The Representation of the People (Combination of Polls) (England and Wales) Regulations 2004

Regulation 7(8)

SCHEDULE 1 E+W SUBSTITUTED PART 1 OF SCHEDULE 3 TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS REGULATIONS 2004

Commencement Information

I1 Sch. 1 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

Regulation 11

“SCHEDULE 3 E+W MODIFICATION OF EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS RULES FOR COMBINED POLLS

PART I E+W England and Wales

1.   This Part of this Schedule applies where the circumstances set out in regulation 11(i) of these Regulations and regulation 7(8) of the Combination of Polls Regulations apply.

2.— (1) In this Part of this Schedule, and in any provision of these Regulations modified by this Part of this Schedule—

“central counting system” means such computer hardware and software, data, other equipment and services as may be provided by the returning officer for the purpose of counting and calculating electronically the numbers of ballot papers or votes cast on them at the election, including the provision of information to allow for the verification of ballot paper accounts;

“relevant election or referendum” means one or more of the following—

(a)

a parliamentary election,

(b)

a local government election,

(c)

a mayoral election,

(d)

a referendum,

the poll at which is taken together with the poll at the European Parliamentary election; and

“GLRO” means the Greater London Returning Officer, being the person who is for the time being the proper officer of the Greater London Authority for the purposes of section 35(2C) of the Representation of the People Act 1983(1).

(2) In the case of a referendum, a reference to—

(a) an election agent or counting agent shall be construed as a reference to a counting observer, within the meaning of regulation 2(1) of the Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2001(2);

(b) a polling agent shall be construed as a reference to a polling observer, within the meaning of that regulation; and

(c) a returning officer shall be construed as a reference to a counting officer, within the meaning of that regulation.

(3) Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to the counting of ballot papers or votes, or the making of any calculation in whatever terms, shall in relation to the European Parliamentary election, be construed as including a reference to counting or calculating by electronic means.

3.   In paragraph (2) of rule 21 (the ballot papers) for sub-paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) substitute—

“(b) shall have a number printed on the front or back and a counterfoil attached with the same number printed on it;”.

4.   At the end of paragraph (2) of rule 21 (the ballot papers) insert the following sub-paragraph—

“(e) shall be of a different colour from that of any ballot papers used at any relevant election or referendum.”

5.   In paragraph (1) of rule 22 (the official mark) for “which shall perforate the ballot paper” substitute—

• “which shall consist of—

  (i)

  a mark which perforates the paper;

  (ii)

  a watermark;

  (iii)

  faint printing which appears to lie behind the text of the ballot paper;

  (iv)

  a barcode; or

  (v)

  such other feature as will indicate the authenticity of the ballot paper”.

6.   For paragraphs (2) and (3) of rule 22 (the official mark) substitute—

“(2) Where the official mark consists of a barcode it shall contain a security feature which shall allow the information it conveys as to its authenticity to be discerned with the use of information held only by the local returning officer and his clerks.

(3) The official mark shall be kept secret and—

(a) an interval of not less than five years shall intervene before the same official mark is used at any European Parliamentary election; and

(b) the official mark used for ballot papers issued for voting by post shall not be used at the same election for ballot papers issued for the purpose of voting in person, except where the official mark consists of a barcode.”

7.   At the end of rule 25 (notice of poll) insert the following paragraph—

“(3) The notice published under paragraph (2) above shall, in addition—

(a) state that the poll at the European Parliamentary election is to be taken together with the poll at a relevant election or referendum;

(b) specify the relevant parliamentary constituency, local authority or, as the case may be, voting area and, in the case of a local government election to fill a casual vacancy, the electoral area for which the election is held; and

(c) where the polls are to be taken together in part of the local counting area only, specify that part.”

8.   After paragraph (1) of Rule 28 (appointment of presiding officers and clerks) insert the following paragraph—

“(1A) The clerks appointed pursuant to paragraph (1) above may include such technical advisers as the constituency returning officer for the Authority election thinks fit to assist in—

(a) the operation and maintenance of the central counting system;

(b) any other computer hardware or software or other equipment or any service; and

(c) the handling and use of any electronic data,

used or to be used for the purposes of counting the ballot papers and the votes.”

9.   At the end of rule 29 (issue of official poll cards) insert the following paragraph—

“(5) If the returning officer for each relevant election or referendum agrees, an official poll card issued under this rule may be combined with an official poll card issued at each relevant election or referendum, with necessary adaptations”.

10.   After paragraph (1) of rule 30 (equipment of polling stations) insert—

“(1A) The same ballot box may be used for the poll at the European Parliamentary election and the poll at each relevant election or referendum, if the returning officer who discharges the functions specified in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations thinks fit.

(1B) Where the same ballot box is not used under paragraph (1A), each ballot box shall be clearly marked with—

(a) the election or referendum to which it relates, as shown on the ballot papers for that election or referendum; and

(b) the words “Please insert the [specify colour of ballot papers in question] coloured ballot papers in here.””

11.   After paragraph (4) of rule 30 (equipment of polling stations) insert the following paragraph—

“(4A) The large version of the ballot paper referred to in paragraph (4)(a) above shall be printed on paper of the same colour as that of the ballot papers for use at the European Parliamentary election.”

12.   For paragraph (7) of rule 30 (equipment of polling stations) substitute the following paragraph—

“(7) In every compartment of every polling station there shall be exhibited the notice—

“

””

13.   In paragraph (1)(b) of rule 31 (appointment of polling and counting agents) omit the words “the verification of the ballot paper accounts and” and in paragraph (3) of that rule omit the words “verification of the ballot papers accounts or”.

14.   At the end of paragraph (4) of rule 31 (appointment of polling and counting agents) insert—

• “Notices of the appointment of polling agents and counting agents which are required by this paragraph and paragraph (5) below to be given to the local returning officer shall be given to the returning officer who discharges the functions specified in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations.”

15.   In rule 32(b) (notification of requirement of secrecy) the words “the verification of the ballot paper accounts or” and “(3)” shall be omitted.

16.   In paragraph (1) of rule 33 (admission to polling stations), at the end of sub-paragraph (f), insert—

“(g) persons entitled to be admitted to the polling station at a relevant election or referendum.”

17.   In question (ii) in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph (1) of rule 36 (questions to be put to voters) and in the second question in paragraph (2) of that rule, after the words “at this” insert “European Parliamentary”.

18.   In paragraph (1) of rule 38 (voting procedure), if the official mark does not perforate the ballot paper omit sub-paragraph (a).

19.   In paragraph (2) of rule 38, omit the words—

(a) “and fold it up so as to conceal his vote”;

(b) “so as to disclose the official mark”; and

(c) “so folded up”.

20.   At the end of paragraph (2) of rule 38, insert the words “in such a way as to conceal his vote”.

21.   At the end of rule 38 (voting procedure) insert the following paragraph—

“(4) The same copy of the register may be used under paragraph (1) above for a relevant election or referendum and one mark may be placed in that register under paragraph (1)(d) above or in the list of proxies under paragraph (1)(e) above to denote that a ballot paper has been received in respect of each election or referendum; except that, where a ballot paper has not been issued in respect of a relevant election or referendum, a different mark shall be placed in the register or, as the case may be, list so as to identify each election or referendum in respect of which the ballot paper was issued.”

22.   At the end of paragraph (2) of rule 39 (votes marked by presiding officer) insert—

• “The same list may be used for each relevant election or referendum and, where it is so used, an entry in that list shall be taken to mean that the ballot papers were so marked in respect of each election or referendum, unless the list identifies the election or referendum at which the ballot paper was so marked.”

23.   At the end of paragraph (4) of rule 40 (voting by person with disabilities) insert—

• “The same list may be used for each relevant election or referendum and, where it is so used, an entry in that list shall be taken to mean that votes were so given in respect of each election or referendum, unless the list identifies the election or referendum at which the vote was given.”

24.   At the end of paragraph (3) of rule 41 (tendered ballot papers) insert—

• “The same list may be used for each relevant election or referendum and, where it is so used, an entry in that list shall be taken to mean that tendered ballot papers were marked in respect of each election or referendum, unless the list identifies the election or referendum at which a tendered ballot paper was marked.”

25.   At the end of paragraph (1) of rule 43 (adjournment of poll in case of riot) insert “who discharges the functions specified in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations”.

26.   In rule 44(1) (procedure on close of poll), after the words “polling agents”, in the first place where they occur, insert “appointed for the purposes of the European Parliamentary election and those appointed for the purposes of each relevant election or referendum”.

27.   After paragraph (1) of rule 44 (procedure on close of poll) insert—

“(1A) The contents of the packets referred to in sub-paragraphs (b), (c) and (e) of paragraph (1) above shall not be combined with the contents of packets made under the corresponding rule that applies at each relevant election or referendum; nor shall the statement prepared under paragraph (3) below be so combined.

(1B) References to the local returning officer in paragraph (1) above are references to the returning officer who discharges the functions specified in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations.”

28.   Omit rules 45 (attendance at verification of the ballot paper accounts) and 46 (procedure at verification of the ballot paper accounts).

29.   For paragraph (1) of rule 47 (attendance at counting of votes) substitute the following paragraph—

“(1) The local returning officer shall make arrangements for counting the votes in the presence of the counting agents after the delivery of the ballot papers to him by the returning officer who discharges the functions specified in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations—

(a) in the case of a general election of MEPs, before or after the material time and in either case so that the requirements of rule 52(1) are satisfied as soon as practicable after the material time,

(b) in the case of a by-election, as soon as practicable after that delivery,

and shall give to the counting agents and the returning officer notice in writing of the time after which he will begin to count the votes if by then he has received the ballot papers and of the place at which the count will take place.

For the purposes of this paragraph the “material time” means in relation to a general election of MEPs, the close of the polling in the Member State whose electors are the last to vote in the election.”

30.   In paragraph (2) of rule 47, where the votes at the election are to be counted concurrently with the votes at the Authority election using the central counting system, after sub-paragraph (e) insert—

“(f) persons permitted to be present at the counting of the votes at each relevant election or referendum,”.

31.   For paragraph (1) of rule 48 (the count) substitute—

“(1) The local returning officer may conduct any count of the votes using the central counting system and may agree with the constituency returning officer for the Authority election to concurrently count the votes with the count of the votes at the Authority election using that system.

(1A) Where the count has been conducted using the central counting system, the local returning officer, if he considers it appropriate to do so, may conduct any re-count without using that system.

(1B) Where there is a recount of votes at the election the votes shall not be recounted concurrently with the votes for the Authority election unless there is also a recount at the Authority election and the constituency returning officer and the local returning officer so agree.

(1C) Where the counting of the votes has commenced using the central counting system, if at any time before he satisfies the requirements of rule 52(1) the local returning officer considers it appropriate, he may discontinue the count and instead count the votes without using the central counting system.

(1D) If he counts the votes using the central counting system the local counting officer shall count the votes by causing the central counting system to count the votes and calculate the total number of votes given for each candidate at the election from the votes cast on ballot papers which have been counted by it.

(1E) Where the votes at the election are not to be counted concurrently with the votes at the Authority election using the central counting system the local returning officer shall—

(a) on receipt of the containers of ballot papers from the returning officer who discharges the functions specified in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations and after the time specified in the notice given under rule 47(1) in the presence of the counting agents open each container; and

(b) mix together the ballot papers from all of the containers and count the votes given on them.

(1F) Where separate ballot boxes have been used, no vote for any individual candidate or registered party shall be rendered invalid by the ballot paper being placed in the ballot box used at any relevant election or referendum.

(1G) A postal ballot paper shall not be deemed to be duly returned unless it is returned in the manner prescribed in paragraph 41 of Schedule 2 so as to reach the local returning officer or any polling station in the appropriate area before the close of the poll and the declaration of identity duly signed and authenticated is also returned in that manner before that time.

(1H) In paragraph (1G) the “appropriate area” means—

(a) the area in the local counting area common to the parliamentary constituency, electoral area or voting area (as the case may be) in which the polls at the European Parliamentary election and a relevant election or referendum are being taken together; and

(b) in respect of which polls the voter has been issued with a postal ballot paper.”

32.   For paragraph (3) of rule 48 (the count) substitute—

“(3) The local returning officer, while counting the votes, shall take all proper precautions for preventing any person from identifying the voter who has cast any vote.”

33.   In paragraph (4) of rule 48 (the count), omit the words “, in so far as he and the agents agree,” and the words from “For the purposes” to the end.

34.   In paragraph 5(b) of rule 48 (the count), at the end, insert “and the central counting system”.

35.   For paragraph (4) of rule 50 (rejected ballot papers) substitute—

“(4) A record shall be retained in the central counting system of which ballot papers were rejected and the reason for rejection in each case.”

36.   After paragraph (4) of rule 50 (rejected ballot papers) insert—

“(4A) Any ballot paper not initially either rejected or counted by the central counting system shall be the subject of a decision by the returning officer.

(4B) Such a decision may be made by the returning officer examining an image of the ballot paper which is shown on a screen so as to be visible to those attending the count and by the returning officer recording his decision in the central counting system, and where this is done neither a candidate nor his agent shall be entitled to require the returning officer to provide a paper copy of any ballot paper for their inspection.”

37.   After paragraph (1) of rule 58 (sealing up of ballot papers) insert—

“(1A) Where the votes have been counted using the central counting system, the local returning officer shall also seal up in separate packets complete electronic copies of the information stored in the central counting system, held in a device suitable for the purpose of its storage.

(1B) After taking copies for the purposes of paragraph (1A) above, the local returning officer shall arrange for the original records in the central counting system to be removed from it and destroyed in a manner that ensures that the confidentiality of those records is preserved.

(1C) Where the votes at the European Parliamentary election have been counted concurrently with the votes at the Authority election using the central counting system—

(a) references in paragraphs (1A) and (1B) above to the “local returning officer” shall be construed as references to the returning officer who discharges the functions referred to in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations; and

(b) the counted and rejected ballot papers at the election to be sealed up and packeted under paragraph (1) and the counted and rejected ballot papers at the Authority election shall be sealed up in combined packets of counted ballot papers and rejected ballot papers.”

38.   In rule 59(1) (retention of documents)—

(a) omit sub-paragraphs (c) and (e);

(b) where the votes at the election have been counted concurrently with the votes at the Authority election using the central counting system, omit sub-paragraph (a); and

(c) where the votes at the election have been counted using the central counting system, but not concurrently with the votes at the Authority election, after sub-paragraph (c) insert—

“(ca) the packets containing the records referred to in rule 58(1A).”

39.   In rule 60 (orders for production of documents)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b), after the words “for the opening of”, insert “a packet containing the records referred to in rule 58(1A),”;

(b) in paragraph (2), after the words “for the opening of”, insert “a packet containing the records referred to in rule 58(1A) or”;

(c) in paragraph (3), after the words “for the opening of”, insert “a packet containing the records referred to in rule 58(1A) or”;

(d) in paragraph (6), after the words “document” in each place where it appears, insert “or record”;

(e) after paragraph (7), insert—

“(7A) The production from proper custody of a copy of any of the records placed in such custody under these rules which indicates that a particular vote was cast by a particular elector shall be prima facie evidence that such vote was cast by such elector.”; and

(f) at the end of paragraph (8), insert “or containing the records referred to in rule 58(1A)”.

40.   In the Appendix of forms for the form of direction for the guidance of the voters in voting substitute—

“

”

41.   In the Appendix of forms, for the form of declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities substitute—

“

”

42.   In the Appendix of Forms, in the form for the back of the elector’s official poll card, for the words “Fold the ballot paper in two.” substitute “Please do not fold the ballot paper.”

43.   In the Appendix of Forms and Directions, for the directions as to printing the ballot paper substitute—

“Directions as to printing the ballot paper

1.   The ballot paper shall contain no words or marks other than—

(a) the headings “Election For The European Parliament”, the name of the electoral region and the statement “YOU HAVE ONE VOTE”, the names of registered political parties, the names and descriptions of individual candidates, the names of candidates on a party list, the number of each registered party or individual candidate and a number for each candidate on a party list and words forming parts of emblems;

(b) those necessary for its recognition and counting by the electronic counting equipment;

(c) the instruction (to be inserted on the back of ballot papers other than postal ballot papers) “DO NOT FOLD”.

2.   So far as practicable, the following arrangements shall be observed in the printing of the ballot paper—

(a) the space allocated to the names of the individual candidates and registered parties shall be divided equally between them;

(b) different fonts and sizes of character may be used for—

(i) surnames,

(ii) other names,

(iii) other particulars,

but fonts and sizes of character shall not otherwise vary as between the names of the individual candidates and registered parties, as between the descriptions of individual candidates or as between the names of candidates on parties' lists;

(c) the space allocated to the emblem of each registered party whose request for the appearance on the ballot paper of that party’s registered emblem (or one of them) has been duly made shall be the same as that allocated to the emblem of every other such registered party;

(d) where an emblem is to be printed against a registered parties' name it shall be printed adjacent to that name;

(e) on the front or back of the ballot paper the number shall be printed in small characters; and

(f) the instruction referred to in paragraph 1(c) shall be printed in large capital letters.””

Regulation 8

SCHEDULE 2 E+W MODIFICATIONS TO PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS RULES

1.  In the circumstances set out in regulation 8 of these Regulations, the parliamentary election rules in Schedule 1 to the 1983 Act shall have effect subject to the following modifications. E+W

Commencement Information

I2 Sch. 2 para. 1 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

2.  In this Schedule, and in any provision modified by this Schedule— E+W

“Combination of Polls Regulations” means the Representation of the People (Combination of Polls) (England and Wales) Regulations 2004;

“GLRO” means the Greater London Returning Officer, being the person who is for the time being the proper officer of the Greater London Authority for the purposes of section 35(2C) of the Representation of the People Act 1983(3);

“mayoral election” means an election conducted under the Local Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2002(4));

“referendum” means a referendum conducted under the Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums)(England) Regulations 2001(5); and

“relevant election or referendum” means one or more of the following—

(a)

a European parliamentary election,

(b)

a local government election,

(c)

a mayoral election,

(d)

a referendum,

the poll at which is taken together with the poll at the parliamentary election.

Commencement Information

I3 Sch. 2 para. 2 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

3.  In this Schedule, and in any provision modified by this Schedule, in the case of a referendum a reference to— E+W

(a) an election agent or counting agent shall be construed as a reference to a counting observer, within the meaning of regulation 2(1) of the Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2001;

(b) a polling agent shall be construed as a reference to a polling observer, within the meaning of that regulation; and

(c) a returning officer shall be construed as a reference to a counting officer, within the meaning of that regulation.

Commencement Information

I4 Sch. 2 para. 3 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

4.  At the end of paragraph (2) of rule 19(6) (the ballot papers) the following sub-paragraph shall be inserted— E+W

“(e) shall be of a different colour from that of any ballot papers used at any relevant election or referendum”.

Commencement Information

I5 Sch. 2 para. 4 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

5.  At the end of rule 23(7) (notice of poll) the following paragraph shall be inserted— E+W

“(3) The notice published under paragraph (2) above shall—

(a) state that the poll at the parliamentary election is to be taken together with the poll at a relevant election or referendum;

(b) specify the relevant local counting area, local authority or, as the case may be, voting area and, in the case of a local government election to fill a casual vacancy, the electoral area for which the election is held; and

(c) where the polls are to be taken together in part of the constituency only, specify that part.”

Commencement Information

I6 Sch. 2 para. 5 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

6.  At the end of rule 28(8) (issue of official poll cards) the following paragraph shall be inserted— E+W

“(5) If the returning officer for each relevant election or referendum agrees, an official poll card issued under this rule may be combined with an official poll card issued at each relevant election or referendum, with necessary adaptations.”

Commencement Information

I7 Sch. 2 para. 6 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

7.  After paragraph (1) of rule 29 (equipment of polling stations) there shall be inserted the following paragraphs— E+W

“(1A) The same ballot box may be used for the poll at the parliamentary election and the poll at each relevant election or referendum.

(1B) Where the same ballot box is not used under paragraph (1A), each ballot box shall be clearly marked with—

(a) the election or referendum to which it relates, as shown on the ballot papers for that election or referendum; and

(b) the words “Please insert the [specify colour of ballot papers in question] coloured ballot papers in here.””

Commencement Information

I8 Sch. 2 para. 7 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

8.  After paragraph (3A) of rule 29 (equipment of polling stations) insert the following paragraph— E+W

“(3B) The large version of the ballot paper referred to in paragraph (3A)(a) above shall be printed on paper of the same colour as that of the ballot papers for use at the parliamentary election.”

Commencement Information

I9 Sch. 2 para. 8 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

9.  For paragraph (5) of rule 29 (equipment of polling stations) there shall be substituted the following paragraph— E+W

“(5) In every compartment of every polling station there shall be exhibited the notice—

”

Commencement Information

I10 Sch. 2 para. 9 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

10.  At the end of paragraph (3) of rule 30 (appointment of polling and counting agents) there shall be inserted the following— E+W

• “Notices of the appointment of polling agents and counting agents which are required by this paragraph and paragraphs (4) and (5)(9) below to be given to the returning officer shall be given to the returning officer who discharges the functions specified in Regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations.”

Commencement Information

I11 Sch. 2 para. 10 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

11.  At the end of paragraph (1)(e) of rule 32(10) (admission to polling stations) insert— E+W

“(f) persons entitled to be admitted to the polling station at a relevant election or referendum.”

Commencement Information

I12 Sch. 2 para. 11 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

12.  In question (ii) in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of paragraph (1) of rule 35 (questions to be put to voters) and in the second question in paragraph (2) of that rule, after the words “at this” there shall be inserted the word “parliamentary”. E+W

Commencement Information

I13 Sch. 2 para. 12 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

13.  At the end of rule 37(11) (voting procedure) there shall be inserted the following paragraph— E+W

“(4) The same copy of the register of electors may be used under paragraph (1) above for a relevant election or referendum and one mark may be placed in that register under paragraph (1)(d) above or in the list of proxies under paragraph 1(e) above to denote that a ballot paper has been issued in respect of each election or referendum; except that, where a ballot paper has not been issued in respect of a relevant election or referendum, a different mark shall be placed in the register or, as the case may be, list so as to identify each election or referendum in respect of which the ballot paper was issued.”

Commencement Information

I14 Sch. 2 para. 13 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

14.  At the end of paragraph (2) of rule 38 (votes marked by presiding officer) there shall be inserted— E+W

• “The same list may be used for each relevant election or referendum and, where it is so used, an entry in that list shall be taken to mean that the ballot papers were so marked in respect of each election or referendum, unless the list identifies the election or referendum at which the ballot paper was so marked.”

Commencement Information

I15 Sch. 2 para. 14 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

15.  At the end of paragraph (4) of rule 39(12) (voting by person with disabilities) there shall be inserted— E+W

• “The same list may be used for each relevant election or referendum and, where it is so used, an entry in that list shall be taken to mean the votes were so given in respect of each election or referendum, unless the list identifies the election or referendum at which the vote was so given.”

Commencement Information

I16 Sch. 2 para. 15 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

16.  At the end of paragraph (3) of rule 40(13) (tendered ballot papers) there shall be inserted— E+W

• “The same list may be used for each relevant election or referendum and, where it is so used, an entry in that list shall be taken to mean that tendered ballot papers were marked in respect of each election or referendum, unless the list identifies the election or referendum at which a tendered ballot paper was marked.”

Commencement Information

I17 Sch. 2 para. 16 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

17.  At the end of paragraph (1) of rule 42 (adjournment of poll in case of riot) there shall be inserted “who discharges the functions specified in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations”. E+W

Commencement Information

I18 Sch. 2 para. 17 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

18.  In paragraph (1) of rule 43(14) (procedure on close of poll), after the words “polling agents”, in the first place where they occur, insert “appointed for the purposes of the parliamentary election and for each relevant election or referendum”. E+W

Commencement Information

I19 Sch. 2 para. 18 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

19.  After paragraph (1) of rule 43 (procedure on close of poll) there shall be inserted the following paragraphs— E+W

“(1A) The contents of the packets referred to in sub-paragraphs (b), (c) and (e) of paragraph (1) above shall not be combined with the contents of packets made under the corresponding rule that applies at each relevant election or referendum; nor shall the statement prepared under paragraph (3) below be so combined.

(1B) References to the returning officer in paragraph (1) above are references to the returning officer who discharges the functions specified in Regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations.”

Commencement Information

I20 Sch. 2 para. 19 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

20.  For paragraph (1) of rule 44 (attendance at counting of votes) there shall be substituted the following paragraphs— E+W

“(1) Where the returning officer at the parliamentary election discharges the functions specified in Regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, he shall—

(a) make arrangements for—

(i) discharging the functions under rule 45(1)(15) below (as substituted by Regulation 8 of those Regulations) in the presence of the counting agents appointed for the purposes of the parliamentary election and for each relevant election or referendum, as soon as practicable after the close of the poll; and

(ii) thereafter counting the votes at the parliamentary election in the presence of the counting agents appointed for the purposes of that election; and

(b) he shall give to those counting agents notice in writing of the time and place at which he will begin to discharge the functions under rule 45(1) below (as so substituted).

(1A) Where the returning officer at the parliamentary election does not discharge the functions specified in Regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, he shall—

(a) make arrangements for counting the votes in the presence of the counting agents as soon as practicable after the delivery of the ballot papers to him by the returning officer who does discharge those functions, and

(b) give to the counting agents notice in writing of the time after which he will begin to count the votes if by then he has received the ballot papers and of the place at which that count will take place.

(1B) No person other than a person entitled to be present at the counting of the votes at each relevant election or referendum may be present at the proceedings under rule 45(1) (as so substituted).”

Commencement Information

I21 Sch. 2 para. 20 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

21.  In paragraph (3) of rule 44 (attendance at counting of votes) before the words “counting of votes”, in the first place where they occur, there shall be inserted the words “proceedings under rule 45(1) below (as so substituted) or the” and before the words “the efficient” there shall be inserted the words “the efficient separating of the ballot papers or, as the case may be”. E+W

Commencement Information

I22 Sch. 2 para. 21 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

22.  For paragraphs (1) to (1A) of rule 45 (the count) there shall be substituted the following paragraphs— E+W

“(1) Where the returning officer at the parliamentary election discharges the functions specified in Regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, he shall—

(a) in the presence of the counting agents appointed for the purposes of the parliamentary election and each relevant election or referendum, open each ballot box and record separately the number of ballot papers used in each election or referendum;

(b) in the presence of the election agents appointed for the purposes of the parliamentary election and each relevant election or referendum verify each ballot paper account;

(c) count such of the postal ballot papers as have been duly returned and record separately the number counted at each relevant election or referendum;

(d) separate the ballot papers relating to the parliamentary election from the ballot papers relating to each relevant election or referendum;

(e) make up into packets the ballot papers for each relevant election or referendum and seal them up in separate containers endorsing on each a description of the area to which the ballot papers relate; and

(f) deliver or cause to be delivered to the returning officer at the relevant election or referendum to which the ballot papers relate—

(i) those containers, together with a list of them and of the contents of each;

(ii) the ballot paper accounts together with a copy of the statement as to the result of their verification in respect of that election or referendum; and

(g) at the same time deliver or cause to be delivered to that officer packets that so relate containing—

(i) the unused and spoilt ballot papers,

(ii) the tendered ballot papers, and

(iii) the counterfoils of the used ballot papers and the certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll.

(1AA) Where separate ballot boxes have been used, no vote for any candidate shall be rendered invalid by the ballot paper being placed in the ballot box used at any relevant election or referendum.

(1AB) After completion of the proceedings under paragraph (1) above, the returning officer shall mix together all of the ballot papers used at the parliamentary election and count the votes given on them.

(1AC) Where the returning officer at the parliamentary election does not discharge the functions specified in Regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, he shall—

(a) on receipt of containers from the returning officer who does discharge those functions, and after the time specified in the notice given under rule 44(1A) above (as substituted by Regulation 8 of those Regulations) in the presence of the counting agents open each container;

(b) where the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers are not taken together with those proceedings at a relevant election or referendum under regulation 65 of the 2001 Regulations (including that regulation as applied by regulations made under sections 44 and 105 or 45 and 105 of the Local Government Act 2000(16), count such of the postal ballot papers as have been duly returned and record the number counted; and

(c) mix together the postal ballot papers and the ballot papers from all of the containers and count the votes given on them.

Paragraph (5) below does not apply to these proceedings.”

Commencement Information

I23 Sch. 2 para. 22 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

23.  In paragraph (1B) of rule 45 (the count) the reference to the constituency shall be construed as a reference to— E+W

(a) the area in the parliamentary constituency common to the local counting area, electoral area or voting area (as the case may be) in which the polls at the parliamentary election and a relevant election or referendum are being taken together; and

(b) in respect of which polls the voter has been issued with a postal ballot paper.

Commencement Information

I24 Sch. 2 para. 23 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

24.  In paragraph (6) of rule 45 (the count) omit the words “, in so far as he and the agents agree,” and the words from “For the purposes” to the end. E+W

Commencement Information

I25 Sch. 2 para. 24 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

25.  In paragraph (2) of rule 54 (sealing up of ballot papers) after the words “poll, or” insert “where he is the returning officer who discharges the functions referred to in Regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations,”. E+W

Commencement Information

I26 Sch. 2 para. 25 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

26.  At the end of paragraph (1) of rule 55(17) (delivery of documents to the Clerk of the Crown) there shall be inserted— E+W

• “At an election where the returning officer does not discharge the functions referred to in Regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, this paragraph shall have effect as if sub-paragraphs (c) and (e) were omitted.”

Commencement Information

I27 Sch. 2 para. 26 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

27.  In rule 60 (countermand or abandonment of poll on death of candidate)— E+W

(a) at the end of paragraph (1) there shall be inserted—

“Provided that neither the countermand of the poll at the parliamentary election nor the direction that that poll be abandoned shall affect the poll at each relevant election or referendum”; and

(b) for paragraph (2) there shall substituted the following paragraph—

“(2) Where the poll at the parliamentary election is abandoned by reason of a candidate’s death, no further ballot papers at that election shall be issued in any polling station and, at the close of the poll for each relevant election or referendum the presiding officer at any polling station shall take the like steps for the delivery to the returning officer of ballot boxes and of ballot papers and other documents as he would be required to do if the poll at the parliamentary election had not been abandoned, and the returning officer shall dispose of ballot papers used at the parliamentary election and other documents in his possession as he is required to do on the completion in due course of the counting of the votes, but—

(a) it shall not be necessary for any parliamentary ballot paper account to be prepared or verified; and

(b) the returning officer, having separated the ballot papers relating to each relevant election or referendum shall take no step or further step for the counting of the ballot papers used at the parliamentary election or of the votes and shall seal up all those ballot papers, whether the votes on them have been counted or not, and it shall not be necessary to seal up counted and rejected ballot papers in separate packets.”

Commencement Information

I28 Sch. 2 para. 27 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

28.  In the Appendix of forms for the form of directions for the guidance of the voters in voting(18) there shall be substituted— E+W

“

”

Commencement Information

I29 Sch. 2 para. 28 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

29.  In the Appendix of forms, for the form of declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities(19) substitute— E+W

“

”

Commencement Information

I30 Sch. 2 para. 29 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

Regulation 9

SCHEDULE 3 E+W AMENDMENTS TO THE 2001 REGULATIONS

1.  The 2001 Regulations shall be amended as follows. E+W

Commencement Information

I31 Sch. 3 para. 1 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

2.  For Form H in Schedule 3, substitute the following form— E+W

Paragraph 66(b)

“Form H E+WDeclaration of identity E+W

”

Commencement Information

I32 Sch. 3 para. 2 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

3.  In Form J in Schedule 3— E+W

(a) except in the last place where it occurs, after the word “election” insert “or referendum”;

(b) after the word “elections” insert “or referendums”; and

(c) for the words “Alternatively, they may be delivered to a polling station in the constituency on polling day.” substitute—

“

”

Commencement Information

I33 Sch. 3 para. 3 in force at 23.3.2004, see reg. 1(1)

(1)

Subsection (2C) was inserted by paragraphs 1 and 3 of Schedule 3 to the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c. 29).

(2)

S.I. 2001/1298; which was amended by S.I. 2004/226.

(3)

Subsection (2C) was inserted by paragraphs 1 and 3 of Schedule 3 to the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c. 29).

(4)

S.I. 2002/185; which was amended by S.I. 2004/225.

(5)

S.I. 2001/1298; which was amended by S.I. 2004/226.

(6)

Rule 19(2) was amended by paragraph 76 of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50). Paragraphs (2A) and (2B) were inserted by paragraph 4 of Schedule 2 to the Registration of Political Parties Act 1998 (c. 48)

(7)

Subsection (2) was amended and subsection (3), as originally enacted, was repealed by paragraph 7 of Schedule 4, and Schedule 5 to the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50).

(8)

Rule 28 was amended by paragraph 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50).

(9)

Paragraph (5) was amended by Schedule 22 to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c. 41).

(10)

Amended by section 13(1) and (4) of the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c. 2).

(11)

To which there were amendments not relevant to these Regulations.

(12)

Rule 39 was substituted by section 13(1) and (2) of the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c. 2).

(13)

Rule 40 was amended by paragraph 7 of Part I of Schedule 2, and Schedule 5 to the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50).

(14)

Rule 43 was amended by section 13(1) and (4) of the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c. 2).

(15)

Paragraphs (1) and (1A) were substituted for paragraph (1), as originally enacted, by paragraph 82 of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50).

(16)

2000 c. 22.

(17)

Amended by section 13(1) and (4) of the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c. 2) and paragraph 57(1) and (6)(a) and (b) of Schedule 1 to S.I. 2001/1149.

(18)

Amended by paragraph 86 of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People 1985 (c. 50).

(19)

Amended by section 13(1) and (5)(a) of the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c. 2).