedings under article 5 of the Protection from Harassment (Northern Ireland) Order 1997;

(i)a restraining order made under article 7 of the Protection from Harassment (Northern Ireland) Order 1997;

(j)a restraining order on acquittal made under article 7A(1) of the Protection from Harassment (Northern Ireland) Order 1997;

(k)a non-molestation order made under article 20(2) of the Family Homes and Domestic Violence (Northern Ireland) Order 1998];

[F96(l)a matrimonial interdict within the meaning of section 14 of the Matrimonial Homes (Family Protection) (Scotland) Act 1981;

(m)a domestic interdict within the meaning of section 18A of the Matrimonial Homes (Family Protection) (Scotland) Act 1981;

(n)a relevant interdict within the meaning of section 113 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004;

(o)an interdict that has been determined to be a domestic abuse interdict within the meaning of section 3 of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2011;

(p)any interdict with an attached power of arrest made under section 1 of the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001;

(q)a forced marriage protection order or interim forced marriage protection order made under any of the following provisions—

(i)Part 4A of the Family Law Act 1996;

(ii)section 2 of, and paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to, the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007;

(iii)section 1 of the Forced Marriage etc. (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Act 2011; and

(iv)section 5 of the Forced Marriage etc. (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Act 2011];

[F97(r)a domestic violence protection order made under section 28 of the Crime and Security Act 2010 or section 97 of, and paragraph 5 of Schedule 7 to, the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2015;

(s)a female genital mutilation protection order made under section 5A of, and paragraphs 1 or 18 of Schedule 2 to, the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003.]

(4) The second condition is that the relevant order or injunction is made for the protection, or otherwise for the benefit, of—

(a)the applicant for an anonymous entry, or

(b)another person of the same household as him.

(5) The third condition is that the relevant order or injunction is in force on the day on which the application for an anonymous entry is made.

Anonymous registration: evidence by attestationE+W

31J.(1) An attestation within the meaning of this regulation is prescribed for the purposes of regulations 31G(3) and 31H(2)(a).

(2) The attestation must—

(a)certify that the safety of the applicant, or of another named person of the same household as him, would be at risk if the register contained the name of the applicant or his qualifying address,

(b)state the date on which it is made, and

(c)be in writing and signed by a qualifying officer.

(3) The attestation must state the period for which it has effect, being a period of between one and five years beginning with the date on which the attestation is made.

(4) Qualifying officer means—

(a)[F98a police officer of or above the rank of [F99inspector]] of any police force in England and Wales;

(b)[F100a police officer of or above the rank of [F101inspector]] of [F102the Police Service of Scotland];

(c)[F103a police officer of or above the rank of [F104inspector]] of the Police Service of Northern Ireland;

(d)the Director General of the Security Service;

(e)the Director General of the Serious Organised Crime Agency;

[F105(f)any director of adult social services in England within the meaning of section 6(A1) of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970;

(g)any director of children’s services in England within the meaning of section 18 of the Children Act 2004;

(h)any director of social services in Wales within the meaning of [F106section 144 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014];

(i)any chief social work officer in Scotland within the meaning of section 3 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968;

(j)any director of social services of a Health and Social Services Board established under article 16 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972;

(k)any executive director of social work of a Health and Social Services Trust established under article 10 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1991];

[F107(l)any registered medical practitioner;

(m)any registered nurse or midwife;

(n)any person who manages a refuge.]

[F108(5) In this regulation “refuge” means accommodation together with a planned programme of therapeutic and practical support for victims of, or those at risk of, domestic abuse or violence.]]

Textual Amendments

F105Reg. 31J(4)(f)-(k) substituted for reg. 31J(4)(f)-(h) (17.3.2009) by The Representation of the People (Amendment) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/725), regs. 1(1), 7(d)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Registration appealsE+W

32.[F109(1) This regulation makes provision in connection with the right of appeal under section 56(1)(a), (aza), (azb), (azc), (azd), (aa) and (ab) of the 1983 Act.]

(2) A person desiring to appeal must—

(a)give notice of appeal to the registration officer and to the opposite party (if any) when the decision is given, or within 14 days thereafter, and

(b)specify the grounds of appeal.

(3) The registration officer shall forward any such notice to the appropriate county court in accordance with rules of court together, in each case, with—

(a)a statement of the material facts which in his opinion have been established in the case, and

(b)his decision upon the whole case and on any point which may be specified as a ground of appeal.

(4) Where it appears to the registration officer that any notices of appeal given to him are based on similar grounds, he shall inform the appropriate county court of this to enable the court (if it thinks fit) to consolidate the appeals or select a case as a test case.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I9Reg. 32 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

[F110Annual canvassE+W

32ZA.(1) The annual canvass required by section 9D(1) of the 1983 Act must be conducted in accordance with the following paragraphs.

(2) The Electoral Commission must—

(a)design a canvass form;

(b)obtain the approval of the [F111Minister for the Cabinet Office] to the form; and

(c)then make the form available to registration officers.

[F112(2A) Before giving the approval referred to in paragraph (2)(b), the Minister must consult the Welsh Ministers.]

(3) The canvass form in paragraph (2) must—

(a)require the full name and nationality of each person aged 16 and over who is eligible to register and is residing at the address to which the form is given;

(b)require an indication as to whether—

(i)there is no one residing at the address;

(ii)the address is solely of business premises;

(iii)none of the people residing at the address is entitled to be registered by reason of their nationality, together with a statement of their nationalities;

(iv)none of the people residing at the address is entitled to be registered for any reason other than their nationality and a statement of why they are not so entitled;

(c)include space for a bar code, local authority reference number and security code unique to each form;

(d)include a statement that the occupier or (if there is no occupier or it is not reasonably practicable for the occupier to provide the required information) the person in charge of the premises, must provide the required information to the registration officer for the area which includes the address to which the form was delivered, and the manner in which they may do so;

(e)include an explanation of the requirements for entitlement to register to vote and state that this form is not an application to register;

[F113(f)include a statement that the information provided in response to the form will be processed in accordance with [F114the data protection legislation]];

(g)include a statement that failure to provide the information required by the canvass form to the registration officer may be an offence and a statement of the maximum penalty for that offence;

(h)include a statement that it is an offence to provide false information to the registration officer, and a statement of the maximum penalty for that offence;

(i)include a F115... declaration that the information provided is true, to be made by a named person at the address to which the form is given and include an indication, if the person who is [F116making the declaration] is not resident at the address, of the capacity in which [F117they are making it];

(j)include space for the email address and telephone number or numbers of each person residing at the address who is entitled to register to vote and an explanation that provision of this information is not mandatory;

(k)include space for the registration officer to provide local authority information and details of how the registration officer may be contacted;

(l)include the web site address of the digital service; and

(m)require the date of completion of the form.

(4) [F118Subject to paragraphs (4A) and (4B),] each registration officer must send a canvass form in the form designed by the Electoral Commission to each residential address in the area for which the officer acts and the canvass form must be accompanied by a pre-addressed reply envelope, the postage of which has been prepaid.

[F119(4A) Where, during the period beginning with 1st July in each year and ending with the date in that year on which the registration officer publishes a revised version of the register under section 13(1) of the 1983 Act,—

(a)the registration officer receives an application under section 10ZC or 10ZD of the 1983 Act;

(b)the application contains information provided by the applicant in accordance with regulation 26(3)(eb), which indicates that the applicant is the only person aged 16 or over resident at the address in respect of which the application has been made;

(c)the registration officer determines that the applicant is entitled to be registered in respect of that address;

the registration officer is not required (if the officer has not done so already) to send a canvass form to that address under paragraph (4) as part of the annual canvass for that year.

(4B) Where—

(a)the registration officer receives an application under section 10ZC or 10ZD of the 1983 Act outside the period specified in paragraph (4A);

(b)the application contains information provided by the applicant in accordance with regulation 26(3)(eb), which indicates that the applicant is the only person aged 16 or over resident at the address in respect of which the application has been made;

(c)the registration officer determines that the applicant is entitled to be registered in respect of that address;

the registration officer is not required to send a canvass form to that address under paragraph (4) as part of the next annual canvass the registration officer is required to conduct under section 9D of the 1983 Act.]

(5) Before sending a canvass form under paragraph (4), the registration officer must, if practicable print on the form—

(a)any information required by the canvass form which the officer already holds in respect of each person who is registered at the address to which the canvass form is provided, with the exception of persons registered as mentioned in section 9D(6) of the 1983 Act; and

(b)an indication as to whether each person who is registered at that address is [F120aged 76 or over].

(6) Where the registration officer has printed on the canvass form information in accordance with paragraph (5) the registration officer must include on the canvass form—

(a)an explanation of what the edited register is, using the short version of the form of words, which is prescribed in regulation 45 of, and Schedule 3 to, the Representation of the People (England and Wales)(Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013;

(b)an indication of whether the name and address of each person, who is currently registered as an elector in respect of that address, are omitted from the edited register; and

(c)an indication that the person should contact their registration officer if they wish to request that their name and address be included in or omitted from the edited register, as the case may be, and an explanation that return of the canvass form will not constitute a request for the purpose of regulation 93A.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Steps to be taken by a registration officer where no information in response to an annual canvass form is received in respect of a particular addressE+W

32ZB.(1) If a registration officer has sent an annual canvass form to an address but has not received information in response to the annual canvass form in respect of that address within a reasonable time of sending the form, the officer must send a second canvass form to that address.

(2) If no information in response is received in respect of a second form sent under paragraph (1) within a reasonable time of sending the second form, the registration officer must send a third canvass form to that address.

(3) A registration officer may visit the address at any stage in order to obtain the information required by the canvass form and must make or have made one visit if no information has been received in response to a third canvass form sent under paragraph (2).

(4) The second and third canvass forms, if required, must be in the same form as the first canvass form.

(5) The registration officer must take the steps required by paragraphs (1) to (3) before publishing a revised register under section 13(1)(a) of the 1983 Act.

[F121(5A) A registration officer is not required by paragraph (1), (2) or (3) to take any steps if, before he would otherwise be required to do so—

(a)the registration officer receives an application under section 10ZC or 10ZD of the 1983 Act;

(b)the application contains information provided by the applicant in accordance with regulation 26(3)(eb), which indicates that the applicant is the only person aged 16 or over resident at the address to which the annual canvass form was sent; and

(c)the registration officer has determined that the applicant is entitled to be registered in respect of that address.]

(6) This regulation does not apply where a registration officer, having inspected records under regulation 35, concludes that there is no-one residing at the address or that the address is solely of business premises.

Invitations to apply for registrationE+W

32ZC.(1) The Electoral Commission must—

(a)design an invitation to apply for registration;

(b)obtain the approval of the [F122Minister for the Cabinet Office] to the invitation; and

(c)then make the invitation available to registration officers.

[F123(1A) Before giving the approval referred to in paragraph (1)(b), the Minister must consult the Welsh Ministers.]

(2) The invitation in paragraph (1) must include—

(a)the full name and address of the person to be invited;

(b)an explanation of how to make an application for registration; F124...

(c)a statement as to the circumstances in which a civil penalty may be imposed under section 9E of the 1983 Act, and the amount of the civil penalty; [F125and]

[F126(d)the website address of the digital service.]

(3) Where a registration officer is required by section 9E(1) of the 1983 Act to give a person an invitation to apply for registration—

[F127(za)the registration officer must give the invitation either—

(i)by delivering it to the person, leaving it at the person’s address or sending it to the person’s address by post; or

(ii)by electronic means;]

(a)the registration officer must give the invitation as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within 28 days of the conditions in section 9E(1) being satisfied;

(b)the invitation must be in the form designed by the Electoral Commission under paragraph (1);

(c)the invitation must be accompanied by an application form in the form designed by the Electoral Commission under regulation 26(3), on which the registration officer has, if practicable, printed the full name and address of the person to be invited; and

(d)the invitation, the application form and a pre-addressed reply envelope, return postage of which has been prepaid, must be given in an envelope on which is printed—

(i)a direction requesting that the envelope is not redirected if it is incorrectly addressed; and

(ii)a direction requesting that any other person who receives the envelope who is resident at the address to which the invitation is addressed inform the registration officer if the addressee is not resident at that address and the registration officer’s contact details in order that they may do so.

[F128(3A) Paragraphs (3)(c) and (d) do not apply where the registration officer gives the invitation by electronic means in accordance with paragraph (3)(za)(ii).]

Steps to be taken by a registration officer to encourage a person to make an application for registration in response to an invitation to do soE+W

32ZD.(1) If a registration officer has given a person an invitation to apply for registration under section 9E(1) of the 1983 Act and the person has not made an application to register within a reasonable time of receipt of the invitation, the registration officer must give the person a second invitation.

(2) If no application is received in respect of the second invitation within a reasonable time of receipt of the second invitation, the registration officer must give the person a third invitation.

(3) The registration officer may visit the address at which the first invitation was given in order to encourage the person to make an application for registration at any time and must make or have made one visit if no application has been received in response to the third invitation.

(4) The second and third invitations to apply for registration, if required, must be in the same form as the first invitation to apply for registration.

(5) Paragraphs (1) to (3) do not apply if the registration officer is satisfied that—

(a)the person is not entitled to be registered at the address at which the invitation or invitations to register was or were given; or

(b)the person is registered at a different address.

(6) Paragraphs (1) to (3) do not apply in relation to a person whom the registration officer has reason to believe would, if registered, be registered—

(a)in pursuance of an application made by virtue of section 7(2) or 7A(2) of the 1983 Act;

(b)in pursuance of a declaration of local connection, service declaration or overseas elector’s declaration; or

(c)with an anonymous entry.

Requiring a person to make an application for registrationE+W

32ZE.(1) Where a registration officer requires a person to make an application for registration by a specified date under section 9E(4) of the 1983 Act, the registration officer must give the person notice in writing of the requirement.

(2) A registration officer may not require a person to apply for registration unless—

(a)the registration officer has taken the last of the steps required by regulation 32ZD;

(b)the registration officer has established that the person—

(i)has received an invitation to apply for registration;

(ii)has been informed how to make an application for registration; and

(iii)has been informed that the registration officer may impose a civil penalty if the person is required to make an application but does not do so; and

(c)the registration officer has established that the person is resident at the address at which the invitations to apply for registration were given.

(3) A notice under paragraph (1) must state—

(a)the date by which the person must make an application for registration;

(b)that, if the person does not make an application by that date, the registration officer may impose a civil penalty on that person;

(c)the amount of any such civil penalty and the rate of interest payable if the penalty is not paid on time;

(d)that, if the person is not entitled to be registered, they must, before the date in sub-paragraph (a), inform the registration officer of that fact and explain why they are not so entitled, and the person is not required to make an application for registration;

(e)that, if the person is registered at another address, they must, before the date in sub-paragraph (a), inform the registration officer of that fact and provide that address, and the person is not required to make an application for registration;

(f)that the person may make other representations before the date in sub-paragraph (a) as to why they should not be required to make an application to register by the specified date, or why a civil penalty should not be imposed if they do not do so.

(4) The registration officer must give with the notice an application form in the form designed by the Electoral Commission under regulation 26(3) on which the registration officer has, if practicable, printed the full name and address of the person.

(5) A registration officer must cancel a requirement to make an application for registration, and give the person concerned notice in writing of the cancellation, if—

(a)the registration officer is satisfied that the person is not entitled to be registered at the address at which the invitations to register were given; or

(b)the registration officer is satisfied that the person is registered at a different address; or

(c)any of the requirements in paragraph (2) has not been met.

(6) A registration officer may cancel a requirement to make an application for registration if the registration officer considers it appropriate to do so and must give the person concerned notice in writing of the cancellation.

Notice of Civil PenaltyE+W

32ZF.(1) The amount of the civil penalty, which a registration officer may impose under section 9E(7) of the 1983 Act, is £80.

(2) Where the registration officer imposes a civil penalty under that section, the registration officer must give the person notice in writing that the penalty has been imposed and specify the reasons for imposing it.

(3) The notice in paragraph (2) must state that the person must—

(a)within 28 days of the date of the notice, make an application to register;

(b)within 28 days of the date of the notice, pay the full amount of the civil penalty; or

(c)within 14 days of the date of the notice, request a review of the decision to impose the civil penalty.

(4) The notice in paragraph (2) must also state—

(a)the amount due;

(b)how to make payment;

(c)the rate of interest payable if the penalty is not paid on time; and

(d)that making an application to register within 28 days will prevent the person being liable to pay the civil penalty.

Payment, enforcement and cancellation of civil penaltyE+W

32ZG.(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a person on whom a civil penalty is imposed under section 9E(7) of the 1983 Act must pay the amount of the penalty to the registration officer who imposed it within 28 days of the date of the notice given under regulation 32ZF(2).

(2) If a person on whom a civil penalty is imposed requests a review under regulation 32ZH(1) or brings an appeal under regulation 32ZI(1), the 28 day period in paragraph (1) ceases to run whilst that review or appeal is being considered, and in the calculation of that period—

(a)the day on which the review is requested or the appeal brought shall be excluded; and

(b)the day on which the review or appeal is concluded shall be included.

(3) If the person does not pay the civil penalty as required by paragraph (1) or (2), interest at 8% per annum will be charged from the date payment becomes overdue to the date of payment.

(4) A civil penalty not paid in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2) and any interest on the civil penalty is recoverable, if the county court so orders on the application of the registration officer, as if it were payable under an order of that court.

(5) A registration officer must cancel a civil penalty, and give the person concerned notice in writing of the cancellation, if—

(a)the person makes an application for registration at any time before the time for payment of the civil penalty in paragraph (1) or (2) has elapsed;

(b)the registration officer is satisfied that—

(i)the person is not entitled to be registered at the address at which the invitations to register were given; or

(ii)the person is registered at a different address; or

(c)any of the requirements in regulation 32ZE(2) has not been met.

(6) A registration officer may cancel the civil penalty if the registration officer considers it appropriate to do so and must give the person concerned notice in writing of the cancellation.

Review of registration officer’s decision to impose a civil penaltyE+W

32ZH.(1) A person on whom a civil penalty has been imposed may request a review of the registration officer’s decision to impose the penalty.

(2) A request under paragraph (1) must be made in writing within 14 days of the date of the notice given under regulation 32ZF(2).

(3) Where a person requests a review of the registration officer’s decision under paragraph (1), the registration officer must within 7 days of receiving the request give notice in writing to the person—

(a)acknowledging the request;

(b)informing the person that they may within 14 days of the date of the notice—

(i)make representations explaining why they have not made an application to register or why the civil penalty should be cancelled;

(ii)submit evidence in support of such representations; and

(c)explaining how such representations may be made and such evidence may be submitted.

(4) The registration officer must carry out a review, and such review may not start before the earlier of—

(a)the end of the fourteenth day after the date of the notice sent under paragraph (3); or

(b)the receipt of any representations or evidence.

(5) Following a review under paragraph (4), the registration officer may—

(a)uphold the decision to issue a civil penalty; or

(b)cancel the civil penalty.

(6) The registration officer must inform the person in writing of the outcome of the review.

(7) If the registration officer upholds the decision to impose a civil penalty, the notice must also state that the person on whom the penalty has been imposed—

(a)may appeal against that decision to the First-tier Tribunal, and how to make such an appeal; and

(b)must pay the penalty by a specified date, which shall be the date on which the 28 day period in regulation 32ZG(1) or (2) expires.

Appeals to the First-tier Tribunal against a notice of civil penaltyE+W

32ZI.(1) If a registration officer upholds the decision to issue a civil penalty under regulation 32ZH(5)(a), the person on whom the penalty was imposed may appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.

(2) On an appeal under paragraph (1) the First-tier Tribunal may—

(a)uphold the registration officer’s decision to impose the civil penalty; or

(b)cancel the civil penalty.]

[F129Representations regarding clerical errorsE+W

32A.(1) For the purposes of section 13B(3C) of the 1983 Act a representation may be made orally or in writing.

(2) Where a representation is made in a polling station to a presiding officer, the presiding officer must as soon as practicable communicate that representation to the relevant registration officer.]

Circumstances when the power in section 10A(5)(b) of the 1983 Act appliesE+W

F13033.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I10Reg. 33 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Retaining entries in registerE+W

F13134.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Registration officer’s right to inspect certain recordsE+W

35.—(1) A registration officer is authorised to inspect, for the purpose of his registration duties, records kept (in whatever form) by—

(a)an authority listed in paragraph (2) below, or

(b)any person providing services to, or authorised to exercise any function of, any such authority.

(2) Those authorities are—

(a)the council by which he was appointed;

[F132(aa)where the council by which he was appointed is a council for a district in a county for which there is a county council, that county council;] and

(b)[F133any superintendent registrar of births, deaths and marriages, registrar of births and deaths or registrar of marriages].

(3) A registration officer is authorised to make copies of information contained in such records.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I11Reg. 35 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

[F134Disclosure of certain local authorities’ recordsE+W

35A.(1) A local authority listed in paragraph (2) may disclose to a registration officer information contained in records held by that authority, for any of the purposes mentioned in paragraph 1A(1) of Schedule 2 to the 1983 Act.

(2) The authorities are—

(a)the authority by which the registration officer was appointed; and

(b)where the council by which the registration officer was appointed is a council for a district in a county for which there is a county council, that county council.

(3) A disclosure under paragraph (1) may be made only in accordance with a written agreement between the authority and the registration officer regulating the processing of the information, including its transfer, storage, destruction and security.

(4) Where an authority refuses a request by a registration officer to disclose information under paragraph (1) it must give the registration officer written reasons for its refusal.]

Notices in connection with registrationE+W

36.—(1) A notice under section 13(3) of the 1983 Act(9) must be published—

(a)not less than 14 days before the publication of the revised version of the register to which it relates;

(b)in a newspaper circulating in the area for which the registration officer acts, and

(c)by posting a copy of it at his office and in some conspicuous place or places in that area.

(2) A notice under section 13A(2) [F135,13AB(2)] [F136, ]13B(3) [F137, (3B) or (3D)] [F138or 13BC(3) or (6)] of that Act must be issued by—

[F139(a)making a copy of it available for inspection under supervision—

(i)at his office, and

(ii)at such places, if any, in his registration area as allow members of the public in that area reasonable facilities for that purpose;

(aa)supplying copies of it in accordance with Part VI of these Regulations;]

(b)except in a case falling within [F140regulation 29(2BA), 31C and 31FZA] above, sending a copy of it to any person affected by its contents.

[F141(3) For the purposes of section 13B(3A) and (3C) of the 1983 Act the prescribed time on the day of the poll is 9pm.]

[F142(4) For the purposes of section 13BC(5)(a) of the 1983 Act (alteration of the registers: recall petition), the prescribed time is one hour before the end of the signing period (within the meaning of section 9(2) of the Recall of MPs Act 2015).]

[F143Communication of notices made on polling dayE+W

36A.(1) Where a notice is issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act on the day of the poll, the registration officer must take reasonable steps to ensure that the notice comes to the attention of the relevant presiding officer.

(2) Such steps may include communicating the notice to the presiding officer by telephone.

(3) Where a notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act is communicated to a presiding officer by telephone, the presiding officer must make a written record of that notice.]

Notice by registration officer of a change of addressE+W

37.—(1) This regulation applies where a registration officer receives an application for registration which includes a statement given in accordance with regulation 26(1)(c) above.

(2) Where the address given in the statement received by the registration officer (“the new registration officer”) is in an area for which another registration officer (“the former registration officer”) acts, the new registration officer shall as soon as practicable notify the former registration officer that the applicant no longer resides in his area.

Commencement Information

I13Reg. 37 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

The registerE+W

Separate part of a register for each parliamentary polling districtE+W

38.—(1) The register shall be framed in separate parts for each parliamentary polling district.

(2) Where a parliamentary polling district is contained in more than one electoral area, there shall be a separate part of the register for each part of the polling district contained in each electoral area.

Commencement Information

I14Reg. 38 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Different letter for each parliamentary polling districtE+W

39.  There shall be a different letter or letters in the register for each parliamentary polling district and such letter or letters shall be deemed to form part of an elector’s number in the register.

Commencement Information

I15Reg. 39 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Qualifying addresses which are not included in the registerE+W

40.—(1) Section 9(2)(b) of the 1983 Act(10) (which requires each register of parliamentary or local government electors to contain the qualifying addresses of the persons registered in it) does not apply—

(a)to an address to which paragraph (2) or (3) below applies, or

(b)which is specified in an overseas elector’s declaration in accordance with section 2(4)(b) or (c)(ii) of the 1985 Act(11).

(2) This paragraph applies to an address where it appears to the registration officer that—

(a)a service voter in his service declaration, or

(b)a person who has made a declaration of local connection,

has given that address in such a declaration as an address—

(i)at which he has resided, but

(ii)which is not an address at which he is or would be residing but for the circumstances entitling him to make such a declaration.

(3) This paragraph applies to an address given in a declaration of local connection in accordance with section 7B(4)(b) of the 1983 Act(12).

Commencement Information

I16Reg. 40 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Order of namesE+W

41.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) below, the names and addresses of each separate part of the register shall be arranged in street order.

(2) If the registration officer determines for any part of the register that street order is not reasonably practicable, the names and addresses shall be arranged in alphabetical order or partly in street order and partly in alphabetical order.

(3) The name of any person whose qualifying address is not contained in a register by virtue of regulation 40 above shall be grouped together in alphabetical order—

(a)at the end of that part of the register to which the address relates;

(b)beneath the heading “Other electors”, and

(c)without giving that address.

Commencement Information

I17Reg. 41 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

[F144Anonymous entriesE+W

41A.(1) An anonymous entry of a person consists of that person’s electoral number together with the letter “N”.

(2) The entry is to be entered in the register—

(a)at the end of the part of the register which relates to the qualifying address of the person entitled to the entry,

(b)under the heading of “Other electors” as mentioned in regulation 41(3)(b), and

(c)following the names grouped together under that heading in pursuance of that regulation.]

Marking of namesE+W

42.—(1) Paragraphs (3) to (7) below specify the marks to appear against a person’s [F145entry] in the register to indicate that he is registered in one or more of the four registers (those of: parliamentary electors; local government electors; relevant citizens of the Union registered as European Parliamentary electors, and peers overseas registered as European Parliamentary overseas electors) which are required to be combined.

(2) Where no mark appears against a person’s [F145entry] in the register of electors, this indicates that he is registered in the registers of parliamentary and local government electors.

(3) To indicate that a relevant citizen of the Union is registered only in the register of local government electors, the letter “G” shall be placed against his [F145entry].

(4) To indicate that such a citizen is registered in both that register and the register of such citizens registered as European Parliamentary electors, the letter “K” shall be placed against his [F145entry].

(5) To indicate that any other person is registered only in the register of local government electors, the letter “L” shall be placed against his [F145entry].

(6) To indicate that an overseas elector is registered only in the register of parliamentary electors, the letter “F” shall be placed against his [F145entry].

(7) To indicate that a European Parliamentary overseas elector is registered only in the register of such electors, the letter “E” shall be placed against his [F145entry].

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I18Reg. 42 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Publication of registerE+W

43.[F146(1) The manner in which each revised version of the full register is to be published under section 13(1) and (3) of the 1983 Act is by the registration officer—

(a)making a copy of it available for inspection under supervision—

(i)at his office, and

(ii)at such places, if any, in his registration area as allow members of the public in that area reasonable facilities for that purpose; and

(b)supplying copies of it in accordance with Part VI of these Regulations.

(1A) Where a copy of the full register is made available pursuant to paragraph (1)(a) above by providing the register on a computer screen or otherwise in data form, the registration officer shall ensure that the manner in, and equipment on, which that copy is provided do not permit any person consulting that copy to—

(a)search it by electronic means by reference to the name of any person; or

(b)copy or transmit any part of that copy by electronic, or any other, means.]

(2) The revised version of the register shall be kept published until the coming into force of the next revised version of it.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I19Reg. 43 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Information about registerE+W

44.—(1) As soon as practicable after the publication of a revised version of the register under section 13(1) of the 1983 Act, the registration officer shall supply to the Secretary of State a document setting out the information about electors which is required by paragraphs (2) to (4) [F147and (6)] below.

(2) The document referred to in paragraph (1) above shall state the name of the constituency (and, if only part of the constituency is situated in the area for which the registration officer acts, that fact) and shall list the following total numbers of electors in that constituency or part thereof, namely—

(a)parliamentary electors (including those referred to in sub-paragraph (d) below);

(b)local government electors (including those referred to in sub-paragraph (d) below);

(c)those local government electors who are ineligible to vote at parliamentary elections; and

(d)those registered in pursuance of section 4(5) of the 1983 Act(13).

(3) The document referred to in paragraph (1) above shall set out separately as respects those electors referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) and (d) of paragraph (2) above the following totals, namely—

(a)those registered by virtue of residence at a qualifying address;

(b)those registered in pursuance of a service declaration;

(c)those registered in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration; and

(d)those registered in pursuance of a declaration of local connection.

(4) The document referred to in paragraph (1) above shall in respect of each relevant area in the constituency state—

(a)its name or number;

(b)the letters referred to in regulation 39 above for each parliamentary polling district in each relevant area (or part thereof); and

(c)if only part of the relevant area is situated in the constituency, that fact;

and shall list the following total numbers of electors in that area (or part thereof) namely—

(i)parliamentary electors (including those referred to in sub-paragraph (ii)) below;

(ii)those registered by virtue of section 4(5) of the 1983 Act; and

(iii)those local government electors who are ineligible to vote at parliamentary elections.

(5) In paragraph (4) above “relevant area” means—

(a)in England, a ward of a district, of a London borough or of the City of London, and

(b)in Wales, an electoral division of a county or county borough.

[F148(6) The document referred to in paragraph (1) shall state the total number of electors who have an anonymous entry.]

Preparation and publication of list of overseas electorsE+W

45.—(1) The registration officer shall prepare a list of the names of each person who appears to him to be entitled to be registered in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration (“the list of overseas electors”); and shall include in that list the address specified in that declaration in accordance with section 2(4) of the 1985 Act and regulation 18(1) above.

(2) In respect of each constituency which is wholly or partly comprised in the area for which the registration officer acts there shall be a separate part of the list of overseas electors; and the names of the persons included in each part shall be listed in alphabetical order.

(3) At the time when the registration officer publishes a revised version of the register under section 13(1) of the 1983 Act, he shall publish the list of overseas electors by making a copy of it available for inspection [F149under supervision] at his office; and the list shall be kept so published until the next revised version of the register is published under section 13(1) of the 1983 Act.

(4) The name of a person appearing to the registration officer to be entitled to be registered in pursuance of a European Parliamentary overseas elector’s declaration (and included in the list of overseas electors by virtue of regulation 13(6) above) shall be marked with the letter “E”.

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I21Reg. 45 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

[F150Record of anonymous entriesE+W

45A.(1) The registration officer must keep a record of anonymous entries.

(2) The registration officer must enter in the record each person who is entered in the register with an anonymous entry.

(3) The entry in the record must contain the following particulars—

(a)the full name of the person to whom the entry relates;

(b)his electoral number;

(c)his qualifying address;

(d)where he has given in his application for an anonymous entry an address other than his qualifying address to which correspondence should be sent, that address;

(e)the date on which the anonymous entry in the register took effect.

(4) Where the application of a person with an anonymous entry to vote by post is granted, the registration officer must also enter in the record the address to which the postal ballot paper should be sent as given in the application (in accordance with regulation 51(2)(d)).

Duties of registration officer and his staff in relation to record of anonymous entriesE+W

45B.(1) This regulation applies to—

(a)the registration officer,

(b)any deputy registration officer, and

(c)any person appointed to assist any such officer or who in the course of his employment is assigned to assist such officer in his registration duties.

(2) Where the registration officer is also the returning officer or acting returning officer at any election or counting officer at any referendum (and in consequence has access to the record of anonymous entries without being supplied with a copy of it), this regulation applies to—

(a)the registration officer acting in that other capacity,

(b)any deputy returning officer, deputy acting returning officer or deputy counting officer, and

(c)any person appointed to assist any person mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) or who in the course of his employment is assigned to assist any such officer in his duties in respect of the election or referendum in question.

(3) No person to whom this regulation applies may—

(a)supply to any person a copy of the record,

(b)disclose information contained in it, or

(c)make use of such information,

otherwise than in accordance with an enactment (including these Regulations) or the order of any court or tribunal made at any hearing or during the course of any proceedings.

(4) Nothing in paragraph (3) applies to the supply or disclosure by a person to whom this regulation applies to another such person in connection with his registration duties or for the purposes of an election or referendum.

(5) The persons to whom this regulation applies must take proper precautions for the safe custody of the record.

(6) In this regulation and regulation 45C—

“counting officer” means the counting officer at a referendum held by or under any Act;

“enactment” has the same meaning as in section 17(2) of the 2000 Act(14).

Supply of record of anonymous entries to returning and counting officersE+W

45C.(1) Paragraph (2) applies whenever the registration officer supplies a copy of the full register, or any part of it, to a returning officer or counting officer.

(2) The registration officer must supply—

(a)together with the copy of the register, a copy of the record of anonymous entries;

(b)together with any part of the register, a copy of the record so far as it relates to that part.

(3) A registration officer may supply a copy of the record to a returning officer or counting officer at any other time.

(4) No person to whom a copy of the record has been supplied under this regulation may—

(a)supply a copy of the record,

(b)disclose any information contained in it, or

(c)make use of any such information,

other than for the purposes of an election or referendum (as the case may be).

(5) Each person supplied with a copy of the record under this regulation must take proper precautions for its safe custody.

Supply of record of anonymous entries in connection with summoning of juriesE+W

45D.(1) Paragraph (2) applies to any person to whom a copy of the full register has been supplied or to whom information contained in it has been disclosed for the purpose of summoning juries, other than a designated officer within the meaning of section 3(1) of the Juries Act 1974.

(2) The registration officer must at the request in writing of a person to whom this paragraph applies supply to that person a copy of the record of anonymous entries.

(3) Paragraphs (4) and (5) apply to—

(a)each person who has been supplied with a copy of the record of anonymous entries in accordance with section 3(1A) of the Juries Act 1974;

(b)each person who has been supplied with a copy of the record in accordance with paragraph (2).

(4) No person to whom this paragraph applies may—

(a)supply a copy of the record,

(b)disclose any information contained in it, or

(c)make use of any such information,

other than for the purpose of summoning juries.

(5) The persons to whom this paragraph applies must take proper precautions for the safe custody of the record.

Supply of record of anonymous entries to the security servicesE+W

45E.(1) This regulation applies where the registration officer supplies a copy of the full register to—

(a)the Security Service;

(b)the Government Communications Headquarters;

(c)the Secret Intelligence Service.

(2) The registration officer must supply a copy of the record of anonymous entries together with the register.

F151(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F151(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Supply of the record of anonymous entries to police forces and other organisationsE+W

45F.(1) The registration officer must supply a copy of the record of anonymous entries, at the request in writing of a senior officer, to—

(a)any police force in Great Britain,

(b)the Police Service of Northern Ireland or the Police Service of Northern Ireland (Reserve),

(c)the Police Information Technology Organisation,

(d)any body of constables established under an Act, or

(e)the Serious Organised Crime Agency.

(2) Senior officer means—

(a)in the case of the forces and organisations mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) to (d), an officer of a rank senior to that of superintendent;

(b)in the case of the Serious Organised Crime Agency, the Director General of that Agency.

(3) No person serving whether as a constable, officer or employee of any of the forces and organisations mentioned in paragraph (1) may—

(a)supply to any person a copy of the record,

(b)disclose any information contained in it, or

(c)make use of any such information,

otherwise than for the purposes specified in paragraph (4).

(4) The purposes are—

(a)the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of the criminal law (whether in England and Wales or elsewhere);

(b)the vetting of a relevant person for the purpose of safeguarding national security.

(5) Relevant person means—

(a)a constable or officer or prospective constable or officer of the force or organisation;

(b)an employee of, or applicant for employment by, the force or organisation.

(6) Each person supplied with a copy of the record under this regulation must take proper precautions for its safe custody.

Certificate of anonymous registrationE+W

45G.(1) Where a registration officer enters a person in the record of anonymous entries, he must issue to that person a certificate of anonymous registration.

(2) A certificate of anonymous registration must be in writing and signed by the registration officer.

(3) A certificate for anonymous registration must state—

(a)the name of the area for which the registration officer acts;

(b)the name, electoral number and qualifying address of the person who has the anonymous entry;

(c)the date on which the anonymous entry took effect;

(d)that unless a fresh application for an anonymous entry is made, the entitlement to remain registered anonymously will terminate no later than at the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the date stated in accordance with sub-paragraph (c).]

Certificate of anonymous registration prescribed for purposes of paragraph 10(2) of Schedule 2AE+W

F15245H.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Supply of free copies of register and list of overseas electors otherwise than on requestE+W

F15346.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Supply of free copies of register and list of overseas electors on requestE+W

F15347.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sale of register and list of overseas electorsE+W

48.—(1) Subject to paragraph (4) below, the registration officer shall supply a copy or copies of the register or of the list of overseas electors to any person on payment of a fee calculated in accordance with paragraph (2) or (3) below.

(2) In the case of the register—

(a)in data form, the fee shall be at the rate of £20 plus £1.50 for each 1,000 entries (or remaining part of 1,000 entries) in it; and

(b)in printed form, the fee shall be at the rate of £10 plus £5 for each 1,000 entries (or remaining part of 1,000 entries) in it.

(3) In the case of the list of overseas electors—

(a)in data form, the fee shall be at the rate of £20 plus £1.50 for each 100 entries (or remaining part of 100 entries) in it; and

(b)in printed form, the fee shall be at the rate of £10 plus £5 for each 100 entries (or remaining part of 100 entries) in it.

(4) The registration officer shall not supply a printed copy of the register under this regulation if to do so would result in his having insufficient copies of it for the purposes of any requirement made by or under any enactment.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Commencement Information

I22Reg. 48 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Supply of register and list of overseas electors in data formE+W

49.—(1) Subject to any direction of the Secretary of State under section 52(1) of the 1983 Act(14), any duty on the registration officer to supply data under regulations 46 to 48 above imposes only a duty to supply such data recorded in the form in which he holds it.

(2) The registration officer shall not supply data which includes information not included in the printed version of the register otherwise than under regulation 46(4).

Commencement Information

I23Reg. 49 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

(1)

1974 c. 23; section 3(1) was amended by Schedule 15 to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33).

(2)

Section 54 was amended by Schedule 4 to the 1985 Act.

(3)

Section 4 was substituted by section 1(2) of the 2000 Act.

(4)

Section 2 was substituted by Schedule 2 to the 2000 Act.

(5)

Section 56(1)(a) was amended by Schedule 1 to the 2000 Act.

(6)

Section 10A was substituted by Schedule 1 to the 2000 Act.

(7)

Section 4 was substituted by section 1(2) of the 2000 Act.

(8)

Sections 7 and 7A were substituted and inserted by sections 4 and 5 of the 2000 Act.

(9)

Sections 13, 13A and 13B were substituted by Schedule 1 to the 2000 Act.

(10)

Section 9 was substituted by Schedule 1 to the 2000 Act.

(11)

Section 2 was substituted by Schedule 2 to the 2000 Act.

(12)

Section 7B was inserted by section 6 of the 2000 Act.

(13)

Section 4 was substituted by section 1(2) of the 2000 Act.

(14)

The exercise of the powers in section 52(1) is made subject to section 7(1) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c. 41) and section 52(1A), as inserted by Schedule 21 to that Act, is relevant to those powers.

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