The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) Order 2017

PART 4 U.K. Contested elections

Poll to be taken by ballot U.K.

17.  The votes at the poll shall be given by ballot.

The ballot papers U.K.

18.—(1) The ballot of every person entitled to a vote at the election shall consist of a ballot paper.

(2) The persons remaining validly nominated, after any withdrawals, and no others, shall be entitled to have their names inserted in the ballot paper at that election.

(3) Every ballot paper must be in the appropriate form, and must be printed in accordance with the appropriate directions set out in the Appendix, and—

(a) must contain the names and other particulars of the candidates as shown in the statement of persons nominated,

(b) must be capable of being folded up, and

(c) must have a number and other unique identifying mark printed on the back.

(4) If a candidate who is the subject of a party's authorisation under rule 7(1) so requests, the ballot paper must contain, against the candidate's particulars, the party's registered emblem (or, as the case may be, one of the party's registered emblems).

(5) If a candidate who is the subject of an authorisation by two or more parties under rule 7(3) so requests, the ballot paper must contain, against the candidate's particulars, the registered emblem (or, as the case may be, one of the registered emblems) of one of those parties.

(6) The candidate's request under paragraph (4) or (5) must—

(a) be made in writing to the returning officer, and

(b) be received by the returning officer before the last time for the delivery of nomination papers set out in the Timetable in rule 3.

(7) The order of the names in the ballot paper must be the same as in the statement of persons nominated.

The corresponding number list U.K.

19.—(1) The returning officer must prepare a list containing the numbers and other unique identifying marks of all of the ballot papers to be issued by the returning officer in pursuance of rule 24 or provided in pursuance of rule 28.

(2) The list must be in the appropriate form in the Appendix or a form to the like effect.

The official mark U.K.

20.—(1) Every ballot paper must contain an appropriate security marking (the official mark).

(2) The official mark must be kept secret, and an interval of not less than five years shall intervene between the use of the same official mark at an election for the same combined authority.

(3) The returning officer may use a different official mark for different purposes at the same election.

Prohibition of disclosure of vote U.K.

21.  No person who has voted at the election shall, in any legal proceeding to question the election, be required to state for whom he or she has voted.

Use of schools and public rooms U.K.

22.—(1) The returning officer may use, free of charge, for the purpose of taking the poll or counting the votes—

(a) a room in a school maintained or assisted by a local authority (as defined in the Education Act 1996 M1 ) or a school in respect of which grants are made out of moneys provided by Parliament to the person or body of persons responsible for the management of the school,

(b) a room the expense of maintaining which is met by any local authority.

(2) The use of a room in an unoccupied hereditament for that purpose or those purposes does not render a person liable to any payment by way of council tax or non-domestic rate in respect of that hereditament and any day on which it is so used.

(3) The returning officer must make good any damage done to, and defray any expense incurred by the persons having control over, any such room as is mentioned in paragraph (1) by reason of its being used for the purpose of taking the poll or counting the votes.

Marginal Citations

M1 1996 c. 56.

Notice of poll U.K.

23.—(1) The combined authority returning officer must publish notice of the poll stating—

(a) the day and hours fixed for the poll,

(b) the particulars of each candidate remaining validly nominated (the names and other particulars of the candidates, and the order of the candidates' names being the same as in the statement of persons nominated), and

(c) the names of all persons signing a candidate's nomination paper.

(2) Where a candidate is nominated by more than one nomination paper, the nomination paper referred to in paragraph (1)(c) must be that from which the names and other particulars of the candidate shown in the statement of persons nominated are taken.

(3) The returning officer must, not later than the time of the publication of the notice of the poll, give public notice of—

(a) the situation of each polling station, and

(b) the description of voters entitled to vote there,

and the returning officer must as soon as practicable after giving such a notice give a copy of it to each of the election agents.

Postal ballot papers U.K.

24.—(1) The returning officer must, in accordance with regulations made under the 1983 Act, issue to those entitled to vote by post a ballot paper and a postal voting statement in the appropriate form in the Appendix, or a form to the like effect, together with such envelopes for their return as may be prescribed by such regulations.

(2) The returning officer must also issue to those entitled to vote by post such information as he thinks appropriate about how to obtain—

(a) translations into languages other than English of any directions to or guidance for voters 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 elector or proxy (as the case may be).

(4) In the case of a ballot paper issued to a person at an address in the United Kingdom, the returning officer must ensure that the return of the ballot paper and postal voting statement is free of charge to the voter.

Provision of polling stations U.K.

25.—(1) The returning officer must provide a sufficient number of polling stations and, subject to the following provisions of this rule, must allot the electors to the polling stations in such manner as the returning officer thinks most convenient.

(2) One or more polling stations may be provided in the same room.

(3) The polling station allotted to electors from any parliamentary polling district wholly or partly within the electoral area must, in the absence of special circumstances, be in the parliamentary polling place for that district, unless that place is outside the electoral area.

(4) The returning officer must provide each polling station with such number of compartments as may be necessary in which the voters can mark their votes screened from observation.

[F1 (5) The returning officer must ensure that each polling station contains an area in which voters can produce proof of identity in private.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Sch. 1 rule 25(5) inserted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(4) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

Appointment of presiding officers and polling clerks U.K.

26.—(1) The returning officer must appoint and pay a presiding officer to attend at each polling station and such clerks as may be necessary for the purposes of the election, but the returning officer must not appoint any person who has been employed by or on behalf of a candidate in or about the election.

(2) The returning officer may, if the returning officer thinks fit, preside at a polling station and the provisions of these Rules relating to a presiding officer shall apply to a returning officer so presiding with the necessary modifications as to things to be done by the returning officer to the presiding officer or by the presiding officer to the returning officer.

(3) A presiding officer may do, by the clerks appointed to assist him or her, any act (including the asking of questions) which the presiding officer is required or authorised by these Rules to do at a polling station [F2 except—

(a) order the arrest, exclusion or removal of any person from the polling station,

(b) refuse to deliver a ballot paper under rule 35(3) or rule 37(1E) (including that rule as applied by rules 38, 39 or 40), or

(c) resolve doubts over identity as mentioned in rule 37(1F) (including that rule as applied by rule 38, 39 or 40).]

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in Sch. 1 rule 26(3) substituted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(5) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

Issue of official poll cards U.K.

27.—(1) The returning officer must as soon as practicable after the publication of the notice of the election send to electors and their proxies an official poll card.

(2) An elector's official poll card must be sent or delivered to the elector's qualifying address M2 , and a proxy's to the proxy's address as shown in the list of proxies.

(3) The official poll card must be in the appropriate form in the Appendix, or a form to the like effect, and must set out—

(a) the name of the combined authority to which the election relates,

(b) that the election is a combined authority mayoral election,

(c) the elector's name, qualifying address and number on the register,

(d) the date and hours of the poll and the situation of the elector's polling station,

(e) such other information as the returning officer thinks appropriate,

and different information may be provided in pursuance of sub-paragraph (e) to different electors or descriptions of elector.

(4) In the case of an elector with an anonymous entry, instead of containing the matter mentioned in paragraph (3)(c), the poll card must contain such matter as is specified in the appropriate form in the Appendix.

(5) Paragraph (7) of rule 8 shall apply for the interpretation of this rule.

Marginal Citations

M2 See section 8(8)(b) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2) for meaning of “qualifying address”.

Equipment of polling stations U.K.

28.—(1) The returning officer must provide each presiding officer with such number of ballot boxes and ballot papers as in the returning officer's opinion may be necessary.

(2) Every ballot box must be so constructed that the ballot papers can be put in it, but cannot be withdrawn from it, without the box being unlocked or, where the box has no lock, the seal being broken.

(3) The returning officer must provide each polling station with—

(a) materials to enable voters to mark the ballot papers,

(b) copies of the register of electors for the electoral area or such part of it as contains the names of the electors allotted to the station,

(c) the parts of any special lists prepared for the election corresponding to the register of electors for the electoral area or the part of it provided under sub-paragraph (b),

(d) a list consisting of that part of the list prepared under rule 19 which contains the numbers (but not the other unique identifying marks) corresponding to those on the ballot papers provided to the presiding officer of the polling station.

[F3 (e) a ballot paper refusal list, in the appropriate form in the Appendix or a form to like effect, on which entries are to be made as mentioned in rule 41A (refusal to deliver ballot paper).]

(4) The reference in paragraph (3)(b) to the copies of the register of electors includes a reference to copies of any notices issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) M3 of the 1983 Act in respect of alterations to the register.

(5) The returning officer must also provide each polling station with—

(a) at least one large version of the ballot paper which must be displayed inside the polling station for the assistance of voters who are partially sighted,

(b) an enlarged hand-held sample copy of the ballot paper for the assistance of voters who are partially sighted which must be clearly marked as a specimen provided only for the guidance of voters, and

[F4 (c) such equipment as it is reasonable to provide for the purposes of enabling, or making it easier for, relevant persons to vote independently in the manner directed by rule 37 (voting procedure), including in relation to voting secretly; and for this purpose “relevant persons” means persons who find it difficult or impossible to vote in that manner because of—

(i) blindness or partial sight, or

(ii) another disability.]

[F5 (5A) Paragraph (10) of rule 29 of Schedule 1 to the 1983 Act (Parliamentary elections rules: guidance to returning officers) applies for the purposes of paragraph (5)(c) of this rule as it applies for the purposes of that rule, but as if the reference in that paragraph to paragraph (3A)(b) were a reference to paragraph (5)(c) of this rule.]

(6) The combined authority returning officer must prepare and provide each returning officer with—

(a) a notice in the appropriate form in the Appendix giving directions for the guidance of voters in voting, which must be printed in conspicuous characters and exhibited inside and outside every polling station; and

[F6 (b) the following notice which must be exhibited in every compartment of every polling station—

*[Specify name of combined authority] COMBINED AUTHORITY MAYORAL ELECTION

Vote for ONLY ONE CANDIDATE by putting a cross [X] in the box next to your choice.

PUT NO OTHER MARK ON THE BALLOT PAPER OR YOUR VOTE MAY NOT COUNT.

*Complete as necessary.]

[F7 (6A) A large notice must be displayed inside each polling station containing—

(a) details of the documents the elector or proxy needs to produce when applying for a ballot paper, namely—

(i) in the case of an elector (other than an elector with an anonymous entry) or a proxy, any of the forms of identification for the time being referred to in rule 37(1H) of Schedule 1 to the 1983 Act (parliamentary elections rules);

(ii) in the case of an elector with an anonymous entry, the elector’s official poll card and an anonymous elector’s document showing the same electoral number as the electoral number shown on the official poll card; and

(b) a statement that further proof of identity may be required to resolve any discrepancy between the name of the holder of a form of identification and the name of the elector or proxy that the voter claims to be.]

(7) The combined authority returning officer may also provide copies of the notices mentioned in paragraph (6) in such other form described in section 199B(2) or (3) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 M4 as the combined authority returning officer thinks appropriate and, if the returning officer agrees, these may also be exhibited inside and outside the polling station.

F8 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F9 (9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F3 Sch. 1 rule 28(3)(e) inserted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(6)(a) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

F4 Sch. 1 rule 28(5)(c) substituted (29.12.2022) by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 13(2)(a)(i)(aa) (with reg. 1(4))

F5 Sch. 1 rule 28(5A) inserted (29.12.2022) by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 13(2)(a)(i)(bb) (with reg. 1(4))

F6 Sch. 1 rule 28(6)(b) substituted (13.12.2022) by The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(3)(a) (with art. 1(2))

F7 Sch. 1 rule 28(6A) inserted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(6)(b) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

F8 Sch. 1 rule 28(8) omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(3)(b) (with art. 1(2))

F9 Sch. 1 rule 28(9) omitted (29.12.2022) by virtue of The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 13(2)(a)(i)(cc) (with reg. 1(4))

Marginal Citations

M3 1983 c. 2. Section 13B was inserted by the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c. 2), section 8 and Schedule 1; subsections (3B) and (3D) were inserted by the Electoral Administration Act 2000 (c. 22), section 11.

M4 Section 199B was inserted by the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), section 36.

Appointment of polling and counting agents U.K.

29.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (5), (6) and (7), before the commencement of the poll each candidate may appoint—

(a) polling agents to attend at polling stations for the purpose of detecting personation, and

(b) counting agents to attend at the counting of the votes.

(2) The same person may be appointed as a polling agent or counting agent by more than one candidate.

(3) For each count, one (but not more than one) counting agent may be designated as a person authorised to require a re-count under rule 53.

(4) A designation under paragraph (3) must be made as the same time as the person's appointment as a counting agent.

(5) Not more than four polling agents, or such greater number as the returning officer may by notice allow, shall be permitted to attend at any particular polling station.

(6) If the number of such agents appointed to attend at a particular polling station exceeds the allowed number, the returning officer must determine which agents are permitted to attend by lot, and only the agents on whom the lot falls shall be deemed to have been duly appointed.

(7) The returning officer may limit the number of counting agents, but in doing so must ensure that—

(a) the number is the same in the case of each candidate, and

(b) the number allowed to a candidate must not (except in special circumstances) be less than the number obtained by dividing the number of clerks employed on the counting by the number of candidates.

(8) For the purposes of the calculations required by paragraph (5), a counting agent appointed for more than one candidate is a separate agent for each of the candidates for whom the agent has been appointed.

(9) Notice in writing of the appointment, stating the names and addresses of the persons appointed, must be given by the candidate to the returning officer and must be so given not later than the fifth day (disregarding any day referred to in rule 4(1)) before the day of the poll.

(10) If an agent dies, or becomes incapable of acting, the candidate may appoint another person in his or her place, and must forthwith give to the returning officer notice in writing of the name and address of that other person.

(11) Any appointment for a candidate authorised by this rule may be made and the notice of appointment given to the returning officer by the candidate's election agent, instead of by the candidate.

(12) In the following provisions of these Rules references to polling agents and counting agents shall be taken as references to agents—

(a) whose appointments have been duly made and notified, and

(b) where the number of agents is restricted, who are within the permitted numbers.

(13) Any notice required to be given to a counting agent by the returning officer may be delivered at, or sent by post to, the address stated in the notice of appointment.

(14) A candidate may do any act or thing which any polling or counting agent of the candidate's, if appointed, would have been authorised to do, or may assist his or her agent in doing any such act or thing.

(15) A candidate's election agent may do or assist in doing anything which the candidate's polling or counting agent is authorised to do, and anything required or authorised by these Rules to be done in the presence of the polling or counting agent may be done in the presence of a candidate's election agent instead of his polling agent or counting agent.

(16) Where by these Rules any act or thing is required or authorised to be done in the presence of the polling or counting agent, the non-attendance of any agent or agents at the time and place appointed for the purpose shall not, if the act or thing is otherwise duly done, invalidate the act or thing done.

Notification of requirement of secrecy U.K.

30.—(1) The returning officer must make such arrangements as the returning officer thinks fit to ensure that—

(a) every person attending at a polling station (otherwise than for the purpose of voting or assisting a voter with disabilities to vote or as a constable on duty there) has been given a copy in writing of the provisions of subsections (1), (3) and (6) of section 66 of the 1983 Act, and

(b) every person attending at the counting of the votes (other than any constable on duty at the counting) has been given a copy in writing of the provisions of subsections (2) and (6) of that section.

(2) In this rule, a reference to a constable includes a person designated as a community support officer under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002 M5 (police powers for employees).

Marginal Citations

M5 2002 c. 30.

Return of postal ballot papers U.K.

31.—(1) Where—

(a) a postal vote has been returned in respect of a person who is entered on the postal voters list, or

(b) a proxy postal vote has been returned in respect of a proxy who is entered on the proxy postal voters list,

the returning officer must mark the list in the manner prescribed by regulations made under the 1983 Act.

(2) Rule 47(4) does not apply for the purpose of determining whether, for the purposes of this rule, a postal vote or a proxy postal vote is returned.

Admission to polling station U.K.

32.—(1) The presiding officer must exclude all persons from the polling station except—

(a) voters,

(b) persons under the age of 18 who accompany voters to the polling station,

(c) the candidates and their election agents,

(d) the polling agents appointed to attend at the polling station,

(e) the clerks appointed to attend at the polling station,

(f) persons who are entitled to attend by virtue of any of sections 6A to 6D of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 M6 ,

(g) the returning officer and the returning officer's clerks;

(h) the combined authority returning officer and the combined authority returning officer's clerks,

(i) the constables on duty, and

(j) the companions of voters with disabilities.

(2) The presiding officer must regulate the total number of voters and persons under the age of 18 who accompany them to be admitted to the polling station at the same time.

(3) Not more than one polling agent shall be admitted at the same time to a polling station on behalf of the same candidate.

(4) A constable or person employed by a returning officer or by the combined authority returning officer must not be admitted to vote in person elsewhere than at their own polling station allotted to them under these Rules, except on production and surrender of a certificate as to that person's employment which must be in the appropriate form in the Appendix, or a form to the like effect, and signed by an officer of police of or above the rank of inspector or by the returning officer or combined authority returning officer, as the case may be.

(5) Any certificate surrendered under this rule must forthwith be cancelled.

(6) In this rule, a reference to a constable includes a person designated as a community support officer under section 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002.

Marginal Citations

M6 2000 c. 41. Sections 6A to 6D were inserted by the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22) and relevant amendments were made by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), section 74 and Schedule 10 and by the Recall of MPs Act 2015 (c. 25), section 20 and Schedule 6.

Keeping of order in station U.K.

33.—(1) It is the presiding officer's duty to keep order at the polling station.

(2) If a person misconducts themselves in a polling station, or fails to obey the presiding officer's lawful orders, that person may immediately, by the presiding officer's order, be removed from the polling station—

(a) by a constable in or near that station, or

(b) by any other person authorised in writing by the returning officer to remove him or her,

and the person so removed shall not, without the presiding officer's permission, again enter the polling station during the day.

(3) Any person so removed may, if charged with the commission in the polling station of an offence, be dealt with as a person taken into custody by a constable for an offence without a warrant.

(4) The powers conferred by this rule must not be exercised so as to prevent a voter who is otherwise entitled to vote at a polling station from having an opportunity of voting at that station.

Sealing of ballot boxes U.K.

34.  Immediately before the commencement of the poll, the presiding officer must—

(a) show the ballot box, empty, to such persons, if any, as are present in the polling station, so that they may see that the box is empty,

(b) lock up the box (if it has a lock),

(c) place the presiding officer's seal—

(i) on the lock, or

(ii) where the ballot box has no lock, on the box,

in such a manner as to prevent its being opened without breaking the seal,

(d) place the box in his or her view for the receipt of ballot papers, and

(e) keep the box locked and sealed or, as the case may be, sealed.

Questions to be put to voters U.K.

35.—(1) At the time of the application for a ballot paper (but not afterwards), the questions specified in the second column of the following Table—

(a) may be put by the presiding officer to a person applying for a ballot paper who is mentioned in the first column, and

(b) must be put if the letter “R” appears after the question and the candidate or his election or polling agent requires the question to be put:

Q No	Person applying for ballot paper	Question
1	A person applying as an elector	[F10 (za) What is your name? (zb)What is your address?] (a) Are you the person registered in the register of local government electors for this election as follows? read the whole entry from the register [R] (b) Have you already voted here or elsewhere at this election for a combined authority mayor otherwise than as proxy for some other person? [R]
2	A person applying as proxy	[F10 (za) What is your name? (zb)What is your address?] (a) Are you the person whose name appears as AB in the list of proxies for this election as entitled to vote as proxy on behalf of CD? [R] (b) Have you already voted here or elsewhere at this election for a combined authority mayor as proxy on behalf of CD? [R] (c) Are you the spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild of CD? [R]
3	A person applying as proxy for an elector with an anonymous entry (instead of the questions at entry 2)	[F10 (za) What is your name? (zb)What is your address?] (a) Are you the person entitled to vote as proxy on behalf of the elector whose number on the register of electors is (read out the number)? [R] (b) Have you already voted here or elsewhere as proxy on behalf of the elector whose number on the register of electors is (read out the number)? [R] (c) Are you the spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild of the person whose number on the register of electors is (read out the number)? [R]
4	A person applying as proxy if the question at entry 2(c) or 3(c) is not answered in the affirmative	Have you already voted at this election for a combined authority mayor on behalf of two persons of whom you are not the spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild? [R]
5	A person applying as an elector in relation to whom there is an entry in the postal voters list	[F10 (za) What is your name? (zb)What is your address?] (a) Did you apply to vote by post? (b) Why have you not voted by post?
6	A person applying as proxy who is named in the proxy postal voters list	[F10 (za) What is your name? (zb)What is your address?] (a) Did you apply to vote by post as proxy? (b) Why have you not voted by post as proxy?

(2) In the case of an elector in respect of whom a notice has been issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, the references in the questions at entries 1(a) and 3(a), (b) and (c) to reading from the register shall be taken as references to reading from the notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act.

[F11 (2A) Where a clerk—

(a) gives a person the required information (see paragraph (5)),

(b) puts a question specified in paragraph (1) to the person, and

(c) decides that the person has failed to answer the question satisfactorily,

the clerk must refer the matter to the presiding officer, who must put the question to the person again.]

[F12 (3) Where the presiding officer—

(a) gives a person the required information,

(b) puts a question specified in paragraph (1) to the person (whether or not following a referral under paragraph (2A)), and

(c) decides that the person has failed to answer the question satisfactorily,

the officer must refuse to deliver a ballot paper to the person (and see rule 41A (procedure where ballot paper is refused under this paragraph)).

(3A) For the purposes of this rule, a person answers the question “What is your name?” or “What is your address?” satisfactorily if—

(a) where one of those questions is put, the answer matches a name or address (as the case may be) in the register of local government electors;

(b) where both those questions are put, the answers match a name and address in that register that relate to the same person.

(3B) In the case of an elector in respect of whom a notice has been issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, the references to the register in paragraph (3A) are to be read as references to the notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D).]

(4) Except as authorised by this rule, no inquiry shall be permitted as to the right of any person to vote [F13 (and for the purposes of this paragraph, an inquiry relating to the production of identification by a voter is not to be regarded as an inquiry as to the right of the person to vote)].

[F14 (5) For the purposes of this rule, a person to whom any question is to be put is given “the required information” if the person is first informed that—

(a) a ballot paper will be refused if the person fails to answer each question satisfactorily, and

(b) giving false information may be an offence.]

Textual Amendments

F10 Words in Sch. 1 rule 35 Table inserted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(7)(a) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

F11 Sch. 1 rule 35(2A) inserted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(7)(b) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

F12 Sch. 1 rule 35(3)-(3B) substituted for sch. 1 rule 35(3) (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(7)(c) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

F13 Words in Sch. 1 rule 35(4) inserted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(7)(d) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

F14 Sch. 1 rule 35(5) inserted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(7)(e) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Sch. 1 rule 35 Table modified (temp.) (31.10.2023) by The Representation of the People (Postal and Proxy Voting etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1147), reg. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 41(2) (with Sch. 2 para. 40)

Challenge of voter U.K.

36.  A person must not be prevented from voting by reason only that—

(a) a candidate or the candidate's election or polling agent declares that he or she has reasonable cause to believe that the person has committed an offence of personation, or

(b) the person is arrested on the grounds that he or she is suspected of committing or of being about to commit such an offence.

Voting procedure U.K.

37.—(1)  [F15 Subject to rule 35(3) and to paragraphs (1A) to (1M), a] ballot paper must be delivered to a voter who applies for one, and immediately before delivery—

F16 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) the number of the elector must be marked on the list mentioned in rule 28(3)(d) beside the number of the ballot paper to be issued to the elector,

(c) a mark must be placed in the copy of the register of electors against the number of the elector to note that a ballot paper has been received but without showing the particular ballot paper which has been received, and

(d) in the case of a person applying for a ballot paper as proxy, a mark must also be placed against his name in the list of proxies.

[F17 (1A) A ballot paper must not be delivered to a voter unless the voter produces a specified document to the presiding officer or a clerk.

(1B) The presiding officer or clerk must arrange for the voter to produce any document in a private area of the polling station if the voter so requests, and, in such a case, must ensure that no other persons witness the production except as permitted by the voter.

(1C) Paragraph (1D) applies in relation to a voter where—

(a) the voter produces a specified document to a clerk and the clerk decides that the document raises a reasonable doubt as to whether the voter is the elector or proxy that the voter claims to be, or

(b) the voter produces a document to a clerk that the clerk reasonably suspects to be a forged document.

(1D) Where this paragraph applies, the clerk must refer the matter and produce the document to the presiding officer, who must proceed as if the voter had produced the document to the presiding officer in the first place.

(1E) The presiding officer must refuse to deliver a ballot paper to a voter where—

(a) the voter produces a specified document to the officer and the officer decides that the document raises a reasonable doubt as to whether the voter is the elector or proxy that the voter claims to be, or

(b) the voter produces a document to the officer that the officer reasonably suspects to be a forged document.

(1F) Paragraph (1E)(a) does not apply where—

(a) a discrepancy between the name of the holder of a specified document and the name of the elector or proxy that the voter claims to be is resolved to the presiding officer’s satisfaction at the time of the application by the voter producing further proof of identity, and

(b) the presiding officer has no other reason (arising from any document produced by the voter) to doubt that the voter is the elector or proxy that the voter claims to be.

(1G) The refusal to deliver a ballot paper to a voter under paragraph (1E) does not prevent the voter making a further application under paragraph (1), and paragraphs (1A) to (1F) apply on any further application.

(1H) In this rule, a “forged document” means a false document made to resemble a specified document.

(1I) In this rule, a “specified document”—

(a) except in the case of a voter who has an anonymous entry in the register of electors, means a document which for the time being falls within the list specified in rule 37(1H) of Schedule 1 to the 1983 Act (parliamentary election rules);

(b) in the case of a voter who has an anonymous entry in the register of electors, means an anonymous elector’s document which—

(i) was issued by the registration officer for the constituent council in whose area the polling station to which the voter is allotted is situated,

(ii) contains the number—

(aa) allocated to the voter as stated in the copy of the register of electors, or

(bb) where an entry relating to the voter is added to the register in pursuance of a notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, as stated in the copy of that notice.

(1J) Subject to paragraph (1K), a reference in this rule to a document that is a specified document is a reference to the document regardless of any expiry date relating to it.

(1K) Paragraph (1J) does not apply to a temporary electoral identity document where the date of the poll for the election is after the date for which the document is issued.

(1L) No person other than the presiding officer or a clerk may inspect a document produced as proof of a voter’s identity, except as permitted by the voter.

(1M) References in this rule to producing a document are to producing it for inspection.]

(2) In the case of an elector who has an anonymous entry, the elector (E) must show the presiding officer E's official poll card F18 ....

(3) In the case of an elector who is added to the register in pursuance of a notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, paragraph (1) is modified as follows—

F19 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) in sub-paragraph (c), for “in the register of electors” substitute “ on the copy of the notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act ”.

(4) The voter, on receiving the ballot paper, must forthwith proceed into one of the compartments in the polling station and there secretly mark the paper and fold it up so as to conceal the vote, and must then show to the presiding officer the back of the paper, so as to disclose the number and other unique identifying mark, and put the ballot paper so folded up into the ballot box in the presiding officer's presence.

(5) The voter must vote without undue delay, and must leave the polling station as soon as the voter's ballot paper has been put into the ballot box.

(6) A voter who at the close of the poll is in the polling station, or in a queue outside the polling station, for the purposes of voting shall (despite the close of the poll) be entitled to apply for a ballot paper under paragraph (1); and these Rules apply in relation to such a voter accordingly.

Textual Amendments

F15 Words in Sch. 1 rule 37(1) substituted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(8)(a)(i) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

F16 Sch. 1 rule 37(1)(a) omitted (16.1.2023) by virtue of The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(8)(a)(ii) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

F17 Sch. 1 rule 37(1A)-(1M) inserted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(8)(b) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

F18 Words in Sch. 1 rule 37(2) omitted (16.1.2023) by virtue of The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(8)(c) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

F19 Sch. 1 rule 37(3)(a) omitted (16.1.2023) by virtue of The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(8)(d) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

Votes marked by presiding officer U.K.

38.—(1)  [F20 Subject to paragraph (1A), the] presiding officer, on the application of a voter—

(a) who is incapacitated by blindness or other disability from voting in the manner directed by these Rules, or

(b) who declares orally that he or she is unable to read,

must, in the presence of the polling agents, cause the voter's vote to be marked on a ballot paper in the manner directed by the voter, and the ballot paper to be placed in the ballot box.

[F21 (1A) Paragraphs (1A) to (1M) of rule 37 apply in the case of a voter who applies under paragraph (1) of this rule as those paragraphs apply in the case of a voter who applies under rule 37(1), but as if—

(a) references to delivering a ballot paper to a voter were to causing a voter’s vote to be marked on a ballot paper, and

(b) in rule 37(1G), the reference to paragraph (1) of rule 37 were to paragraph (1) of this rule.]

(2) The name and number on the register of electors of every voter whose vote is marked in pursuance of this rule, and the reason why it is so marked, must be entered on a list (in these Rules called “the list of votes marked by the presiding officer”).

(3) In the case of a person voting as proxy for an elector, the number to be entered together with the voter's name shall be the elector's number.

(4) In the case of a person in respect of whom a notice has been issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, paragraph (2) applies as if for “on the register of electors of every voter” there were substituted “ relating to every voter in respect of whom a notice has been issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act ”.

Textual Amendments

F20 Words in Sch. 1 rule 38(1) substituted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(9)(a) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

F21 Sch. 1 rule 38(1A) inserted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(9)(b) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

Voting by persons with disabilities U.K.

39.—(1) If a voter makes an application to the presiding officer to be allowed, on the ground of—

(a) blindness or other disability, or

(b) inability to read,

to vote with the assistance of another person by whom the voter is accompanied (in these Rules referred to as “the companion”), the presiding officer must require the voter to declare, orally or in writing, whether the voter is so incapacitated by blindness or other disability, or by inability to read, as to be unable to vote without assistance.

(2) [F22 Subject to paragraph (2A), if] the presiding officer—

(a) is satisfied that the voter is so incapacitated, and

(b) is also satisfied by a written declaration made by the companion (in these Rules referred to as “the declaration made by the companion of a voter with disabilities”) that the companion—

(i) is a qualified person within the meaning of this rule, and

(ii) has not previously assisted more than one voter with disabilities to vote at the election,

the presiding officer must grant the application, and then anything which is by these Rules required to be done to or by that voter in connection with the giving of the voter's vote may be done to, or with the assistance of, the companion.

[F23 (2A) Paragraphs (1A) to (1M) of rule 37 apply in the case of a voter who applies under paragraph (1) of this rule as those paragraphs apply in the case of a voter who applies under rule 37(1), but as if—

(a) references to delivering a ballot paper to a voter were to granting a voter’s application, and

(b) in rule 37(1G), the reference to paragraph (1) of rule 37 were to paragraph (1) of this rule.]

(3) For the purposes of these Rules—

(a) a person is a voter with disabilities if the voter has made such a declaration as is mentioned in paragraph (1), and

(b) a person shall be qualified to assist a voter with disabilities to vote if that person is [F24 aged 18 or over].

(4) Subject to paragraph (5), the name and number in the register of electors of every voter whose vote is given in accordance with this rule and the name and address of the companion must be entered on a list (in these Rules referred to as “the list of voters with disabilities assisted by companions”).

(5) In the case of a person voting as proxy for an elector, the number to be entered together with the voter's name shall be the elector's number.

(6) In the case of a person in respect of whom a notice has been issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, paragraph (4) applies as if for “in the register of electors of every voter” there were substituted “ relating to every voter in respect of whom a notice has been issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act ”.

(7) The declaration made by the companion of a voter with disabilities—

(a) must be in the appropriate form in the Appendix or a form to the like effect,

(b) must be made before the presiding officer at the time when the voter applies to vote with the assistance of the companion, and

(c) must forthwith be given to the presiding officer who must attest and retain it.

(8) No fee or other payment shall be charged in respect of the declaration.

Textual Amendments

F22 Words in Sch. 1 rule 39(2) substituted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(10)(a) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

F23 Sch. 1 rule 39(2A) inserted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(10)(b) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

F24 Words in Sch. 1 rule 39(3)(b) substituted (29.12.2022) by The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1309), regs. 1(3), 13(2)(a)(ii) (with reg. 1(4))

Tendered ballot papers—circumstances where available U.K.

40.—(1) If a person, representing themself to be—

(a) a particular elector named on the register and not named in the absent voters list, or

(b) a particular person named in the list of proxies as proxy for an elector and not entitled to vote by post as proxy,

applies for a ballot paper after another person has voted in person either as the elector or his proxy, the applicant shall, on satisfactorily answering the questions permitted by law to be asked at the poll, be entitled, subject to the provisions of rule 41, to mark a ballot paper (in these Rules referred to as “a tendered ballot paper”) in the same manner as any other voter.

(2) Paragraph (4) applies if—

(a) a person (P) applies for a ballot paper representing themself to be a particular elector named on the register,

(b) P is also named in the postal voters list, and

(c) P claims that P did not make an application to vote by post at the election.

(3) Paragraph (4) also applies if—

(a) a person (P) applies for a ballot paper representing themself to be a particular person named as a proxy in the list of proxies,

(b) P is also named in the proxy postal voters list, and

(c) P claims that they did not make an application to vote by post as proxy.

(4) P shall, on satisfactorily answering the questions permitted by law to be asked at the poll, be entitled, subject to the provisions of rule 41, to mark a ballot paper (in these Rules referred to as a “tendered ballot paper”) in the same manner as any other voter.

(5) Paragraph (6) applies if, before the close of the poll but after the last time at which a person may apply for a replacement postal ballot paper, a person represents themself to be—

(a) a particular elector named on the register who is also named in the postal voters list, or

(b) a particular person named as a proxy in the list of proxies and who is also named in the proxy postal voters list,

and claims to have lost or not received the postal ballot paper.

(6) The person shall, on satisfactorily answering the questions permitted by law to be asked at the poll, be entitled, subject to the provisions of rule 41, to mark a ballot paper (in these Rules referred to as a “tendered ballot paper”) in the same manner as any other voter.

[F25 (7) Paragraphs (1A) to (1M) of rule 37 apply in the case of a person who seeks to mark a tendered ballot paper under this rule as they apply in the case of a voter who applies for a ballot paper under rule 37(1), but as if, in rule 37(1G) the reference to making a further application under paragraph (1) of rule 37 were to seeking a further time to mark a tendered ballot paper under the paragraph of this rule under which the first such attempt was made.]

Textual Amendments

F25 Sch. 1 rule 40(7) inserted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(11) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

Tendered ballot papers—general provisions U.K.

41.—(1) A tendered ballot paper must—

(a) be of a colour differing from that of the other ballot papers,

(b) instead of being put into the ballot box, be given to the presiding officer and endorsed by the presiding officer with the name of the voter and the voter's number in the register of electors, and set aside in a separate packet.

(2) The name of the voter and the voter's number in the register of electors must be entered on a list (in these Rules referred to as the “tendered votes list”).

(3) In the case of a person voting as proxy for an elector, the number to be endorsed or entered together with the voter's name shall be the number of that elector.

(4) In the case of an elector who has an anonymous entry, this rule and rule 40 apply subject to the following modifications—

(a) in paragraphs (1)(b) and (2) above, the references to the name of the voter shall be ignored,

(b) otherwise, a reference to a person named on a register or list shall be construed as a reference to a person whose number appears in the register or list (as the case may be).

(5) In the case of a person in respect of whom a notice has been issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, this rule and rule 40 shall apply as if—

(a) in rule 40(1)(a), (2)(a) and (5)(a), for “named on the register” there were substituted “ in respect of whom a notice under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act has been issued ”,

(b) in paragraph (1)(b) of this rule for “the voter's number in the register of electors” there were substituted “ the number relating the voter on a notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act ”,

(c) in paragraph (2) of this rule, for “the voter's number in the register of electors” there were substituted “ the number relating to the voter on a notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act ”.

[F26 Refusal to deliver ballot paper U.K.

41A.— (1) Where a presiding officer refuses to deliver a ballot paper to a voter who applied for one as an elector, the officer or a clerk must enter on the ballot paper refusal list—

(a) the voter’s electoral number, and

(b) against that number, the reason for the refusal.

(2) Where a presiding officer refuses to deliver a ballot paper to a voter who applied for one as a proxy, the officer or a clerk must enter on the ballot paper refusal list—

(a) the name and address of the voter, and

(b) against those details, the reason for the refusal.

(3) Paragraphs (4) and (5) apply where—

(a) a presiding officer refuses to deliver a ballot paper to a voter under rule 37(1E), and

(b) the voter makes a further application as permitted by rule 37(1G).

(4) If a ballot paper is delivered to the voter following that application, the presiding officer or a clerk must note that fact on the ballot paper refusal list.

(5) If the presiding officer again refuses to deliver a ballot paper to the voter, the presiding officer or a clerk must note that fact on the ballot paper refusal list.

(6) Entries required by this rule to be made on the ballot paper refusal list must be made as soon as practicable after delivery of a ballot paper to a voter is refused (or, in the case mentioned in paragraph (4), as soon as practicable after the delivery of a ballot paper to a voter).

(7) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), a person’s “electoral number” is the number—

(a) allocated to the person as stated in the copy of the register of electors, or

(b) where an entry relating to the person is added to the register in pursuance of a notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, as stated in the copy of that notice.

(8) Subject to rule 37(1G) and paragraph (9), a refusal to deliver a ballot paper to a voter is final and may not be questioned in any proceeding whatsoever.

(9) A refusal to deliver a ballot paper to a voter is subject to review on an election petition.

(10) In this rule—

(a) except in paragraph (3)(a), any reference to the refusal to deliver a ballot paper (however expressed) is to the refusal to do so under rule 35(3) or 37(1E), and

(b) any reference to paragraph (1E) or (1G) of rule 37 includes a reference to that paragraph as applied by rule 38, 39 or 40.

Textual Amendments

F26 Sch. 1 rules 41A, 41B inserted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(12) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

Collection and disclosure of information relating to applications made under rules 37 to 40 U.K.

41B.— (1) This rule applies in relation to an election to which the Secretary of State’s duty under section 59A(4) of the 1983 Act (reports on voter identification requirements in respect of local government elections) applies by virtue of subsection (5A) of that section.

(2) The presiding officer must—

(a) collect the information described in regulation 34 of the Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (collection of information by presiding officer) relating to applications made under rules 37(1), 38(1), 39(1) or 40(1), and

(b) provide that information to the returning officer as soon as practicable after the close of the poll.

(3) The returning officer must forward the information to the relevant registration officer.

(4) As soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the information the relevant registration officer must—

(a) anonymise the information by removing from it all names and electoral numbers of the people to whom the information relates, and

(b) collate the information in accordance with regulation 35 of the Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (collation of information by relevant registration officer).

The information as anonymised and collated in accordance with this paragraph is referred to in the rest of this rule as “the paragraph (4) information”.

(5) The relevant registration officer must provide the paragraph (4) information—

(a) to the Secretary of State, as soon as reasonably practicable after taking the steps required by paragraph (4), and

(b) where they request the information, to the Electoral Commission.

(6) The relevant registration officer must not disclose the paragraph (4) information otherwise than in accordance with paragraph (5).

(7) The relevant registration officer must retain the information anonymised in accordance with paragraph (4)(a) for at least 10 years.

(8) For the purpose of paragraph (4)(a), a person’s “electoral number” is the number—

(a) allocated to the person as stated in the copy of the register of electors, or

(b) where an entry relating to the person is added to the register in pursuance of a notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, as stated in the copy of that notice.

(9) Except as provided by paragraph (10), a disclosure of information under this rule does not breach—

(a) any obligation of confidence owed by the presiding officer, the returning officer or a registration officer, or

(b) any other restriction on the disclosure of information (however imposed).

(10) Nothing in this rule authorises the making of a disclosure that contravenes the data protection legislation (but in determining whether a disclosure would do so, the duties imposed by paragraphs (2) and (3) are to be taken into account).

(11) In this rule—

(a) “the data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018;

(b) references to the relevant registration officer are to the registration officer of the constituent council in relation to whose area the returning officer exercises functions under this Order.]

Textual Amendments

F26 Sch. 1 rules 41A, 41B inserted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(12) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

Spoilt ballot papers U.K.

42.  A voter who has inadvertently dealt with the ballot paper in such manner that it cannot be conveniently used as a ballot paper may, on delivering it to the presiding officer and proving to the officer's satisfaction the fact of the inadvertence, obtain another ballot paper in the place of the ballot paper so delivered (in these Rules referred to as “ a spoilt ballot paper”), and the spoilt ballot paper must be immediately cancelled.

Correction of errors on day of poll U.K.

43.  The presiding officer must keep a list of persons to whom ballot papers are delivered in consequence of an alteration to the register made by virtue of section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act which takes effect on the day of the poll.

Adjournment of poll in case of riot U.K.

44.—(1) Where the proceedings at any polling station are interrupted or obstructed by riot or open violence, the presiding officer must adjourn the proceedings till the following day and must forthwith give notice to the returning officer.

(2) Where the poll is adjourned at any polling station—

(a) the hours of polling on the day to which it is adjourned must be the same as for the original day, and

(b) references in these Rules to the close of the poll shall be construed accordingly.

Procedure on close of poll U.K.

45.—(1) As soon as practicable after the close of the poll, the presiding officer must, in the presence of the polling agents, make up into separate packets, sealed with the presiding officer's own seal and the seals of such polling agents as desire to affix their seals—

(a) each ballot box in use at the station, sealed so as to prevent the introduction of additional ballot papers and unopened, but with the key, if any, attached,

(b) the unused and spoilt ballot papers placed together,

(c) the tendered ballot papers,

(d) the marked copies of the register of electors (including any marked copy notices issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act) and of the list of proxies,

[F27 (da) the ballot paper refusal list completed in accordance with rule 41A,]

(e) the lists prepared under rule 19 including the parts which were completed in accordance with rule 37(1)(b) (together referred to in these Rules as “the completed corresponding number lists”),

(f) the certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll,

(g) the tendered votes list, the list of voters with disabilities assisted by companions, the list of votes marked by the presiding officer, a statement of the number of voters whose votes are so marked by the presiding officer under the heads “disability” and “unable to read”, the list maintained under rule 43 (correction of errors on day of poll), and the declarations made by the companions of voters with disabilities,

and must deliver the packets or cause them to be delivered to the returning officer to be taken charge of by the returning officer; but if the packets are not delivered by the presiding officer personally to the returning officer, the arrangements for their delivery shall require the returning officer's approval.

(2) The marked copies of the register of electors and of the list of proxies must be in one packet but must not be in the same packet as the completed corresponding number lists or the certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll.

(3) The packets must be accompanied by a statement (in these Rules referred to as “the ballot paper account”) made by the presiding officer showing the number of ballot papers entrusted to the presiding officer, and accounting for them under the heads—

(a) ballot papers issued and not otherwise accounted for,

(b) unused ballot papers,

(c) spoilt ballot papers and

(d) tendered ballot papers.

Textual Amendments

F27 Sch. 1 rule 45(1)(da) inserted (16.1.2023) by The Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1382), regs. 1(3), 94(13) (with reg. 1(6)(7))

Attendance at verification U.K.

46.—(1) The returning officer must make arrangements for the verification of the ballot paper accounts in the presence of the counting agents as soon as practicable after the close of the poll.

(2) The returning officer must give to the counting agents notice in writing of the time and place at which the verification of the ballot paper accounts will begin.

(3) No person other than—

(a) the returning officer and the returning officer's clerks,

(b) the candidates and one other person chosen by each of them,

(c) the election agents,

(d) the counting agents,

(e) persons who are entitled to attend by virtue of any of sections 6A to 6D of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000,

(f) the combined authority returning officer and the combined authority returning officer's clerks,

may be present at the verification of the ballot papers, unless permitted by the returning officer to attend.

(4) A person not entitled to attend at the verification of the ballot papers shall not be permitted to do so by the returning officer unless the returning officer—

(a) is satisfied that the efficient counting of the votes will not be impeded, and

(b) has either consulted the election agents or thought it impracticable to do so.

(5) The returning officer must give the counting agents all such reasonable facilities for overseeing the proceedings, and all such information with respect to them, as the returning officer can give them consistently with the orderly conduct of the proceedings and the discharge of the returning officer's duties in connection with them.

Procedure at verification of ballot paper accounts U.K.

47.—(1) The returning officer must, in the presence of the counting agents—

(a) open each ballot box and count and record the number of ballot papers in it,

(b) verify each ballot paper account,

(c) count such of the postal ballot papers as have been duly returned and record the number counted.

(2) A postal ballot paper must not be taken to be duly returned unless—

(a) it is returned in the manner set out in paragraph (3) and reaches the returning officer or any polling station in the local authority area for which the returning officer acts before the close of the poll, and

(b) the postal voting statement, duly signed, is also returned in the manner set out in paragraph (3) and reaches the returning officer or such a polling station before that time,

(c) the postal voting statement also states the date of birth of the elector or proxy (as the case may be), and

(d) in a case where steps for verifying the date of birth and signature of an elector or proxy have been prescribed by regulations made under the 1983 Act, the returning officer (having taken such steps) verifies the date of birth and signature of the elector or proxy (as the case may be).

(3) The manner in which any postal ballot paper or postal voting statement may be returned—

(a) to the returning officer, is by hand or by post,

(b) to a polling station, is by hand.

(4) A postal ballot paper or postal voting statement that reaches the returning officer or a polling station on or after the close of the poll is treated for the purposes of this rule as reaching that officer or polling station before the close of the poll if it is delivered by a person who, at the close of the poll, is in the polling station, or in a queue outside the polling station, for the purpose of returning it.

(5) The returning officer, while counting and recording the number of ballot papers, must keep the ballot papers with their faces upwards and take all proper precautions for preventing any person from seeing the numbers or other unique identifying marks printed on the back of the papers.

(6) Unless otherwise directed by the combined authority returning officer, the returning officer must determine the hours during which the procedure under this this rule is to be carried out and must take proper precautions for the security of the ballot papers and documents.

(7) The returning officer (R) must verify each ballot paper account by comparing it with the number of ballot papers recorded by R, and the unused and spoilt ballot papers in R's possession and the tendered votes list (opening and resealing the packets containing the unused and spoilt ballot papers and the tendered votes list) and must draw up a provisional statement as to the result of the verification, which any election agent may copy.

(8) As soon as practicable after the returning officer has drawn up the statement as to the result of the verification, the returning officer must inform the combined authority returning officer of its contents.

Additional steps: verification and count carried out at different places U.K.

48.—(1) This rule applies where the votes at an election are to be counted at a place other than that at which the procedures for the verification of the ballot paper accounts are carried out.

(2) The returning officer must on completing the procedure under rule 47—

(a) make up into packets the ballot papers and the postal ballot papers for the election and seal them up into containers endorsing on each the description of the voting area to which those ballot papers relate; and

(b) deliver or cause to be delivered to the place at which the counting of the votes is to be carried out—

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

(ii) the ballot paper accounts together with a copy of the statement as to the result of their verification.

(3) If the packets are not delivered by the returning officer personally, their delivery must be in accordance with arrangements approved by the combined authority returning officer.

(4) The combined authority returning officer may give a returning officer directions which, once the packets have been delivered to the place where the votes at the election are to be counted, require the returning officer to take specified steps for the carrying out of further specified verification procedures in relation to the ballot papers and other documents relating to the election.

(5) In paragraph (4), “specified” means specified by the combined authority F28 ... returning officer in directions given under that paragraph.

Textual Amendments

F28 Word in Sch. 1 rule 48(5) omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(4) (with art. 1(2))

Attendance at the count U.K.

49.—(1) The returning officer must make arrangements for counting the votes in the presence of the counting agents as soon as practicable after the close of the poll, and must give to the counting agents notice in writing of the time and place—

(a) at which the returning officer will begin to count the votes, F29 ...

F29 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) No person other than—

(a) the returning officer and the returning officer's clerks,

(b) the candidates and one other person chosen by each of them,

(c) the election agents,

(d) the counting agents,

(e) persons who are entitled to attend by virtue of any of sections 6A to 6D of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000,

(f) the combined authority returning officer and the combined authority returning officer's clerks,

may be present at the counting of the votes, unless permitted by the returning officer to attend.

(3) A person not entitled to attend at the counting of the votes shall not be permitted to do so by the returning officer unless the returning officer—

(a) is satisfied that the efficient counting of the votes will not be impeded, and

(b) has either consulted the election agents or thought it impracticable to do so.

(4) The returning officer must give the counting agents all such reasonable facilities for overseeing the proceedings, and all such information with respect to them, as the returning officer can give them consistently with the orderly conduct of the proceedings and the discharge of the returning officer's duties in connection with them.

(5) In particular, where the votes are counted by sorting the ballot papers according to the candidate for whom the vote is given and then counting the number of ballot papers for each candidate, the counting agents shall be entitled to satisfy themselves that the ballot papers are correctly sorted.

Textual Amendments

F29 Sch. 1 rule 49(1)(b) and word omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(5) (with art. 1(2))

The F30 ... count U.K.

50.—(1) Where the containers referred to in rule 48 are delivered to the place where the counting of votes is to be carried out, the returning officer must open in the presence of the counting agents all the packets of ballot papers other than those containing unused, spoilt or tendered ballot papers.

(2) The returning officer must not count the votes given on any ballot papers until—

(a) in the case of postal ballot papers, they have been mixed with the ballot papers from at least one ballot box, and

(b) in the case of ballot papers from a ballot box, they have been mixed with the ballot papers from at least one other ballot box.

[F31 (3) The returning officer shall then count the votes given on them.]

(4) The returning officer must not count any tendered ballot paper.

(5) The returning officer, while counting the votes, must keep the ballot papers with their faces upwards and take all proper precautions for preventing any person from seeing the numbers or other unique identifying marks printed on the back of the papers.

(6) The returning officer must so far as practicable proceed continuously with counting the votes, allowing only time for refreshment, except that the returning officer may exclude the hours between 7 in the evening and 9 on the following morning.

(7) During the time so excluded the returning officer must—

(a) place the ballot papers and other documents relating to the election under the returning officer's own seal and the seals of such of the counting agents as desire to affix their seals, and

(b) otherwise take proper precautions for the security of the papers and documents.

Textual Amendments

F30 Word in Sch. 1 rule 50 heading omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(6)(a) (with art. 1(2))

F31 Sch. 1 rule 50(3) substituted (13.12.2022) by The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(6)(b) (with art. 1(2))

Rejected ballot papers U.K.

51.—(1) Any ballot paper—

(a) which does not bear the official mark, or

(b) on which more than one F32 ... vote is given, or

(c) on which anything is written or marked by which the voter can be identified except the printed number and other unique identifying mark on the back, or

(d) which is unmarked or void for uncertainty F33 ...,

shall, subject to paragraph (2), be void and not counted.

(2) A ballot paper on which the vote is marked—

(a) elsewhere than in the proper place, or

(b) otherwise than by means of a cross, or

(c) by more than one mark,

shall not for such reason be deemed to be void if—

F34 (i) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii) F35 ... an intention that a vote shall be for one only of the candidates clearly appears,

and F36 ... the way the paper is marked does not itself identify the voter and it is not shown that he can be identified by it.

F37 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) The returning officer must endorse the word “rejected” on any ballot paper which under this rule is not to be counted, and shall add to the endorsement the words “rejection objected to” if any objection is made to the returning officer's decision by a counting agent.

(5) The returning officer must draw up a provisional statement showing the number of ballot papers rejected, under the several heads of—

(a) want of official mark,

(b) voting for more than one candidate F38 ...,

(c) writing or mark by which the voter could be identified, and

(d) unmarked or void for uncertainty F39 ....

(6) As soon as practicable after the completion of that statement, the returning officer shall inform the combined authority returning officer of its contents.

F40 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F32 Words in Sch. 1 rule 51(1)(b) omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(7)(a) (with art. 1(2))

F33 Words in Sch. 1 rule 51(1)(d) omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(7)(b) (with art. 1(2))

F34 Sch. 1 rule 51(2)(i) omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(7)(c) (with art. 1(2))

F35 Words in Sch. 1 rule 51(2)(ii) omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(7)(d) (with art. 1(2))

F36 Words in Sch. 1 rule 51(2) omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(7)(e) (with art. 1(2))

F37 Sch. 1 rule 51(3) omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(7)(f) (with art. 1(2))

F38 Words in Sch. 1 rule 51(5)(b) omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(7)(g) (with art. 1(2))

F39 Words in Sch. 1 rule 51(5)(d) omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(7)(g) (with art. 1(2))

F40 Sch. 1 rule 51(7) omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(7)(h) (with art. 1(2))

Decisions on ballot papers U.K.

52.  The decision of the returning officer on any question arising in respect of a ballot paper shall be final, but shall be subject to review on an election petition.

Re-count U.K.

53.—(1) A candidate, the candidate's election agent or the counting agent designated under rule 29(3) may, if present when the counting or any re-count of the votes F41 ... is completed, require the returning officer to have the votes re-counted or again re-counted but the returning officer may refuse to do so if in the returning officer's opinion the request is unreasonable.

(2) No step shall be taken on the completion of the counting or any re-count of votesF42 ... until the candidates and election agents present at its completion have been given a reasonable opportunity to exercise the right conferred by this rule.

Textual Amendments

F41 Words in Sch. 1 rule 53(1) omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(8) (with art. 1(2))

F42 Words in Sch. 1 rule 53(2) omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(8) (with art. 1(2))

Procedure at conclusion of F43 ... count U.K.

54.— [F44 (1) As soon as practicable after the conclusion of the count (including any re-count), the returning officer must draw up a provisional statement showing—

(a) the total number of ballot papers used,

(b) the total number of rejected ballot papers, and

(c) the number of votes given for each candidate.]

(2) As soon as practicable after completion of the statement, the returning officer must—

(a) inform such of the candidates and their election agents as are then present of the contents of the statements prepared in accordance with rule 51(5) and paragraph (1) of this rule, and

(b) as soon as practicable, inform the combined authority returning officer of the contents of those statements.

Textual Amendments

F43 Word in Sch. 1 rule 54 heading omitted (13.12.2022) by virtue of The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(9)(a) (with art. 1(2))

F44 Sch. 1 rule 54(1) substituted (13.12.2022) by The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (Amendment) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1353), arts. 1(1)(c), 3(9)(b) (with art. 1(2))