For the purposes of rule 45(1B) of the rules in Schedule 1 to the 1983 Act47 the manner in which a postal ballot paper or F3postal voting statement may be returned to a polling station is by hand.

For these purposes, the manner in which such a paper or F2statement may be returned to the returning officer is by post or by hand.

F4Subject to paragraph (4) the presiding officer of the polling station shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, any postal ballot paper or F3postal voting statement returned to that station to the returning officer in the same manner and at the same time as he delivers, or causes to be delivered, the packets referred to in rule 43(1) of the elections rules.

The returning officer may collect, or cause to be collected, any postal ballot paper or F3postal voting statement which by virtue of paragraph (3) the presiding officer of a polling station would otherwise be required to deliver or cause to be delivered to him.

Where the returning officer collects, or causes to be collected, any postal ballot paper or F3postal voting statement in accordance with paragraph (4) the presiding officer shall first make it (or them) up into a packet (or packets) sealed with his own seal and the seals of such polling agents as are present and desire to affix their seals.