82.—(1) The returning officer shall, immediately on receipt [F1by 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, [F2postal voting statement] or ballot paper,
the first mentioned envelope, together with its contents, shall be placed in a postal voters' ballot box.
Textual Amendments
F1Words 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)
F2Words 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)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Reg. 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
I1Reg. 82 in force at 16.2.2001, see reg. 1(1)