GLRO's power of direction11

1

The GLRO may give to any CRO a direction—

a

as to the manner in which he must discharge any of his functions set out in these Rules; or

b

requiring him to provide the GLRO with any information which the CRO has or is entitled to have in accordance with these rules,

F1....

2

It is the duty of each CRO to whom a direction is given under paragraph (1) to discharge his functions in accordance with that direction.

3

Without prejudice to the generality of the preceding provisions of this rule, a GLRO may exercise the power conferred by paragraph (1) to give the directions set out in paragraph (4) subject to the requirements in paragraphs (5) and (6).

4

The GLRO may direct the CRO to—

a

include alternative information in the appropriate form of postal voting statement, in place of the paragraphs beneath the heading “F2Instructions for voting by post”;

b

issue additional information to those entitled to vote by post; or

c

exercise his discretion to include additional information in poll cards.

5

Where the GLRO has decided to direct the CRO in accordance with paragraph (4), he must—

a

supply the alternative or additional information which the CRO is to issue to voters either electronically or in a printed form; and

b

direct the CRO in writing as to how the information is to be used,

by no later than the date of the notice of election.

6

Where the CRO does not discharge the functions specified in regulation 5 (functions at combined polls) of the Combination of Polls Regulations, the GLRO may give a direction under paragraph (4) to the returning officer who does discharge those functions.

7

The alternative or additional information supplied under F3(5)(a) must—

a

comply with paragraph 4 of the Notices Schedule (as though that information were to be included in a notice);

b

and must relate to—

i

the system of voting at the Authority election;

ii

how many votes a voter has at each Authority election;

iii

the marks to be used, and the manner in which they should be used, in order to ensure that a vote is counted for any candidate.

8

For the purposes of this rule—

a

“postal voting statement”; and

b

“poll card”,

mean the documents issued under the relevant rules in the Schedule pertaining to the election, and set out in the Forms Schedule.