PART IIISREGISTRATION

INFORMATION ABOUT ELECTORSS

Power to require informationS

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) If any person–

(a)fails to comply with F2...

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

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

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I1Reg. 23 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Evidence as to age and nationalityS

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 [F4a qualifying foreign national.]

[F5(2A) Where a person has made an overseas elector’s declaration, the registration officer may require a copy of a document referred to in paragraph (2)(a) to (c).]

(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(1).

(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.

[F6(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(2).

[F7(7) In this regulation “qualifying foreign national” has the same meaning as in section 202(1) of the 1983 Act.]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I2Reg. 24 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Reminders to electors registered pursuant to a [F8service declaration or declaration of local connection] S

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

(a)a service declaration; [F9or]

(b)a declaration of local connection; F10...

F10(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(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.

[F11(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

[F12(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.]]

[F13(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) [F14Paragraphs (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.

[F15(5) In relation to the registration of local government electors, paragraphs (6) and (7) apply in the case of a person registered in pursuance of a service declaration made by virtue of a service qualification under section 14(1A) of the 1983 Act.

(6) The registration officer must send to the person a reminder that the person's declaration will cease to have effect, and that the person's entitlement to remain registered will cease, when the person attains the age of 18.

(7) The reminder must be sent as soon as practicable within the period of 3 months ending on the day on which the person attains the age of 18.]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I3Reg. 25 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

[F16Reminders to overseas electors who have an anonymous entryS

25ZA.—(1) This regulation applies to each person who—

(a)is registered in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration, and

(b)has an anonymous entry.

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

(a)P’s entitlement to registration will terminate on the determined date, and

(b)if P wishes to remain—

(i)entered in the register anonymously after that date, P must make a fresh application under section 9B(1)(b) of the 1983 Act for an anonymous entry;

(ii)entered in the register after that date without an anonymous entry, P must make a fresh application under section 10ZC of the 1983 Act together with a fresh overseas elector’s declaration.

(3) Paragraph (2) does not apply where the registration officer has already received from P a fresh application under section 9B(1)(b) or section 10ZC of the 1983 Act.

(4) A reminder under paragraph (2) may be sent to P’s address by post or sent to P by electronic means.

(5) In paragraph (2)—

“the determined date” is the date on which P’s entitlement to remain registered will terminate under section 9C(1)(a) of the 1983 Act;

“the reminder period” means the period beginning 3 months before and ending 2 months before the determined date.]

Textual Amendments

[F17Reminders to [F18other] persons who have an anonymous entryS

25A.—(1) This regulation applies to each person who has an anonymous entry [F19, other than a person registered in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration].

(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 [F20section 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).]

Textual Amendments

[F21Applications for registrationS

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 F22...;

(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 [F23and the application is not being made in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration], an indication of whether the person was registered in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration during this period;

(d)[F24except in the case of an application being made in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration,] 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;

(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.

[F25(1A) In relation to the registration of local government electors, where the applicant is not able to provide the applicant's date of birth, the statement referred to in paragraph (1)(e) must indicate whether the applicant is—

(a)under the age of 16,

(b)aged 16 or 17, or

(c)aged 18 or older.]

[F26(1B) In relation to the registration of local government electors, where the applicant is a person to whom section 3(1A) of the 1983 Act (exception to disenfranchisement for offenders sentenced to term not exceeding 12 months) applies, an application under paragraph (1) must include the applicant’s prisoner number.]

(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) [F27, (1A)] and (2) and includes—

(a)a statement that the information provided in the application will be processed in accordance with [F28the 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;

[F29(ba)a statement that persons who are not qualifying Commonwealth citizens, citizens of the Republic of Ireland [F30or qualifying foreign nationals] are ineligible to register to vote at local government elections 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;

[F31(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 requested 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;

[F32(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;]

F33(eb). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(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 47 of and Schedule 3 to the Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013; and

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

[F34(3A) In relation to the registration of local government electors, the paper application form under paragraph (3) must also include an explanation of how information about applicants under the age of 16 will be held and used.]

(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.

[F35(c)[F36in relation to the registration of local government electors,] not include space for the information mentioned in paragraph (3)(eb).]

[F37(5) The paper application form for persons applying to be registered in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration must—

[F38(za)instead of the statement required in paragraph (3)(ba), include a statement 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, and

(zb)include space for the address at which the applicant can be contacted.]

F39(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F40(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

[F41(5A) The paper application form for persons applying to be registered [F42as a local government elector] 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 [F43Secretary of State] to the design of the application forms under paragraphs [F44(3) to (5A)] and must then make the forms available to registration officers.

[F45(6A) Before giving approval for the purposes of paragraph (6) to the design of the forms under paragraphs (3), (4) and (5A), the [F46Secretary of State] must consult the Scottish Ministers.]

(7) Where a registration officer gives a paper application form to a person resident in Scotland, 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 forms of words prescribed by regulation 47 of and Schedule 3 to the Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013; and

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

(9) [F47Where, by virtue of arrangements made by the [F48Secretary of State], an application under paragraph (1) may be made through the digital service, the [F49Secretary of State]] 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.

[F50(9A) In relation to the registration of local government electors, paragraphs (1)(f) and (8)(a) do not apply in the case where the applicant is under the age of 16.]

[F51(9B) Where—

(a)an applicant makes an application in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration, and

(b)the applicant is unable to provide a national insurance number in accordance with paragraph (1)(f),

the applicant may provide as part of the application a copy of any of the documents listed in regulation 26B(2) to (4).

(9C) Where an applicant makes an application in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration in reliance upon the previous residence condition, the applicant may provide as part of the application a copy of any document which meets the evidential requirement described in regulation 26D(3).]

F52(10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(11) The [F53Secretary of State] must send to the registration officer any application he receives [F54, subject to paragraph (12),] together with—

[F55(za)any copy documentation provided by the applicant in accordance with paragraph (9B) or (9C);]

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

(b)a reference number unique to that application.

[F56(12)  Where an application made through the digital service in accordance with paragraph (9) includes the applicant’s national insurance number the Secretary of State—

(a)may send the registration officer that application without the national insurance number, and

(b)where the Secretary of State does so, must indicate to the registration officer that a national insurance number was included when the application was made by the applicant.]]

Textual Amendments

[F57Application for alteration of register in respect of name under section 10ZDS

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 [F58the 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 [F59Secretary of State] to the design of the application form under paragraph (2) and must then make the form available to registration officers.

[F60(3A) Before giving approval for the purposes of paragraph (3), the [F61Secretary of State] must consult the Scottish 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 [F62documentary evidence of the applicant’s change of name].

(5) Where a person is unable to provide [F63any documentary evidence], they must provide their date of birth or 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 [F64any copy document] provided under paragraph (4) after the application has been made.

Textual Amendments

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

26B.—(1) [F65Subject to paragraph (1A), 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).

[F66(1A) Where a person has made an application to be registered as an overseas elector under section 10ZC of the 1983 Act, this regulation only applies to the extent that a registration officer considers that additional evidence is necessary to verify the identity of the applicant (see regulations 24 and 26C to 26H for further provision in relation to overseas electors).]

(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.

[F67(4A) Where an application is made pursuant to an overseas elector’s declaration—

(a)paragraph (3) applies as if, in sub-paragraph (a)(vii), the words from “and which must” to “Kingdom” were omitted;

(b)paragraph (4) applies as if after “kinds of evidence” there were inserted “, must have been issued in the United Kingdom or Crown Dependencies”.]

(5) If an applicant is unable to give the documentary evidence required under paragraphs (2) to (4), the registration officer may [F68—

(a)except where sub-paragraph (b) applies, require the applicant give an attestation as set out in paragraph (6);

(b)where the application is made in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration, require the applicant give an attestation as set out in paragraph (6ZA).]

(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 [F69in a local authority area in Scotland];

(iii)who is not the spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild of the applicant; F70...

[F71(iv)[F72in relation to an application for registration as a local government elector,] who has not already signed attestations under this regulation for two applicants since whichever is later of—

(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

(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)] [F73; and

(v)in relation to any other application for registration to which this paragraph applies, who has not already signed a relevant identity attestation for two applicants since, whichever is the later of,—

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

(bb)the date on which a notice specifying the attestor’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.

[F74(6ZA) An attestation under this paragraph must—

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

(b)be in writing and signed by a qualifying attestor,

(c)state the qualifying attestor’s full name, date of birth, occupation, residential address and (if different) the address in respect of which the qualifying attestor is registered as an elector,

(d)state—

(i)where the qualifying attestor is registered in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration, the attestor’s British or Irish passport number together with its date and place of issue;

(ii)otherwise—

(aa)where the qualifying attestor is registered in respect of an address in Northern Ireland and has been allocated a digital registration number in accordance with section 10B of the 1983 Act (register of electors in Northern Ireland: digital registration number), that digital registration number,

(bb)in all other cases, the qualifying attestor’s electoral number,

(e)include an explanation as to the qualifying attestor’s ability to confirm that the applicant is the person named in the application, including (but not limited to) the qualifying attestor’s connection to the applicant and the length of time that that connection has existed,

(f)include—

(i)an indication that the qualifying attestor is aware of section 13D(1) of the 1983 Act (offence of provision of false information to a registration officer), and

(ii)a declaration by the qualifying attestor that all information provided in the attestation is true, and

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

(6ZB) In paragraph (6ZA), a “qualifying attestor” is a person—

(a)who is aged 18 or over,

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

(c)who is registered as an elector,

(d)except where the person is registered in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration, whom the registration officer is satisfied is of good standing in the community, and

(e)who has not already signed a relevant identity attestation for two other applicants since, whichever is the later,—

(i)the date on which the revised register in which the attestor’s name appears was last published under section 13(1) of the 1983 Act, or

(ii)the date on which a notice specifying the attestor’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).

(6ZC) In paragraphs (6)(c)(v) and (6ZB)(e), a relevant identity attestation is an attestation provided in accordance with—

(a)paragraph (6) or (6ZA);

(b)regulation 56C(5A) or (6);

(c)regulation 26B(6) or (6ZA) or 56C(5A) or (6) of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001;

[F75(ca)regulation 25A(3) of the Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2008;]

(d)paragraph 16C(5) of Schedule 2 to the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections Order 2012;

(e)regulation 72B(5A) or (6) of the Recall of MPs Act 2015 (Recall Petition) Regulations 2016;

(f)regulation 7(6) of the Voter Identification Regulations 2022.]

[F76(6A) In relation to the registration of local government electors, paragraphs (2) to (6) do not apply in the case where the applicant is under the age of 16 if—

(a)there is information available to the registration officer from any educational record relating to the applicant, and

(b)that information is sufficient to satisfy the registration officer as to the applicant's identity and entitlement to be registered.]

(7) Paragraphs (2) to [F77(6A)] 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

[F78(ca)in relation to the registration of local government electors, a service declaration on the grounds that the applicant has a service qualification under section 14(1A) of the 1983 Act;]

F79(d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(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.

[F80(9A) In the case of an application in pursuance of a service declaration within paragraph (7)(ca), the registration officer may require that the applicant give the officer one of the following documents or a copy of one of them certified by a relevant official—

(a)the applicant's passport, or

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

(9B) In paragraph (9A), “relevant official” means—

(a)a Crown Servant (within the meaning of regulation 14),

(b)a British Council employee, or

(c)an officer of the forces (within the meaning of section 59(1) of the 1983 Act),

who is not the applicant's parent, guardian, spouse or civil partner.]

F81(10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(11) Where a registration officer considers that additional evidence is necessary in order to determine whether the applicant is [F82a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a qualifying foreign national,] 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.

[F83(c)“qualifying foreign national” has the same meaning as in section 202(1) of the 1983 Act.]]

Textual Amendments

[F84Overseas electors: power to request additional evidence where applicant under 18 when last resident in the United KingdomS

26C.—(1) This regulation applies where—

(a)a person makes an application under section 10ZC of the 1983 Act in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration (“the applicant”),

(b)in accordance with regulation 18(8), the applicant has given an indication that the applicant was under 18 years old on the last day, and

(c)the registration officer considers that additional evidence is necessary in order to satisfy the registration officer that the applicant was resident at the relevant address.

(2) The registration officer may require the applicant to provide—

(a)the full name of a parent or guardian of the applicant who was resident at the relevant address on the last day;

(b)in respect of each such parent or guardian, an indication as to whether that parent or guardian was registered, in respect of the relevant address, in a register of parliamentary electors or a register of local government electors on the last day.

(3) Where the applicant provides the full name of a parent in accordance with paragraph (2)(a), the applicant must also provide a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate which shows the name of the applicant’s parent as provided in accordance with paragraph (2)(a) and the applicant’s date of birth.

(4) Where the applicant provides the full name of a guardian in accordance with paragraph (2)(a), the registration officer must require the applicant to provide such other kind of evidence as the officer considers appropriate that confirms that the person named in accordance with paragraph (2)(a) was the guardian of the applicant.

(5) Where the applicant provides a copy of a document in accordance with paragraph (3) or (4), the registration officer may, if the registration officer considers it appropriate, require the applicant to provide the original document.

(6) In this regulation—

“last day” means the last day on which the applicant was resident in the United Kingdom;

“relevant address” means the address provided by the applicant in accordance with section 1C(3)(a)(i) or (4) of the 1985 Act.

Textual Amendments

Overseas elector: power to request additional evidence of previous residenceS

26D.—(1) This regulation applies where a registration officer considers that additional evidence is necessary in order to satisfy the registration officer that a person who makes an application under section 10ZC of the 1983 Act in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration (“the applicant”)—

(a)where the declaration is made in reliance on the previous registration condition, was previously entered in an electoral register in respect of the relevant address;

(b)where the declaration is made in reliance on the previous residence condition—

(i)was resident at the relevant address on the last day that the applicant was resident in the United Kingdom, or

(ii)was not resident at the relevant address but could have made a declaration under section 7B of the 1983 Act (declaration of local connection) in respect of that address on the last day that the applicant was resident in the United Kingdom.

(2) The registration officer may require that the applicant give them a copy, or where the registration officer considers it appropriate, the original, of any document which meets the evidential requirement.

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2), the “evidential requirement” in relation to a document is that the document—

(a)bears the full current or previous name of the applicant, and

(b)bears the relevant address.

(4) Any of the following documents which meets the evidential requirement in paragraph (3) is deemed to be conclusive evidence that the statement in paragraph (1)(a), (b)(i) or (b)(ii) (as the case may be) applies in respect of the applicant—

(a)a driving licence granted in the United Kingdom (including an expired licence);

(b)an instrument of a court appointment, such as a grant of probate or letters of administration;

(c)a letter from the Office of the Public Guardian confirming the registration of a lasting power of attorney;

(d)a letter from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs;

(e)a council tax demand letter or statement;

(f)a rent book issued by a local authority;

(g)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;

(h)a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions, confirming the applicant’s entitlement to a state pension;

(i)a letter from a school, college, university or other educational institution which confirms the attendance of, or the offer of a place for, the applicant at that institution;

(j)a letter from the Student Loans Company;

(k)an official copy of the land register entry for the relevant address or other proof of title for the relevant address;

(l)a solicitor’s letter confirming the purchase of, or confirmation of the land registry registration of, the relevant address;

(m)a Form P45, Form P60, reference or payslip issued to the applicant by their employer or former employer;

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

(o)a credit card statement;

(p)a utility or mobile telephone bill;

(q)a letter from an insurance provider.

(5) In this regulation, “relevant address” means the address provided by the applicant in accordance with section 1C(2)(a)(i), (3)(a)(i) or (4) of the 1985 Act.

Textual Amendments

Overseas electors: power to request attestation as to applicant’s previous residence at relevant addressS

26E.—(1) This regulation applies where—

(a)a person makes an application under section 10ZC of the 1983 Act in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration (“the applicant”),

(b)the registration officer has required the applicant to provide additional evidence in accordance with regulation 26D, and

(c)the registration officer considers that additional evidence is necessary in order to satisfy the registration officer that the applicant was resident at the relevant address, including where the applicant is unable to provide the evidence required under regulation 26D(2).

(2) The registration officer may require that the applicant give an attestation of previous residence which must—

(a)confirm that the applicant was resident at the relevant address, and

(b)give an indication of the dates between which, to the best of the qualifying attestor’s knowledge, the applicant was resident at that address.

(3) In this regulation—

“qualifying attestor” has the meaning given in regulation 26I(3);

“relevant address” means the address provided by the applicant in accordance with section 1C(2)(a)(i), (3)(a)(i) or (4) of the 1985 Act.

Textual Amendments

Overseas electors: power to request additional evidence as to applicant’s previous registration in pursuance of a service declaration or overseas elector’s declaration or as a merchant seamanS

26F.—(1) This regulation applies where—

(a)a person makes an application under section 10ZC of the 1983 Act in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration (“the applicant”) in reliance on the previous registration condition,

(b)the applicant claims that the registration referred to in section 1A(2)(a) of the 1985 Act was—

(i)in pursuance of a service declaration,

(ii)on the basis that the applicant was treated as being resident at the relevant address in accordance with section 6 of the 1983 Act (residence: merchant seamen), or

(iii)in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration made in reliance upon the previous registration condition, where paragraph (i) or (ii) applies to the registration referred to in section 1A(2)(a) of the 1985 Act in respect of that declaration,

(c)the registration officer has required the applicant to provide additional evidence in accordance with regulation 26D, and

(d)the registration officer considers that additional evidence is necessary in order to satisfy the registration officer that the applicant was previously entered in an electoral register in respect of the relevant address, including where the applicant is unable to provide the evidence required under regulation 26D(2).

(2) The registration officer may require that the applicant—

(a)give the registration officer a copy, or where the registration officer considers it appropriate, the original, of any document which—

(i)bears the full name of the applicant, as provided in accordance with section 1C(1)(a) of the 1985 Act or regulation 18(3)(a), and

(ii)confirms that the applicant met the registration status requirement;

(b)give an attestation of registration status which must—

(i)confirm that the applicant met the registration status requirement, and

(ii)give an indication of the dates between which, to the best of the qualifying attestor’s knowledge, the applicant met the requirement.

(3) Paragraph (4) applies where the applicant’s registration referred to in section 1A(2)(a) of the 1985 Act was in pursuance of a service declaration by virtue of a service qualification related to another person (“B”), as described in section 14(1)(d) or (e) or (1A) of the 1983 Act.

(4) In addition to or instead of a requirement under paragraph (2)(a), the registration officer may require the applicant to give the registration officer a copy, or where the registration officer considers it appropriate, the original of any document which bears the full current or former name of B and confirms—

(a)B’s service qualification under section 14(1) of the 1983 Act;

(b)that B is or was (as the case may be) the spouse, civil partner, parent or guardian of the applicant.

(5) For the purposes of this regulation, “the registration status requirement”—

(a)where paragraph (1)(b)(i) applies (including where it applies in accordance with paragraph (1)(b)(iii)), is that the applicant had a service qualification under section 14(1) or (1A) of the 1983 Act;

(b)where paragraph (1)(b)(ii) applies (including where it applies in accordance with paragraph (1)(b)(iii)), is that the applicant was a merchant seaman within the meaning of section 6 of the 1983 Act.

(6) In this regulation—

“qualifying attestor” has the meaning given in regulation 26I(3);

“relevant address” means the address provided by the applicant in accordance with section 1C(2)(a)(i) of the 1985 Act.

Textual Amendments

Overseas electors: power to require additional evidence as to declaration of local connectionS

26G.—(1) This regulation applies where—

(a)a person makes an application under section 10ZC of the 1983 Act in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration (“the applicant”) in reliance upon the previous registration condition,

(b)the applicant claims that the registration referred to in section 1A(2)(a) of the 1985 Act was—

(i)in pursuance of a declaration under section 7B of the 1983 Act (declaration of local connection), or

(ii)in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration made in reliance upon the previous registration condition, where paragraph (i) of this sub-paragraph or paragraph (2)(a) applies to the registration referred to in section 1A(2)(a) of the 1985 Act in respect of that declaration,

(c)the registration officer has required the applicant to provide additional evidence in accordance with regulation 26D, and

(d)the registration officer considers that additional evidence is necessary in order to satisfy the registration officer that the applicant was previously entered in an electoral register in respect of the relevant address, including where the applicant is unable to provide the evidence required under regulation 26D(2).

(2) This regulation also applies where—

(a)a person makes an application under section 10ZC of the 1983 Act in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration (“the applicant”) in reliance upon the previous residence condition by virtue of section 1A(3)(b)(ii) of the 1985 Act,

(b)the registration officer has required the applicant to provide additional evidence in accordance with regulation 26D, and

(c)the registration officer considers that additional evidence is necessary in order to satisfy the registration officer that, on the last date that the applicant was resident in the United Kingdom, section 7B of the 1983 Act applied to the applicant, including where the applicant is unable to provide the evidence required under regulation 26D(2).

(3) The registration officer may require that the applicant—

(a)give the registration officer a copy, or where the registration officer considers it appropriate, the original, of any document which—

(i)bears the full name of the applicant, as provided in accordance with section 1C(1)(a) of the 1985 Act or regulation 18(3)(a), and

(ii)confirms that the applicant met the local connection requirement;

(b)give an attestation of local connection which must—

(i)confirm on which basis the applicant met the local connection requirement, and

(ii)give an indication of the dates between which, to the best of the qualifying attestor’s knowledge, the applicant met the requirement.

(4) The local connection requirement is—

(a)where section 7B(2)(a) of the 1983 Act applied to the applicant, that—

(i)the applicant was a patient in a mental hospital (within the meaning of that section), and

(ii)section 3A of the 1983 Act (disenfranchisement of offenders detained in mental hospitals) or section 7A of the 1983 Act (residence: persons remanded in custody etc.) did not apply to the applicant;

(b)where section 7B(2)(b) of the 1983 Act applied to the applicant, that—

(i)the applicant was detained at any place pursuant to a relevant order or direction, and

(ii)the applicant was so detained otherwise than after being convicted of any offence or a finding in criminal proceedings that the applicant did the act or made the omission charged;

(c)where section 7B(2)(c) of the 1983 Act applied to the applicant, that the applicant—

(i)was not in legal custody, and

(ii)was not, for the purposes of section 4 of the 1983 Act, resident at any address in the United Kingdom;

(d)where section 7B(2A) of the 1983 Act applied to the applicant, that—

(i)the applicant was under the age of 16 years,

(ii)section 7B(2)(a) to (c) of the 1983 Act did not apply to the applicant, and

(iii)the applicant was either—

(aa)a child who was looked after by a local authority, or

(bb)being kept in secure accommodation;

(e)where section 7B(2D) of the 1983 Act applied to the applicant, that—

(i)the applicant was a convicted person to whom section 3(1A) of the 1983 Act applied, and

(ii)the applicant would not have been entitled to be registered by virtue of residence at any place other than the penal institution in which the applicant was detained.

(5) In paragraph (4)—

(a)for the purposes of sub-paragraphs (a) and (e), it is to be assumed that sections 3(1A), 3A and 7A of the 1983 Act were in force at any relevant time;

(a)in sub-paragraph (b)(i), “relevant order or direction” has the meaning given in section 7A(6) of the 1983 Act;

(b)section 7B(2C) of the 1983 Act applies to sub-paragraph (d) as it applies to section 7B(2B) of that Act.

(6) In this regulation—

“qualifying attestor” has the meaning given in regulation 26I(3);

“relevant address” means the address provided by the applicant in accordance with section 1C(2)(a)(i) or (4) of the 1985 Act.

Textual Amendments

Overseas electors: power to require attestation as to applicant’s connection to relevant addressS

26H.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), this regulation applies where—

(a)a person makes an application under section 10ZC of the 1983 Act in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration (“the applicant”),

(b)the registration officer requires the applicant to give documentary evidence or an attestation in accordance with regulation 26F(2) or 26G(3), and

(c)the registration officer considers that additional evidence is necessary in order to satisfy the registration officer that the applicant has a previous connection to the relevant address.

(2) This regulation does not apply where regulation 26G(4)(d) applies to the applicant.

(3) The registration officer may require that the applicant give an attestation of relevant address connection which must—

(a)confirm that the applicant met the relevant address connection requirement, and

(b)give an indication of the dates between which, to the best of the qualifying attestor’s knowledge, the applicant met the requirement.

(4) The relevant address connection requirement is—

(a)where regulation 26F(1)(b)(i) applies to the applicant (including where it applies in accordance with regulation 26F(1)(b)(iii)), that the applicant would have been residing at the relevant address but for the applicant’s service qualification within the meaning of section 14(1) or (1A) of the 1983 Act;

(b)where regulation 26F(1)(b)(ii) applies to the applicant (including where it applies in accordance with regulation 26F(1)(b)(iii)), that the applicant—

(i)would have been residing at the relevant address but for the applicant’s occupation as a merchant seaman, or

(ii)commonly stayed at the relevant address, which was a hotel or club providing accommodation for merchant seamen, during the course of the applicant’s occupation as a merchant seaman;

(c)where regulation 26G(4)(a) or (b) applies to the applicant, that the applicant would have been residing at the relevant address if the applicant had not been a patient or detained;

(d)where regulation 26G(4)(c) applies to the applicant, that the relevant address was, or was nearest to, a place in the United Kingdom where the applicant commonly spent a substantial part of the applicant’s time (whether during the day or at night);

(e)where regulation 26G(4)(e) applies to the applicant, that—

(i)the applicant would have been residing at the relevant address but for the applicant’s detention,

(ii)the applicant was resident at the relevant address immediately before the applicant’s detention, or

(iii)the relevant address was, or was nearest to, a place in Scotland where the applicant commonly spent a substantial part of the applicant’s time (whether during the day or at night).

(5) In this regulation—

“qualifying attestor” has the meaning given in regulation 26I(3);

“relevant address” means the address provided by the applicant in accordance with section 1C(2)(a)(i) or (4) of the 1985 Act.

Textual Amendments

Overseas electors: supplemental provision as to attestations and the meaning of “qualifying attestor”S

26I.—(1) An attestation of previous residence pursuant to regulation 26E(2), an attestation of registration status pursuant to regulation 26F(2)(b), an attestation of local connection pursuant to regulation 26G(3)(b), or an attestation of relevant address connection pursuant to regulation 26H(3) must—

(a)be in writing and signed by a qualifying attestor;

(b)state the qualifying attestor’s full name, date of birth, occupation, residential address and (if different) the address in respect of which the qualifying attestor is registered as an elector;

(c)state—

(i)where the qualifying attestor is registered in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration, the attestor’s British or Irish passport number together with its date and place of issue;

(ii)otherwise—

(aa)where the qualifying attestor is registered in respect of an address in Northern Ireland and has been allocated a digital registration number in accordance with section 10B of the 1983 Act (register of electors in Northern Ireland: digital registration number), that digital registration number,

(bb)in all other cases, the qualifying attestor’s electoral number,

(d)include an explanation as to the qualifying attestor’s ability to confirm that the applicant met the relevant requirement, including (but not limited to) the qualifying attestor’s connection to the applicant and the length of time that that connection has existed;

(e)include—

(i)an indication that the qualifying attestor is aware of section 13D(1) of the 1983 Act (offence of provision of false information to a registration officer), and

(ii)a declaration by the qualifying attestor that all of the information provided in the attestation is true;

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

(2) An attestation of relevant address connection pursuant to regulation 26H(3) may be combined with—

(a)an attestation of registration status pursuant to regulation 26F(2)(b), or

(b)an attestation of local connection pursuant to regulation 26G(3)(b),

where the qualifying attestor for each attestation is the same person.

(3) In this regulation, and in regulations 26E, 26F, 26G and 26H, a “qualifying attestor” is a person—

(a)who is aged 18 or over,

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

(c)who is registered as an elector,

(d)except where the person is registered in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration, whom the registration officer is satisfied is of good standing in the community, and

(e)who has not already signed attestations to which paragraph (4) applies for two other applicants since, whichever is the later,—

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

(ii)the date on which a notice specifying the attestor’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).

(4) This paragraph applies to an attestation made in accordance with any of—

(a)regulations 26E to 26H, F85...

(b)regulations 26E to 26H of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 [F86, and

(c)regulations 25C and 27ZC to 27ZF of the Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2008.]

Textual Amendments

Overseas electors: power to require additional evidence as to change of nameS

26J.—(1) Paragraph (2) applies where a person makes an application under section 10ZC of the 1983 Act in pursuance of an overseas elector’s declaration (“the applicant”) and—

(a)the applicant’s declaration includes a name in accordance with regulation 18(3)(a);

(b)the applicant’s name on a document provided in accordance with regulation 24(2), 26C(3) or (4), 26D(2), 26F(2)(a) or 26G(3)(a) is different from both the name provided in accordance with section 1C(1)(a) of the 1985 Act and any name provided in accordance with regulation 18(3);

(c)the name of the applicant’s parent or guardian provided in accordance with regulation 26C(2)(a) is different from the name of that parent or guardian as it appears—

(i)on the register described in regulation 26C(2)(b);

(ii)on a document provided in accordance with regulation 26C(3) or (4);

(d)B’s name on a document provided by the applicant in accordance with regulation 26F(4)(a) or (b) is B’s former (and not current) name;

(e)on a document provided by the applicant in accordance with regulation 26F(4)(a) B’s name is different from on any document provided by the applicant in accordance with regulation 26F(4)(b).

(2) Where this paragraph applies, the registration officer may require the applicant to provide—

(a)except where paragraph (1)(a) applies, an explanation as to the difference in name or, where paragraph (1)(c), (d) or (e) applies and the reason for the difference is not known by the applicant, a statement to that effect, and

(b)where paragraph (1)(a) or (b) applies, such other evidence as the officer considers appropriate that confirms the change of the applicant’s name.

(3) Where the applicant provides a copy of a document in accordance with paragraph (2)(b), the registration officer may, if the registration officer considers it appropriate, require the applicant to provide the original document.]

Textual Amendments

Objections to registrationS

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

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

(b)[F87in 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;

[F88(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 [F89representations made against an application for registration under section 13A(1)(za) of the 1983 Act].

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I4Reg. 27 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Inspection of applications and objectionsS

28.—[F90(1)] [F91An 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 [F92to which the entry relates] or objection has been determined by the registration officer.

[F93(2) This regulation does not apply to an application for registration which is accompanied by an application for an anonymous entry.]

[F94(3) In relation to the registration of local government electors, this regulation does not apply to an application made by a person under the age of 16.]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I5Reg. 28 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

(1)

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

(2)

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