14.—(1) The relevant returning or counting officer must, in accordance with regulations made under the 1983 Act M1, issue to those entitled to vote by post a ballot paper and a postal voting statement in the form set out in Form 6 or 7 in the Appendix (as the case may be), or a form to like effect, together with such envelopes for their return as may be prescribed by such regulations.
(2) The relevant returning or counting officer must also issue to those entitled to vote by post such information as the officer thinks appropriate about how to obtain—
(a)translations into languages other than English of any directions to or guidance for voters and proxies sent with the ballot paper;
(b)a translation into Braille of such directions or guidance;
(c)graphical representations of such directions or guidance;
(d)the directions or guidance in any other form (including any audible form).
(3) The postal voting statement must include provision for the form to be signed and for stating the date of birth of the voter or proxy.
(4) In the case of a ballot paper issued to a person at an address in the United Kingdom, the relevant returning or counting officer must ensure that the return of the ballot paper and postal voting statement is free of charge to the voter or proxy.
(5) In paragraphs (1), (2) and (4) for “relevant returning or counting officer” substitute “ counting officer ” where proceedings on the issue and receipt of ballot papers at the referendum are not taken together with such proceedings at one or more relevant elections.
Marginal Citations
M1See the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341) as amended by S.I. 2001/1700, 2002/1871, 2004/226, 2006/752 and 2006/2910.