Representation of the People (Scotland) Regulations 2001

Receipt of postal ballot papers S

Alternative means of returning postal ballot paper or [F1 postal voting statement] S

79.—(1) For the purposes of rule 45(1B) of the elections rules–

(a) the manner in which a postal ballot paper or [F1 postal voting statement] may be returned to a polling station in the same constituency, is by hand;

(b) the manner in which such a paper or [F2 statement] may be returned to the returning officer is by post or by hand.

(2) [F3 Subject to [F4 paragraphs (2A) or (3)],] the presiding officer of the polling station shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, any postal ballot paper or [F1 postal voting statement] returned to that station [F5 and any return of postal voting documents form] 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.

[F6 (2A) A postal ballot paper or postal voting statement may only be delivered to the returning officer in accordance with paragraph (2) if the requirements of regulation 79A are met and the paper and statement are not rejected in accordance with regulation 79B or 79D.]

[F7 (3) The returning officer may collect, or cause to be collected, any postal ballot paper or [F1 postal voting statement] [F8 or return of postal voting documents form] which by virtue of paragraph (2) the presiding officer of a polling station would otherwise be required to deliver or cause to be delivered to him.

(4) Where the returning officer collects, or causes to be collected, any postal ballot paper or [F1 postal voting statement] [F9 or return of postal voting documents form in accordance with paragraph (3) the presiding officer must first make up into separate packets sealed with the presiding officer’s own seal and the seals of such polling agents as are present and desire to affix their seals with a description of its contents written on each packet—

(a) the postal ballot papers and postal voting statements;

(b) the return of postal voting documents forms for those postal ballot papers and postal voting statements.]]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Regulations substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3)(c) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/925), regs. 1(1), 54(a)

F2 Word in reg. 79(1)(b) substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3)(c) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/925), regs. 1(1), 54(b)(i)

F3 Words in reg. 79(2) inserted (23.3.2006) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/834), regs. 1(1), 10(2)

F4 Words in reg. 79(2) substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(5)(a)(i)

F5 Words in reg. 79(2) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(5)(a)(ii)

F6 Reg. 79(2A) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(5)(b)

F7 Reg. 79(3)(4) inserted (23.3.2006) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/834), regs. 1(1), 10(3)

F8 Words in reg. 79(3) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(5)(c)

F9 Words in reg. 79(4) substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(5)(d)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Reg. 79 applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 35

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 79 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

[F10 Requirements of return of postal voting documents form S

79A.— (1) The requirements of this regulation are—

(a) the person handing in a postal voting document (“P”) completes a form containing the following information (a “return of postal voting documents form”)—

(i) P’s name and address,

(ii) whether P is handing in P’s own postal voting documents,

(iii) the number of other electors for whom P is handing in postal voting documents,

(iv) the total number of envelopes containing postal ballot papers P is handing in, including P’s own,

(v) the reason P is handing in postal voting documents for other electors,

(vi) a declaration by P that P has not handed in postal voting documents at any polling station or to the returning officer for a total of more than the number of electors other than P set out in regulation 79B(1)(c) or 82B(1)(c), including those being handed in at that time and either—

(aa) that to the best of P’s knowledge, P is not a political campaigner for whom it is an offence to handle the postal voting documents concerned in accordance with section 112A of the 1983 Act, or

(bb) that P is a political campaigner and is only handing in postal voting documents for P and for P’s spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild, or someone for whom P provides regular care or for whom regular care is provided by an organisation which employs or engages P, and

(b) the relevant officer has endorsed the return of postal voting documents form returned by P to confirm the relevant officer’s name and that—

(i) the relevant officer is satisfied that the form has been completed properly and provides the information required by paragraph (a),

(ii) the relevant officer does not suspect that the number of electors other than P for whom P is handing in postal voting documents exceeds number of electors set out in regulation 79B(1)(c) or 82B(1)(c),

(iii) the relevant officer does not suspect that P is a political campaigner who is committing an offence under section 112A of the 1983 Act, and

(iv) the postal voting documents to which the form relates are not rejected.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a)(vi)(bb), two people living together as if they were a married couple or civil partners are treated as if they were spouses or civil partners of each other.

Textual Amendments

F10 Regs. 79A-79D inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(6)

Rejection of postal voting documents handed in at a polling station S

79B.— (1) A relevant officer must reject—

(a) all postal voting documents handed in by P where P fails to fully complete the return of postal voting documents form with the required information;

(b) all postal voting documents handed in by P other than P’s own postal voting documents where the relevant officer has reasonable cause to suspect that the documents are handed in on behalf of more than five other electors;

(c) a postal voting document handed in by P or all postal voting documents handed in together by P (other than P’s own postal voting documents) where the relevant officer has reasonable cause to suspect that, taking that document or those documents together with any postal voting documents handed in by P on any previous occasion in respect of the same election (whether to a polling station or to the returning officer and disregarding any that were rejected), P has handed in postal voting documents on behalf of more than five other electors.

(2) Where P hands in one or more proxy postal ballot papers completed by P as proxy for another elector, for “five” in paragraphs (1)(b) and (c), substitute the number that is five minus the number of proxy postal ballot papers P hands in.

(3) A relevant officer may reject a postal voting document handed in by P where the relevant officer knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that, in handing in the document, P is committing an offence under section 112A of the 1983 Act.

Textual Amendments

F10 Regs. 79A-79D inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(6)

Procedure for dealing with rejected postal voting documents handed in at a polling station S

79C.— (1) Where any postal voting document has been rejected in accordance with regulation 79B the relevant officer must indicate this, together with the reason or reasons for the rejection and the relevant officer’s name, on the return of postal voting documents form and attach the form to the postal voting documents concerned.

(2) The presiding officer must make up a packet (or packets) of the rejected postal voting documents and the accompanying return of postal voting documents forms, sealed with the presiding officer’s own seal and the seals of such polling agents as are present and desire to affix their seals with a description of its contents written on each packet.

(3) Where a return of postal voting documents form relates to postal voting documents which have not all been rejected, that form must be dealt with as if it related just to the rejected postal voting documents, and the postal voting documents which have been rejected must be noted on it.

(4) The presiding officer must deliver, or cause to be delivered, those packets in the same manner and at the same time as the presiding officer delivers, or causes to be delivered, the packets referred to in rule 43(1) of the elections rules.

Textual Amendments

F10 Regs. 79A-79D inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(6)

Postal voting documents left behind at a polling station S

79D.— (1) Where a person leaves a left behind postal voting document at a polling station, the relevant officer must reject that left behind postal voting document.

(2) The relevant officer must—

(a) write on a return of postal voting documents form to confirm that the postal voting document is a left behind postal voting document,

(b) write the relevant officer’s name on that form, and

(c) attach that form to the left behind postal voting document.

(3) Left behind postal voting documents and the attached return of postal voting documents forms must be included in the packet of rejected postal voting documents and forms made up in accordance with regulation 79C(2).]

Textual Amendments

F10 Regs. 79A-79D inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(6)

Notice of opening of postal ballot paper envelopes S

80.—(1) The returning officer shall give to each candidate not less than 48 hours' notice in writing of each occasion on which a postal voters' ballot box and the envelopes contained in it is to be opened.

(2) Such a notice shall specify–

(a) the time and place at which such an opening is to take place, and

(b) the number of agents a candidate may appoint under regulation 69(1) above to attend each opening.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 Reg. 80 applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 36

Commencement Information

I2 Reg. 80 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Postal ballot boxes and receptacles S

81.—(1) The returning officer shall provide a separate ballot box for the reception of–

(a) the covering envelopes when returned by the postal voters (“postal voters' ballot box”), and

(b) postal ballot papers (“postal ballot box”).

(2) Each such ballot box shall be marked “postal voters' ballot box” or “postal ballot box”, as the case may be, and with the name of the constituency or electoral area for which the election or elections is or are held.

(3) The postal ballot box shall be shown to the agents present on the occasion of opening the first postal voters' ballot box as being empty.

(4) The returning officer shall then lock the ballot box and apply his seal in such manner as to prevent its being opened without breaking the seal; any of the agents present who wish to add their seals may then do likewise.

(5) The returning officer shall provide the following receptacles–

(a) the receptacle for rejected votes;

F11 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) the receptacle for ballot paper envelopes; F12 ...

(d) the receptacle for rejected ballot paper envelopes.

[F13 (e) the receptacle for rejected votes (verification procedure); and

(f) the receptacle for postal voting statements (verification procedure).]

(6) The returning officer shall take proper precautions for the safe custody of every ballot box and receptacle referred to in this regulation.

Textual Amendments

F11 Reg. 81(5)(b) revoked (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), reg. 1(3)(a), Sch. 2

F12 Word in reg. 81(5) omitted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/305), regs. 1(1), 7

F13 Reg. 81(5)(e)(f) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/305), regs. 1(1), 7

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 Reg. 81 applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 37

Commencement Information

I3 Reg. 81 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Receipt of covering envelope S

82.—(1) The returning officer shall, immediately on receipt [F14 by post] of a covering envelope (or an envelope which is stated to include a postal vote) before the close of the poll, place it unopened in a postal voters' ballot box.

(2) Where an envelope, other than a covering envelope issued by the returning officer–

(a) has been opened, and

(b) contains a ballot paper envelope, [F1 postal voting statement] or ballot paper,

the first mentioned envelope, together with its contents, shall be placed in a postal voters' ballot box.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Regulations substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3)(c) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/925), regs. 1(1), 54(a)

F14 Words in reg. 82(1) substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(7)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 Reg. 82 applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 38

Commencement Information

I4 Reg. 82 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

[F15 Postal voting documents handed in to the returning officer S

82A.— (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), a person acting under the authority of the returning officer (“the authorised person”) must deliver to the returning officer—

(a) any postal voting document handed in under regulation 79(1)(b) before the close of the poll, and

(b) the return of postal voting documents form completed in respect of it.

(2) A postal voting document may only be delivered to the returning officer in accordance with paragraph (1) if the requirements of regulation 79A are met and the document is not rejected in accordance with regulation 82B or 82D.

(3) Before delivering them to the returning officer in accordance with paragraph (1), the authorised person must first make up into separate packets with a description of its contents written on each packet which is then sealed up—

(a) the postal voting documents;

(b) the return of postal voting documents forms for those postal voting documents.

Textual Amendments

F15 Regs. 82A-82E inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(8)

Rejection of postal voting documents handed in to the returning officer S

82B.— (1) The authorised person must reject—

(a) all postal voting documents handed in by P in accordance with regulation 79(1)(b) where P fails to fully complete the return of postal voting documents form with the required information;

(b) all postal voting documents handed in by P in accordance with regulation 79(1)(b) other than P’s own postal voting documents where the authorised person has reasonable cause to suspect that the documents are handed in on behalf of more than five other electors;

(c) a postal voting document handed in by P or all postal voting documents handed in together by P in accordance with regulation 79(1)(b) (other than P’s own postal voting documents) where the authorised person has reasonable cause to suspect that, taking that document or those documents together with any postal voting documents handed in by P on any previous occasion in respect of the same election (whether to a polling station or to the returning officer and disregarding any that were rejected), P has handed in postal voting documents on behalf of more than five other electors.

(2) Where P hands in one or more proxy postal ballot papers completed by P as proxy for another elector, for “five” in paragraphs (1)(b) and (c), substitute the number that is five minus the number of proxy postal ballot papers P hands in.

(3) The authorised person may reject a postal voting document handed in by P where the authorised person knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that, in handing in the document, P is committing an offence under section 112A of the 1983 Act.

Textual Amendments

F15 Regs. 82A-82E inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(8)

Procedure for dealing with rejected postal voting documents handed in to the returning officer S

82C.— (1) Where any postal voting document has been rejected in accordance with regulation 82B the authorised person must indicate this, together with the reason or reasons for the rejection and the authorised person’s name, on the return of postal voting documents form and attach the form to the postal voting documents concerned.

(2) The authorised person must make up a packet (or packets) of the rejected postal voting documents and the accompanying return of postal voting documents forms which must be sealed up with a description of its contents written on each packet.

(3) Where a return of postal voting documents form relates to postal voting documents which have not all been rejected, that form must be dealt with as if it related just to rejected postal voting documents, and the postal voting documents which have been rejected must be noted on it.

(4) The authorised person must deliver those packets to the returning officer before the close of the poll.

Textual Amendments

F15 Regs. 82A-82E inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(8)

Postal voting documents left behind with the returning officer S

82D.— (1) Where a person leaves a left behind postal voting document for the returning officer in accordance with regulation 79(1)(b), the authorised person must reject that left behind postal voting document.

(2) The authorised person must—

(a) write on a return of postal voting documents form to confirm that the postal voting document is a left behind postal voting document,

(b) write the authorised person’s name on that form, and

(c) attach that form to the left behind postal voting document.

(3) Left behind postal voting documents and the attached return of postal voting documents forms must be included in the packet of rejected postal voting documents and forms made up in accordance with regulation 82C(2).

Textual Amendments

F15 Regs. 82A-82E inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(8)

Opening of delivered or collected packets of postal voting documents S

82E.— (1) Paragraph (2) applies to the packets of postal voting documents delivered to or collected by the returning officer in accordance with regulation 79(2) or (4) or 82A(1).

(2) Regulations 69(2), 80, 81(6), 83(1) and 84 apply to a packet to which this paragraph applies as if that packet were a postal voters’ ballot box.]

Textual Amendments

F15 Regs. 82A-82E inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(8)

Opening of postal voters' ballot box S

83.—(1) Each postal voters' ballot box shall be opened by the returning officer in the presence of any agents, if in attendance.

(2) So long as the returning officer ensures that there is at least one sealed postal voters' ballot box for the reception of covering envelopes up to the time of the close of the poll, the other postal voters' ballot boxes may previously be opened by him.

(3) The last postal voters' ballot box and the postal ballot box shall be opened at the counting of the votes under rule 45 of the elections rules.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 Reg. 83 applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 39

Commencement Information

I5 Reg. 83 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Opening of covering envelopes S

84.— [F16 (1) When a postal voters' ballot box is opened, the returning officer shall count and record the number of covering envelopes (including any envelope which is stated to include a postal vote and any envelope described in regulation 82(2)).

F17 (1A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(1B) He shall open separately each covering envelope (including an envelope described in regulation 82(2)).]

[F18 (2) The procedure in regulation 85A applies where a covering envelope (including an envelope to which regulation 82(2) above applies) contains a postal voting statement.]

(3) Where the covering envelope does not contain the [F1 postal voting statement] separately, the returning officer shall open the ballot paper envelope to ascertain whether the [F1 postal voting statement] is inside.

[F19 (4) Where a covering envelope does not contain a postal voting statement (whether separately or not), the returning officer shall mark the covering envelope “provisionally rejected”, attach its contents (if any) and place it in the receptacle for rejected votes.]

F20 (4A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F21 (5) In carrying out the procedures in this regulation and regulations 85 to 88, the returning officer–

(a) shall keep the ballot papers face downwards and shall take proper precautions for preventing any person from seeing the votes made on the ballot papers; and

(b) shall not be permitted to view the corresponding number list used at the issue of postal ballot papers.

(6) Where an envelope [F22 opened in accordance with paragraph (1B)] contains a postal voting statement, the returning officer shall place a mark in the marked copy of the postal voters list or proxy postal voters list in a place corresponding to the number of the elector to denote that a postal vote has been returned.

(7) A mark made under paragraph (6) shall be distinguishable from and shall not obscure the mark made under regulation 72(3).

(8) As soon as practicable after the last covering envelope has been opened, the returning officer shall make up into a packet the copy of the postal voters list and proxy postal voters list that have been marked in accordance with paragraph (6) and shall seal such a packet.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Regulations substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3)(c) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/925), regs. 1(1), 54(a)

F16 Reg. 84(1)-(1B) substituted for reg. 84(1) (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/305), regs. 1(1), 8(2)

F17 Reg. 84(1A) omitted (6.4.2014) by virtue of The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), regs. 1(3)(c), 32(1)

F18 Reg. 84(2) substituted (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), regs. 1(3)(c), 32(2)

F19 Reg. 84(4) substituted (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), regs. 1(3)(c), 32(3)

F20 Reg. 84(4A) omitted (6.4.2014) by virtue of The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), regs. 1(3)(c), 32(1)

F21 Reg. 84(5)-(8) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/925), regs. 1(1), 39

F22 Words in reg. 84(6) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/305), regs. 1(1), 8(5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 Reg. 84 applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 40

Commencement Information

I6 Reg. 84 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

[F23 Confirming receipt of postal vote and postal voting statements S

84A.— (1) An elector or a proxy voter who is shown in the postal voters list or proxy postal voters list may request, at any time before the close of the poll, that the returning officer confirm–

(a) whether a mark is shown in the marked copy of the postal voters list or proxy postal voters list in a place corresponding to the number of the elector to denote that a postal vote has been returned; and

(b) whether the number of the ballot paper issued to the elector or his proxy has been recorded on either of the lists of rejected votes kept by the returning officer under paragraphs (2) and (3) of regulation 87.

(2) The returning officer shall satisfy himself that any such request has been made by the elector or their proxy, and if so satisfied shall provide confirmation of the matters specified paragraph (1).]

Textual Amendments

F23 Reg. 84A inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/925), regs. 1(1), 40

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 Reg. 84A applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 41

Procedure in relation to [F24 postal voting statements] S

F25 85.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F24 Words in Regulations substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3)(c) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/925), regs. 1(1), 54(a)

F25 Reg. 85 revoked (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), reg. 1(3)(a), Sch. 2

[F26 Procedure in relation to postal voting statements: personal identifier verification S

85A.— [F27 (1) This regulation applies in the circumstances described in regulation 84(2).]

(2) The returning officer must satisfy himself that the postal voting statement is duly completed and as part of that process must compare the date of birth and the signature on the postal voting statement against the date of birth and the signature contained in the personal identifier record relating to the person to whom the postal ballot paper was addressed.

(3) Where the returning officer is not so satisfied, he shall mark the statement “rejected”, attach it to the ballot paper envelope, or if there is no such envelope [F28 but there is a ballot paper], the ballot paper, and, subject to paragraph (4), place it in the receptacle for rejected votes (verification procedure).

(4) Before placing a postal voting statement in the receptacle for rejected votes (verification procedure), the returning officer must show it to the agents and must permit them to view the entries in the personal identifiers record which relate to the person to whom the postal ballot paper was addressed, and if any of them object to his decision, he must add the words “rejection objected to”.

(5) The returning officer shall then examine the number on the postal voting statement against the number on the ballot paper envelope and, where they are the same, he shall place the statement and the ballot paper envelope respectively in the receptacle for postal voting statements (verification procedure) and the receptacle for ballot paper envelopes.

(6) Where–

(a) the number on a valid postal voting statement is not the same as the number on the ballot paper envelope, or

(b) that envelope has no number on it (or only one number when the postal voting statement has more than one),

the returning officer shall open the envelope.

(7) Paragraph (8) applies where–

(a) there is a valid postal voting statement but no ballot paper envelope; or

(b) the ballot paper envelope has been opened under regulation 84(3) or paragraph (6).

(8) In the circumstances described in paragraph (7), the returning officer shall place–

(a) in the postal ballot box, any ballot paper the number on which is the same as the number on the valid postal voting statement;

(b) in the receptacle for rejected votes (verification procedure), any other ballot paper, with the valid postal voting statement attached and marked “provisionally rejected”;

(c) in the receptacle for rejected votes (verification procedure), any valid postal voting statement marked “provisionally rejected” where–

(i) there is no ballot paper, or

(ii) in the case of a statement on which the number of more than one ballot paper appears, there is not a sufficient number of ballot papers and, in such a case, shall mark the statement to indicate which ballot paper is missing;

(d) in the receptacle for postal voting statements (verification procedure), any valid statement not disposed of under sub-paragraph (b) or (c).]

Textual Amendments

F26 Regs. 85A, 85B inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/305), regs. 1(1), 10

F27 Reg. 85A(1) substituted (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), regs. 1(3)(c), 33(1)

F28 Words in reg. 85A(3) inserted (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), regs. 1(3)(c), 33(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 Reg. 85A applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 42

Postal voting statements: additional personal identifier verification S

F29 85B.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F29 Reg. 85B revoked (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), reg. 1(3)(a), Sch. 2

Opening of ballot paper envelopes S

86.—(1) The returning officer shall open separately each ballot paper envelope placed in the receptacle for ballot paper envelopes.

(2) He shall place–

(a) in the postal ballot box, any ballot paper the number on which is the same as the number (or one of the numbers) on the ballot paper envelope;

(b) in the receptacle for rejected votes, any other ballot paper which shall be marked “provisionally rejected” and to which shall be attached the ballot paper envelope; and

(c) in the receptacle for rejected ballot paper envelopes, any ballot paper envelope which shall be marked “provisionally rejected” because it does not contain either a ballot paper or, where more than one number appears on the ballot paper envelope, a sufficient number of ballot papers (and indicating, in such a case, the missing ballot paper).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 Reg. 86 applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 43

Commencement Information

I7 Reg. 86 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

[F30 Retrieval of cancelled postal ballot papers S

86A.— (1) Where it appears to the returning officer that a cancelled postal ballot paper has been placed–

(a) in a postal voters' ballot box;

(b) in the receptacle for ballot paper envelopes; or

(c) a postal ballot box,

he shall proceed as follows.

(2) He shall, on at least one occasion on which a postal voters' ballot box is opened in accordance with regulation 83, also open any postal ballot box and the receptacle for ballot paper envelopes and–

(a) retrieve the cancelled ballot paper;

(b) show the ballot paper number on the cancelled ballot paper to the agents;

(c) retrieve the postal voting statement that relates to a cancelled ballot paper from the receptacle for postal voting statements [F31 (verification procedure)];

(d) attach any cancelled postal ballot paper to the postal voting statement to which it relates;

(e) place the cancelled documents in a separate packet and deal with that packet in the manner provided for by regulation 77(6) [F32 or 78A(2)]; and

(f) unless the postal ballot box has been opened for the purposes of the counting of votes under rule 45 of the elections rules, re lock (if it has a lock) and re seal the postal ballot box in the presence of the agents.

(3) Whilst retrieving a cancelled ballot paper in accordance with paragraph (2), the returning officer and his staff–

(a) shall keep the ballot papers face downwards and shall take proper precautions for preventing any person seeing the votes made on the ballot papers, and

(b) shall not be permitted to view the corresponding number list used at the issue of postal ballot papers.]

Textual Amendments

F30 Reg. 86A inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/925), regs. 1(1), 33

F31 Words in reg. 86A(2)(c) inserted (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), regs. 1(3)(c), 34(a)

F32 Words in reg. 86A(2)(e) inserted (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), regs. 1(3)(c), 34(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 Reg. 86A applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 44

Lists of rejected postal [F33 voting documents] S

87.—(1) In respect of any election, the returning officer shall keep [F34 [F35 four] separate lists relating to] rejected postal ballot papers.

(2) In the first list, he shall record the ballot paper number of any postal ballot paper for which no valid [F1 postal voting statement] was received with it.

(3) In the second list, he shall record the ballot paper number of any postal ballot paper which is entered on a valid [F1 postal voting statement] where that ballot paper is not received with the [F1 postal voting statement].

[F36 (4) In the third list, he shall record for every postal voting statement within the receptacle for rejected votes (verification procedure) immediately prior to sealing—

(a) the elector’s name and address (and the name of the address of the proxy if the elector has a proxy),

(b) the elector’s number on the register of electors (and that of the proxy if the elector has a proxy),

(c) the specified reason or reasons for the rejection of the postal voting statement, and

(d) any other information relating to the rejection that the returning officer considers appropriate, but not the ballot paper number.

(5) The specified reasons that may be given under paragraph (4)(c) for the rejection of a postal voting statement are as follows—

(a) the signature does not match the example held on the personal identifiers record,

(b) the date of birth does not match the one held on the personal identifiers record,

(c) the signature field is blank, or

(d) the date of birth field is blank.]

[F37 (6) In the fourth list, the relevant officer must, subject to paragraph (9), record in relation to any elector whose postal voting documents were rejected in accordance with regulation 79B or 82B or were left behind postal voting documents—

(a) the elector’s name and address (and the name and address of the proxy if the elector has a proxy),

(b) the elector’s number on the register of electors (and that of the proxy if the elector has a proxy),

(c) the specified reason or reasons for the rejection of the postal voting documents,

(d) an indication as to whether the postal voting documents included a postal ballot paper the number of which matched the postal ballot paper number marked on the postal voting statement, and

(e) any other information relating to the rejection that the returning officer considers appropriate, but not the postal ballot paper number.

(7) The specified reasons that may be given under sub-paragraph (6)(c) for the rejection of the postal voting documents are—

(a) the postal voting documents were handed in at a polling station or to the returning officer but the return of postal voting documents form was not fully completed with the required information;

(b) the postal voting documents were handed in at a polling station or to the returning officer but the number of postal voting documents handed in exceeded or was suspected to exceed the permitted number;

(c) the postal voting documents were handed in by a political campaigner who was not permitted to hand in those postal voting documents;

(d) the postal voting documents were left behind postal voting documents.

(8) In compiling the fourth list the returning officer must open separately each covering envelope (including an envelope described in regulation 82(2)) and each ballot paper envelope.

(9) The obligation in paragraph (6) does not apply where an elector’s rejected postal voting documents do not include a postal voting statement.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Regulations substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3)(c) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/925), regs. 1(1), 54(a)

F33 Words in reg. 87 heading substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(9)(a)

F34 Words in reg. 87(1) substituted (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), regs. 1(3)(c), 35(1)

F35 Word in reg. 87(1) substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(9)(b)

F36 Reg. 87(4)(5) inserted (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), regs. 1(3)(c), 35(2)

F37 Reg. 87(6)-(9) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(9)(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 Reg. 87 applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 45

Commencement Information

I8 Reg. 87 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Checking of lists kept under regulation 87 S

88.—(1) Where the returning officer receives a valid [F1 postal voting statement] without the postal ballot paper (or papers or, as the case may be, all of the papers) to which it relates, he may, at any time prior to the close of the poll, check the list kept under regulation 87(2) above to see whether the number (or numbers) of a postal ballot paper to which the [F38 statement] relates is entered in that list.

(2) Where the returning officer receives a postal ballot paper without the [F1 postal voting statement] to which it relates, he may, at any time prior to the close of the poll, check the list kept under regulation 87(3) above to see whether the number of that ballot paper is entered in that list.

(3) The returning officer shall conduct the checks required by paragraphs (1) and (2) above as soon as practicable after the receipt of packets from every polling station in the constituency under rule 43(1) of the elections rules.

(4) Where the ballot paper number in the list matches that number on a valid [F1 postal voting statement] or, as the case may be, the postal ballot paper, the returning officer shall retrieve that [F38 statement] or paper.

(5) The returning officer shall then take the appropriate steps under this Part of these Regulations as though any document earlier marked “provisionally rejected” had not been so marked and shall amend the document accordingly.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Regulations substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3)(c) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/925), regs. 1(1), 54(a)

F38 Word in reg. 88(1)(4) substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3)(c) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/925), regs. 1(1), 54(b)(iii)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Reg. 88 applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 46

Commencement Information

I9 Reg. 88 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Sealing of receptacles S

89.—(1) As soon as practicable after the completion of the procedure under regulation 88(3) and (4) above, the returning officer shall make up into separate packets the contents of–

(a) the receptacle of rejected votes,

F39 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) the receptacle of rejected ballot paper envelopes, F40 ...

(d) the lists of [F41 spoilt, lost or cancelled] postal ballot papers,

[F42 (e) the receptacle for rejected votes (verification procedure), and

(f) the receptacle for postal voting statements (verification procedure),]

[F43 (g) the packets of rejected postal voting documents and accompanying return of postal voting documents forms made up in accordance with regulations 79C(2) and 82C(2),]

and shall seal up such packets.

(2) Any document in those packets marked “provisionally rejected” shall be deemed to be marked “rejected”.

Textual Amendments

F39 Reg. 89(1)(b) omitted (6.4.2014) by virtue of The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), regs. 1(3)(c), 36(a)

F40 Word in reg. 89(1) omitted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/305), regs. 1(1), 11

F41 Words in reg. 89(1)(d) substituted (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), regs. 1(3)(c), 36(b)

F42 Reg. 89(1)(e)(f) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/305), regs. 1(1), 11

F43 Reg. 89(1)(g) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(10)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 Reg. 89 applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 47

Commencement Information

I10 Reg. 89 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

Abandoned poll S

90.—(1) Where a poll is abandoned or countermanded after postal ballot papers have been issued, by reason of the death of a candidate, the returning officer–

(a) shall not take any step or further step to open covering envelopes or deal with the contents in accordance with the provisions of this Part of these Regulations; and

(b) shall, notwithstanding regulations 84 to 86 above, treat all unopened covering envelopes and the contents of those that have been opened as if they were counted ballot papers.

F44 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F44 Reg. 90(2) revoked (31.12.2020) by The European Parliamentary Elections Etc. (Repeal, Revocation, Amendment and Saving Provisions) (United Kingdom and Gibraltar) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1310), reg. 1, Sch. 1 Pt. 2 (as amended by S.I. 2019/1389, regs. 1, 2(2))

Commencement Information

I11 Reg. 90 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

[F45 Retention of documents] S

91.—(1) The returning officer shall [F46 retain together with] the documents mentioned in rule 55 of the elections rules–

(a) any packets referred to in regulations 75, 77(6) [F47 , 78(2C)] [F48 , [F49 78A(2), [F50 79(3)(b), 82A(3)(b),]] 84(8)], and 89 above, subject to regulation 90 above, endorsing on each packet a description of its contents, the date of the election to which it relates and the name of the constituency or electoral ward for which the election (or elections) was (or were) held, and

(b) a completed statement in Form K of the number of postal ballot papers issued.

[F51 (c) any list compiled under regulation 87(4) [F52 and (6)].]

(2) Where–

(a) any covering envelopes are received by the returning officer after the close of the poll (apart from those delivered in accordance with the provisions of regulation 79(3) above);

(b) any envelopes addressed to postal voters are returned as undelivered too late to be readdressed, or

(c) any spoilt postal ballot papers are returned too late to enable other postal ballot papers to be issued,

the returning officer shall put them unopened in a separate packet, seal up such packet and endorse and [F53 retain it] in the manner described in paragraph (1) above.

[F54 (4) Rules 56, 57 and 58 of the elections rules will apply to any packet or document retained under this regulation save that in applying rules 56 and 57 to the lists provided for by regulation 87(4) and (6), these lists and any extracts from them are to be treated as if they were counted ballot papers.]

(5) A copy of the statement referred to in paragraph (1)(b) above shall be provided by the returning officer to the Secretary of State [F55 and the Electoral Commission in the period which starts 10 days after the day of the poll and ends 15 days after the day of the poll].

Textual Amendments

F45 Reg. 91 heading substituted (26.3.2010) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/980), regs. 1(1), 3(1) (with reg. 1(2))

F46 Words in reg. 91(1) substituted (26.3.2010) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/980), regs. 1(1), 3(3) (with reg. 1(2))

F47 Word in reg. 91(1)(a) inserted (23.3.2006) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/834), regs. 1(1), 11(2)

F48 Word in reg. 91(1)(a) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2)(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/925), regs. 1(1), 41

F49 Word in reg. 91(1)(a) inserted (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), regs. 1(3)(c), 37(a)

F50 Words in reg. 91(1)(a) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(11)(a)(i)

F51 Reg. 91(1)(c) inserted (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), regs. 1(3)(c), 37(b)

F52 Words in reg. 91(1)(c) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(11)(a)(ii)

F53 Words in reg. 91(2) substituted (26.3.2010) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/980), regs. 1(1), 3(4) (with reg. 1(2))

F54 Reg. 91(4) substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(11)(b)

F55 Words in reg. 91(5) inserted (23.3.2006) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/834), regs. 1(1), 11(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 Reg. 91 applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 49

Commencement Information

I12 Reg. 91 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)

[F56 Forwarding of documents S

91A.— (1) Before the returning officer seals up the counted and rejected ballot papers as provided by rule 54 of the elections rules, the returning officer must—

[F57 (a) where any lists compiled under regulation 87(4) or (6) relate to a constituency contained within a single local government area, send copies of those lists to the registration officer for that local government area;

(b) where any lists compiled under regulations 87(4) or (6) relates to a constituency which comprises any part of more than one local government area, send copies of such extracts of the lists as are relevant to each of the registration officers for those local government areas.]

(2) A registration officer may only use the information sent in accordance with paragraph (1) for the purposes of notifying voters in accordance with regulation 61C and requiring fresh signatures to be provided in accordance with regulation 60B.

(3) Rule 56 of the elections rules, as modified by rule 58 of those rules, shall apply to the [F58 copies of the lists, or extracts of the lists], sent in accordance with paragraph (1) as if—

(a) references in rule 56 to counted ballot papers in the custody of the returning officer were to references to the [F58 copies of the lists, or extracts of the lists], sent to a registration officer in accordance with paragraph (1);

(b) references to the returning officer (as modified by rule 58 of the elections rules) were to references to a registration officer who was sent [F59 lists, or extracts of lists], provided in accordance with paragraph (1).

(4) Except as provided for by virtue of paragraph (3), no other person shall be allowed to inspect [F60 copies of the lists, or extracts of the lists], sent to a registration officer in accordance with paragraph (1).

(5) The registration officer must cause [F60 copies of the lists, or extracts of the lists], sent in accordance with paragraph (1) to be destroyed—

(a) as soon as practicable after the registration officer has complied with the requirements of regulation 61C, and issued any notices under regulation 60B, in relation to the information provided in [F60 copies of the lists, or extracts of the lists]; and

(b) in any event, within 4 months of receipt.]

Textual Amendments

F56 Reg. 91A inserted (6.4.2014) by The Representation of the People (Scotland) (Description of Electoral Registers and Amendment) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3206), regs. 1(3)(c), 38

F57 Reg. 91A(1)(a)(b) substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(12)(a)

F58 Words in reg. 91A(3) substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(12)(b)(i)

F59 Words in reg. 91A(3)(b) substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(12)(b)(ii)

F60 Words in reg. 91A(4)(5) substituted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Representation of the People (Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1225), reg. 3(12)(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 Reg. 91A applied (with modifications) (26.2.2016) by The European Union Referendum (Conduct) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/219), reg. 1, Sch. 3 para. 50