12. For rule 39(3) (validity of postal ballot papers) substitute:
“(3) A postal ballot paper shall not be taken to duly returned unless—
(a)it is returned in the manner set out in paragraph (3A) below and reaches the returning officer or any polling station in the electoral area in question before the close of the poll; and
(b)the declaration of identity, duly signed and authenticated, is also returned in the manner set out in paragraph (3A) below and reaches him or such a polling station before that time.
(3A) The manner in which any postal ballot paper or declaration of identity may be returned—
(a)to the returning officer, is by hand or by post;
(b)to a polling station, is by hand.”.