{
  "url": "https://openlegislation.uk/draft-northern-ireland-assembly-elections-order-2001/schedule-1n2",
  "json_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/draft-northern-ireland-assembly-elections-order-2001/schedule-1n2.json",
  "legislation": "ukdsi/2001/0110296362",
  "legislation_title": "Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) Order 2001",
  "legislation_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/draft-northern-ireland-assembly-elections-order-2001",
  "path": "schedule/1n2",
  "kind": "schedule",
  "number": "1",
  "heading": "(PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS RULES)",
  "text": "Rule 1 (timetable).\nFor the Timetable substitute:\n“TIMETABLE\nProceeding\nTime\nPublication of notice of election.\nNot later than the 25th day before the date of the poll.\nDelivery of nomination papers.\nBetween the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the 17th and 16th days before the date of the poll.\nDelivery of notices of withdrawals of candidature.\nWithin the time for the delivery of nomination papers at the election.\nThe making of objections to nomination papers.\nDuring the hours allowed for delivery of nomination papers and, on the 16th day before the date of the poll, the hour following:\nthe foregoing provisions do not apply to objections made in pursuance of rule 15(2) below.\nPublication of statement of persons nominated.\nAt the close of the time for making objections to nomination papers or as soon afterwards as any objections are disposed of.\nPolling.\nBetween the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. on the day of the poll.”.\nRule 2 (computation of time)\nFor paragraph (2) substitute:\n“(2) In this rule “bank holiday” means a day which is a bank holiday under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 in Northern Ireland.”.\nRule 5 (notice of election)\nRule 6 (nomination of candidates)\nin paragraph (3)(b), omit the words from “or, where” to the end.\nRule 6A (nomination papers: name of registered political party)\nRule 7 (subscription of nomination paper)\nIn paragraph (5), for the words from “than one nomination” to “delivered” substitute “nomination papers at the same election than there are vacancies to be filled and, if he does, his signature shall be inoperative on any paper other than the papers first delivered up to the number of vacancies”.\nRule 8 (consent to nomination)\nIn paragraph (3)(b), for the words “the House of Commons Disqualification” substitute “the Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification” and for the words “House of Commons” substitute “Assembly”.\nAfter rule 8 insert the following rule:\n“Substitutes\n8A —\n(1) During the time for the delivery of nomination papers, a candidate may give to the returning officer a notice in accordance with paragraph (2) below.\n(2) Such a notice shall—\n(a) be signed by the candidate,\n(b) set out the names and addresses of not more than six persons to act as a substitute for him and indicating, where more than one person is so named, his order of preference.\n(3) A substitute is a person who, in the event of the candidate being returned at the election but the seat of that candidate falling vacant, is returned in place of that candidate as a member of the Assembly.\n(4) Where a candidate submits more than one notice under this rule without cancelling any other notice, each notice shall be void.\n(5) This rule does not apply at a by-election.”.\nRule 9 (deposit)\nIn paragraph (1), for “£500” substitute “£150”.\nIn rule 10 (place for delivery of nomination papers), paragraph (1)\nRule 11 (right to attend nomination)\nRule 12 (decisions as to validity of nomination papers)\nRule 13 (withdrawal of candidates)\nRule 14 (publication of statement of persons nominated)\nRule 15 (disqualification by Representation of the People Act 1981)\nRule 16 (adjournment of nomination proceedings in case of riot)\nRule 17 (method of election)\nIn paragraph (1), for the words “than one person standing nominated” substitute “persons standing nominated than there are members to be elected”.\nIn paragraph (2), for the words “only one person standing nominated, that person” substitute “a number of persons standing nominated which is equal to, or less than, the number of members to be elected, those persons”.\nRule 18 (poll to be taken by ballot)\nFor the words from “result” to the end of the rule, substitute “votes given to each candidate shall be counted and the result of the poll determined in accordance with rules 44A to 44M of these rules”.\nRule 19 (the ballot papers)\nRule 20 (the official mark)\nRule 21 (prohibition of disclosure of vote)\nRule 22 (use of schools and public rooms)\nIn paragraphs (1) and (2) after the word “poll” insert “or counting the votes”.\nRule 23 (notice of poll)\nRule 24 (postal ballot papers)\nRule 25 (provision of polling stations)\nRule 26 (appointment of presiding officers and clerks)\nRule 28 (issue of official poll cards)\nRule 29 (equipment of polling stations)\nIn paragraph (5) for the words from “the notice” to the end substitute “the notice set out in the Appendix”.\nRule 30 (appointment of polling and counting agents)\nRule 31 (notification of requirement of secrecy)\nRule 32 (admission to polling station)\nRule 33 (keeping of order in station)\nRule 34 (sealing of ballot boxes)\nRule 35 (questions to be put to voters)\nRule 36 (challenge of voter)\nRule 37 (voting procedure)\nIn paragraph (1E)(b) for the words from “the United” to the end substitute “a Member State of the European Community”.\nOmit paragraph (1F).\nFor paragraph (2), substitute:\n“(2) The voter, on receiving the ballot paper, shall forthwith proceed into one of the compartments in the polling station and there shall—\n(a) secretly record his vote by placing on the ballot paper “1” opposite the name of the candidate of his first choice and, if he wishes, by placing “2” opposite the name of the candidate of his second choice, “3” opposite the name of the candidate of his third choice and so on in the order of his preference;\n(b) fold the paper so that his vote is concealed;\n(c) show to the presiding officer the back of the paper so as to disclose the official mark; and\n(d) put the folded paper into the ballot box in the presence of the presiding officer.”.\nRule 38 (votes marked by presiding officer)\nIn paragraph (1) for the words “vote to be marked on a ballot paper” substitute “ballot paper to be marked”.\nRule 39 (voting by persons with disabilities)\nRule 40 (tendered ballot papers)\nRule 40A (refusal to deliver ballot paper)\nRule 41 (spoilt ballot papers)\nRule 42 (adjournment of poll in case of riot)\nRule 43 (procedure on close of poll)\nRule 44 (attendance at counting of votes)\nOmit paragraph (5).\nAfter rule 44 insert the following rules:\n“Interpretation of rules 44B to 44M\n44A In rules 44B to 44M below—\n“continuing candidate” means any candidate not deemed to be elected and not excluded;\n“count” means all the operations involved in the counting of the first preferences recorded for candidates, the transfer of the surpluses of elected candidates, and the transfer of the votes of excluded candidates;\n“deemed to be elected” means deemed to be elected for the purposes of the counting of votes but without prejudice to the declaration of the result of the poll;\n“mark” means a figure, a word written in the English language or a mark such as “X”;\n“non-transferable vote” means a ballot paper—\n(a) on which no second or subsequent preference is recorded for a continuing candidate, or\n(b) which is excluded by the returning officer under rule 44G(4) below;\n“preference” as used in the following contexts has the meaning assigned below—\n(a) “first preference” means the figure “1” or any mark or word which clearly indicates a first (or only) preference;\n(b) “next available preference” means a preference which is the second or, as the case may be, subsequent preference recorded in consecutive order for a continuing candidate (any candidate who is deemed to be elected or is excluded thereby being ignored), and\n(c) in this context, a “second preference” is shown by the figure “2” or any mark or word which clearly indicates a second preference, a third preference by the figure “3” or any mark or word which clearly indicates a third preference, and so on;\n“quota” means the number calculated in accordance with rule 44E below;\n“surplus” means the number of votes by which the total number of votes for any candidate (whether first preference or transferred votes, or a combination of both) exceeds the quota; but, references in these rules to the transfer of the surplus means the transfer (at a transfer value) of all transferable papers from the candidate who has the surplus;\n“stage of the count” means—\n(a) the determination of the first preference vote for each candidate; or\n(b) the transfer of a surplus of a candidate deemed to be elected; or\n(c) the exclusion of one or more candidates at any given time;\n“transferable paper” means a ballot paper on which, following a first preference, a second or subsequent preference is recorded in consecutive numerical order for a continuing candidate;\n“transferred vote” means a vote derived from a ballot paper on which a second or subsequent preference is recorded for the candidate to whom that paper has been transferred;\n“transfer value” means the value of a transferred vote calculated in accordance with paragraph (4) or (7) of rule 44F below.\nPreliminary proceedings and conduct of the count\n44B —\n(1) The returning officer shall—\n(a) in the presence of the counting agents open each ballot box and count and record the number of ballot papers in it;\n(b) in the presence of the election agents verify each ballot paper account; and\n(c) count such of the postal ballot papers as have been duly returned and record the number counted.\n(2) The returning officer shall not count the votes given on any ballot papers until—\n(a) in the case of the postal ballot papers, they have been mixed with the ballot papers from at least one ballot box; and\n(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.\n(3) A postal ballot paper shall not be deemed to be duly returned unless it is returned in the proper envelope so as to reach the returning officer before the close of the poll and is accompanied by the declaration of identity duly signed and authenticated.\n(4) The returning officer shall not count any tendered ballot paper.\n(5) The returning officer, while counting and recording the number of ballot papers and counting the votes, shall keep the ballot papers with their faces upwards and take all proper precautions for preventing any person from seeing the numbers printed on the back of the papers.\n(6) The returning officer shall verify each ballot paper account by comparing it with the number of ballot papers recorded by him, and the unused and spoilt papers in his possession and the tendered votes list (opening and resealing the packets containing the unused and spoilt ballot papers and the tendered votes list) and shall draw up a statement as to the result of the verification, which any election agent may copy.\n(7) The returning officer shall so far as practicable proceed continuously with counting the votes, allowing only time for refreshment, except that he may, in so far as he and the agents agree, exclude the hours between 7 in the evening and 9 on the following morning.\nFor the purposes of this exception the agreement of a candidate or his election agent shall be as effective as the agreement of his counting agents.\n(8) During the time so excluded the returning officer shall—\n(a) place the ballot papers and other documents relating to the election under his own seal and the seals of such of the counting agents as desire to affix their seals; and\n(b) otherwise take proper precautions for the security of the papers and documents.\nRejected ballot papers\n44C —\n(1) Any ballot paper—\n(a) which does not bear the official mark; or\n(b) on which the figure “1” standing alone is not placed so as to indicate a first preference for any candidate; or\n(c) on which the figure “1” standing alone indicating a first preference is set opposite the name of more than one candidate; or\n(d) on which anything (other than the printed number of the back) is written or marked by which the voter can be identified; or\n(e) which is unmarked or void for uncertainty,\nshall be void and not counted, but the ballot paper shall not be void by reason only of carrying the words “one”, “two”, “three”, (and so on) or any other mark instead of a figure if, in the opinion of the returning officer, the word or mark clearly indicates a preference or preferences.\n(2) The returning officer shall endorse “Rejected” on any ballot paper which under this rule is not to be counted and if an election agent objects to his decision shall add to the endorsement the words “rejection objected to”.\n(3) The returning officer shall prepare a statement showing the number of ballot papers rejected by him under each of sub-paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) of paragraph (1) above and shall, on request, allow any candidate or agent to copy that statement.\n(4) 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.\nFirst stage\n44D —\n(1) The returning officer shall sort the ballot papers into parcels according to the candidates for whom first preference votes are given.\n(2) The returning officer shall then count the number of first preference votes given on ballot papers for each candidate and shall record those numbers.\n(3) The returning officer shall also ascertain and record the number of valid ballot papers.\nThe quota\n44E —\n(1) The returning officer shall divide the number of valid ballot papers by a number exceeding by one the number of members to be elected.\n(2) The result, increased by one, of the division under paragraph (1) above (any fraction being disregarded) shall be the number of votes sufficient to secure the election of a candidate (in these rules referred to as “the quota”).\n(3) At any stage of the count a candidate whose total votes equals or exceeds the quota shall be deemed to be elected, except that at any election where there is only one vacancy a candidate shall not be deemed to be elected until the procedure set out in paragraphs (1) to (3) of rule 44H below has been complied.\nTransfer of votes\n44F —\n(1) Where the number of first preference votes for any candidate exceeds the quota, the returning officer shall sort all the ballot papers on which first preference votes are given for that candidate into sub-parcels so that they are grouped—\n(a) according to next available preference given on those papers for any continuing candidate, or\n(b) where no such preference is given, as the sub-parcel of non-transferable votes.\n(2) The returning officer shall count the number of ballot papers in each parcel referred to in paragraph (1) above.\n(3) The returning officer shall, in accordance with this rule and rule 44G below, transfer each sub-parcel of ballot papers referred to in paragraph (1)(a) above to the candidate for whom the next available preference is given on those papers.\n(4) The vote on each ballot paper transferred under paragraph (3) above shall be at a value (“the transfer value”) which—\n(a) reduces the value of each vote transferred so that the total value of all such votes does not exceed the surplus; and\n(b) is calculated by dividing the surplus of the candidate from whom the votes are being transferred by the total number of the ballot papers on which those votes are given, the calculation being made to two decimal places (ignoring the remainder if any).\n(5) Where at the end of any stage of the count involving the transfer of ballot papers, the number of votes for any candidate exceeds the quota, the returning officer shall sort the ballot papers in the sub-parcel of transferred votes which was last received by that candidate into separate sub-parcels so that they are grouped—\n(a) according to the next available preference given on those papers for any continuing candidate, or\n(b) where no such preference is given, as the sub-parcel of non-transferable votes.\n(6) The returning officer shall, in accordance with this rule and rule 44G below, transfer each sub-parcel of ballot papers referred to in paragraph (5)(a) above to the candidate for whom the next available preference is given on those papers.\n(7) The vote on each ballot paper transferred under paragraph (6) shall be at—\n(a) a transfer value calculated as set out in paragraph (4)(b) above, or\n(b) at the value at which that vote was received by the candidate from whom it is now being transferred,\nwhichever is the less.\n(8) Each transfer of a surplus constitutes a stage in the count.\n(9) Subject to paragraph (10) below, the returning officer shall proceed to transfer transferable papers until no candidate who is deemed to be elected has a surplus or all the vacancies have been filled.\n(10) Transferable papers shall not be liable to be transferred where any surplus or surpluses which, at a particular stage of the count, have not already been transferred, are—\n(a) less than the difference between the total vote then credited to the continuing candidate with the lowest recorded vote and the vote of the candidate with the next lowest recorded vote, or\n(b) less than the difference between the total votes of the two or more continuing candidates, credited at that stage of the count with the lowest recorded total numbers of votes and the candidate next above such candidates.\n(11) This rule shall not apply at an election where there is only one vacancy.\nSupplementary provisions on transfer\n44G —\n(1) If, at any stage of the count, two or more candidates have surpluses, the transferable papers of the candidate with the highest surplus shall be transferred first, and if—\n(a) the surpluses determined in respect of two or more candidates are equal, the transferable papers of the candidate who had the highest recorded vote at the earliest preceding stage at which they had unequal votes, shall be transferred first, and\n(b) the votes credited to two or more candidates were equal at all stages of the count, the returning officer shall decide between those candidates by lot and the transferable papers of the candidate on whom the lot fall shall be transferred first.\n(2) The returning officer shall, on each transfer of transferable papers under rule 44F above—\n(a) record the total value of the votes transferred to each candidate;\n(b) add that value to the previous total of votes recorded for each candidate and record the new total;\n(c) record as non-transferable votes the difference between the surplus and the total transfer value of the transferred votes and add that difference to the previously recorded total of non-transferable votes, and\n(d) compare—\n(i) the total number of votes then recorded for all of the candidates, together with the total number of non-transferable votes, with\n(ii) the recorded total of valid first preference votes.\n(3) All ballot papers transferred under rule 44F above or 44H below shall be clearly marked, either individually or as a sub-parcel, so as to indicate the transfer value recorded at that time to each vote on that paper or, as the case may be, all the papers in that sub-parcel.\n(4) Where a ballot paper is so marked that it is unclear to the returning officer at any stage of the count under rule 44F or 44H for which candidate the next preference is recorded, the returning officer shall treat any vote on that ballot paper as a non-transferable vote; and votes on a ballot paper shall be so treated where, for example, the names of two or more candidates (whether continuing candidates or not) are so marked that, in the opinion of the returning officer, the same order of preference is indicated or the numerical sequence is broken.\nExclusion of candidates\n44H —\n(1) If—\n(a) all transferable papers which under the provisions of rule 44F above (including that rule as applied by paragraph (11) below) and this rule are required to be transferred, have been transferred, and\n(b) subject to rule 44J below, one or more vacancies remain to be filled,\nthe returning officer shall exclude from the election at that stage the candidate with the then lowest vote (or, where paragraph (12) below applies, the candidates with the then lowest votes).\n(2) The returning officer shall sort all the ballot papers on which first preference votes are given for the candidate or candidates excluded under paragraph (1) above into two sub-parcels so that they are grouped as—\n(a) ballot papers on which a next available preference is given, and\n(b) ballot papers on which no such preference is given (thereby including ballot papers on which preferences are given only for candidates who are deemed to be elected or are excluded).\n(3) The returning officer shall, in accordance with this rule and rule 44G above, transfer each sub-parcel of ballot papers referred to in paragraph (2)(a) above to the candidate for whom the next available preference is given on those papers.\n(4) The exclusion of a candidate, or of two or more candidates together, constitutes a further stage of the count.\n(5) If, subject to rule 44J below, one or more vacancies still remain to be filled, the returning officer shall then sort the transferable papers, if any, which had been transferred to any candidate excluded under paragraph (1) above into sub-parcels according to their transfer value.\n(6) The returning officer shall transfer those papers in the sub-parcel of transferable papers with the highest transfer value to the continuing candidates in accordance with the next available preferences given on those papers (thereby passing over candidates who are deemed to be elected or are excluded).\n(7) The vote on each transferable paper transferred under paragraph (6) above shall be at the value at which that vote was received by the candidate excluded under paragraph (1) above.\n(8) Any papers on which no next available preferences have been expressed shall be set aside as non-transferable votes.\n(9) After the returning officer has completed the transfer of the ballot papers in the sub-parcel of ballot papers with the highest transfer value he shall proceed to transfer in the same way the sub-parcel of ballot papers with the next highest value and so on until he has dealt with each sub-parcel of a candidate excluded under paragraph (1) above.\n(10) The returning officer shall after each stage of the count completed under this rule—\n(a) record—\n(i) the total value of votes, or\n(ii) the total transfer value of votes transferred to each candidate;\n(b) add that total to the previous total of votes recorded for each candidate and record the new total;\n(c) record the value of non-transferable votes and add that value to the previous non-transferable votes total; and\n(d) compare—\n(i) the total number of votes then recorded for each candidate together with the total number of non-transferable votes, with\n(ii) the recorded total of valid first preference votes.\n(11) If after a transfer of votes under any provision of this rule, a candidate has a surplus, that surplus shall be dealt with in accordance with paragraphs (5) to (10) of rule 44F and rule 44G.\n(12) Where the total of the votes of the two or more lowest candidates, together with any surpluses not transferred, is less than the number of votes credited to the next lowest candidate, the returning officer shall in one operation exclude such two or more candidates.\n(13) If when a candidate has to be excluded under this rule, two or more candidates each have the same number of votes and are lowest—\n(a) regard shall be had to the total number of votes credited to those candidates at the earliest stage of the count at which they had an unequal number of votes and the candidate with the lowest number of votes at that stage shall be excluded; and\n(b) where the number of votes credited to those candidates was equal at all stages, the returning officer shall decide between the candidates by lot and the candidate on whom the lot falls shall be excluded.\nFilling of last vacancies\n44J —\n(1) Where the number of continuing candidates is equal to the number of vacancies remaining unfilled the continuing candidates shall thereupon be deemed to be elected.\n(2) Where only one vacancy remains unfilled and the votes of any one continuing candidate are equal to or greater than the total of votes credited to other continuing candidates together with any surplus not transferred, the candidate shall thereupon be deemed to be elected.\n(3) Where the last vacancies can be filled under this rule, no further transfer of votes shall be made.\nRe-count\n44K —\n(1) The returning officer on completion of each stage of the count shall, before proceeding with the next stage, inform all the candidates and their election agents then present of his intention, subject to a request for a re-count, to proceed to the next stage.\n(2) The returning officer shall comply with a request from a candidate or his election agent for a re-count of the last completed stage made before the returning officer proceeds to the next stage, but nothing in this rule shall require the returning officer to re-count the same parcel or sub-parcel more than once.\n(3) The returning officer may, if he thinks fit, re-count ballot papers either once or more often.\n(4) Where as a result of a re-count an error is discovered, the returning officer shall, where necessary, amend any results previously announced by him.\nOrder of election of candidates\n44L —\n(1) The order in which candidates whose votes equal or exceed the quota are deemed to be elected shall be the order in which their respective surpluses were transferred, or would have been transferred but for rule 44F(10) above.\n(2) A candidate credited with a number of votes equal to, and not greater than, the quota shall, for the purposes of this rule, be regarded as having had the smallest surplus at the stage of the count at which he obtained the quota.\n(3) Where the surpluses of two or more candidates are equal and are not required to be transferred, regard shall be had to the total number of votes credited to such candidates at the earliest stage of the count at which they had an unequal number of votes and the surplus of the candidate who had the greatest number of votes at that stage shall be deemed to be the largest.\n(4) Where the number of votes credited to two or more candidates were equal at all stages of the count, the returning officer shall decide between them by lot and the candidate on whom the lot falls shall be deemed to have been elected first.\nDecisions of returning officer\n44M The decision of the returning officer, whether expressed or implied, on any question which arises in relation to the exclusion of any candidate under rule 44H or to any ballot paper or transfer of votes shall be final, but may be reviewed on an election petition.”.\nRule 50 (declaration of result)\nFor paragraph (1) substitute the following paragraph:\n“(1) In a contested election, when the result of the poll has been ascertained, the returning officer shall forthwith—\n(a) declare to be elected the candidates who are deemed to be elected under rules 44B to 44M above;\n(b) notify their names to the Secretary of State;\n(c) give public notice of—\n(i) the names of those candidates;\n(ii) the number of first preference votes for each candidate whether elected or not;\n(iii) any transfer of votes;\n(iv) the total number of votes for each candidate at each stage of the count at which such transfer took place; and\n(v) the order in which the successful candidates were elected.”.\nIn paragraph (2), for the words from “person standing” to the end substitute “person or persons standing nominated, shall also declare that person or persons elected, and the returning officer shall forthwith notify his or their names to the Secretary of State”.\nRules 53 (return or forfeiture of candidate’s deposit)\nIn paragraph (4), for the words from “after the counting” to the end of the paragraph substitute “if the number of votes credited to the candidate at any stage of the counting of the votes does not exceed one quarter of the quota”.\nOmit paragraph (5).\nRule 54 (sealing up of ballot papers)\nIn rule 55 (delivery of documents to Clerk of the Crown), paragraph (1)\nFor the words “then forward to the Clerk of the Crown” substitute “retain”.\nRule 56 (orders for production of documents)\nIn paragraph (1), for the words “Clerk of the Crown” substitute “returning officer” and omit sub-paragraph (i).\nIn paragraph (2), for the words “Clerk of the Crown's” substitute “returning officer's”.\nIn paragraph (3), omit the words “House of Commons or”.\nIn paragraphs (6) and (8), for the words “Clerk of the Crown”, in each place where they occur, substitute “returning officer”.\nRule 57 (retention and public inspection of documents)\nIn paragraph (1)—\n(a) for the words “Clerk of the Crown” substitute “returning officer”;\n(b) for the words “forwarded to him in pursuance of these rules by a returning officer” substitute “to which rule 55(1) of these rules applies”; and\n(c) omit the words “House of Commons or”.\nIn paragraph (2), for the words from “Clerk of the Crown” to the end substitute “returning officer”.\nIn paragraph (3), for the words “Clerk of the Crown” substitute “returning officer” and for the words “the Treasury” substitute “the Secretary of State”.\nRule 60 (countermand or abandonment of poll on death of candidate)\nIn paragraph (1)—\n(a) for the words “as if the writ had been received 28 days” substitute “as if the day appointed for the poll was the first Thursday after the expiry of 30 days”,\n(b) omit sub-paragraph (b); and\n(c) at the end of the paragraph add the following words “and the period of 30 days shall be calculated in accordance with rule 2 of these rules”.\nAPPENDIX OF FORMS\nForm of nomination paper\nFor the word “Parliament” substitute “the Northern Ireland Assembly”.\nForm of ballot paper\nFor the form of the front of the ballot paper substitute the form set out in the Annex to this Schedule.\nDirections as to printing the ballot paper\nFor the form substitute the form set out in the Annex to this Schedule.\nForm of directions for the guidance of the voters in voting\nIn paragraph 2 for the words from “Mark a cross” to the end of the paragraph substitute:\n“Number the candidates in order of preference, putting “1” against the candidate of your 1st preference, “2” against your 2nd preference and so on. You should not put the same preference against more than one candidate. You may show your preference for as many or as few candidates as you wish. Put no other mark on the ballot paper, or your vote may not be counted”.\nOmit paragraph 4 and re-number paragraph 5 accordingly.\nForm of declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities\nAfter the form add the following form:\n“Form of notice to be displayed in compartments of polling stations\nREMEMBER\nUSE 1, 2, 3 ETC AT THIS ELECTION\nThis is an election by proportional representation. Number the candidates in order of your preference, putting “1” against the candidate of your 1st preference and so on. You should not put the same preference against more than one candidate. You may show your preference for as many or as few candidates as you wish.”.\nSCHEDULE 2A (CONTROL OF DONATIONS TO CANDIDATES)\nSCHEDULE 3 (DECLARATIONS AS TO ELECTION EXPENSES)\nForm of declarations\nTHE ELECTIONS (NORTHERN IRELAND) ACT 1985\nSection 3 (offences relating to specified documents)\nREPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT 1985\nSection 5 (manner of voting at parliamentary elections)\nSection 7 (absent vote at a particular election and absent voters list)\nIn subsection (2)—\n(a) for the words “section 6 of this Act” substitute “paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 2 to the 1985 Order”; and\n(b) for the words “parliamentary elections” substitute “local elections”.\nIn subsection (4)—\n(a) for the words “section 6 of this Act as voting by post at parliamentary elections” substitute “paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 2 to the 1985 Order as voting by post”;\n(b) for the words “that section” substitute “that paragraph”; and\n(c) for the words “section 6 of this Act as voting by proxy at parliamentary elections” substitute “paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 2 to the 1985 Order as voting by proxy”.\nSection 8 (proxies at elections)\nIn subsection (3)(b) for the words “the Republic of Ireland” substitute “a Member State of the European Communities”.\nOmit subsection (6).\nOmit subsections (9) and (10).\nSection 9 (voting as proxy)\nOmit subsections (4) and (6).\nIn subsection (8) for the words “subsection (6) above” substitute “paragraph 4(5) of Part I of Schedule 2 to the 1985 Order”.\nIn subsection (9)—\n(a) for the words “subsection (6) above” substitute “paragraph 4(5) of Part I of Schedule 2 to the 1985 Order”; and\n(b) for the words “that subsection” substitute “that sub-paragraph”.\nOmit subsection (11).\nIn section 12 (offences as to declarations etc.), subsections (3) and (4)\nSection 27 (interpretation)\nIn subsection (1), omit the definition of “European Parliamentary election”.\nIn subsection (2), omit the words from “and sections 5 to 7A” to the end.",
  "extent": null,
  "status": null,
  "version": "current",
  "annotations": [
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f1",
      "text": "Rule 2 was amended by section 19(5) of the Act of 1985."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f2",
      "text": "1971 c. 80."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f3",
      "text": "Rule 5 was amended by Schedules 2 and 4 to the 1985 Act and Schedule 6 to the 2000 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f4",
      "text": "Rule 6(3) was substituted by section 38(2) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f5",
      "text": "Rule 6A was inserted by Schedule 2 to the Registration of Political Parties Act 1998 (c. 48) and amended by section 38(3) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f6",
      "text": "Rule 7(6) was substituted by Schedule 1 to the 2000 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f7",
      "text": "Rule 9 was amended by section 13 of, and Schedule 4 to, the 1985 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f8",
      "text": "Rule 12 was amended by Schedule 2 to the Registration of Political Parties Act 1998."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f9",
      "text": "Rule 14(5) was inserted by Schedule 21 to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f10",
      "text": "Rule 19(2)(d) was amended by Schedule 4 to the 1985 Act and paragraphs (2A) and (2B) were inserted by Schedule 2 to the Registration of Political Parties Act 1998."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f11",
      "text": "Rule 23 was amended by Schedule 4 to the 1985 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f12",
      "text": "Rule 24 was substituted by Schedule 6 to the 2000 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f13",
      "text": "Rule 26(3) was amended by section 2(2) of the Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985 (c. 2)."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f14",
      "text": "Rule 28 was amended by section 4(6) of, and Schedule 2 to, the 1985 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f15",
      "text": "Rule 29(3A) was inserted by section 13(2) of the 2000 Act and rule 29(5) was amended by Schedule 4 to the 1985 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f16",
      "text": "Rule 30(5) was repealed in part by Schedule 22 to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f17",
      "text": "Rule 31 was substituted by Schedule 4 to the 1985 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f18",
      "text": "Rule 32(1)(e) was amended by section 13(4) of the 2000 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f19",
      "text": "Rule 37(1) was amended by section 2(3)(a) of the Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985 and Schedule 4 to the 1985 Act; paragraphs (1A) to (1G) were inserted by section 1(2) of the Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985; paragraph (1E) was amended by Schedule 3 to the Road Traffic (Consequential Provisions) Act 1986 (c. 54) and regulation 14 of S.I. 2001/400."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f20",
      "text": "Paragraph (1) of rule 38 was amended by section 2(3)(b) of the Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985 and paragraph (1A) was inserted by section 1(3) of that Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f21",
      "text": "Rule 39 was substituted by section 13(3) of the 2000 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f22",
      "text": "Paragraph (1)(b) of rule 40 was repealed in part by Schedule 5 to the Act of 1985; paragraphs (1A) to (1C) were inserted by section 1(5) of the Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985 and paragraphs (5) and (6) were inserted by section 1(6) of that Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f23",
      "text": "Rule 40A was inserted by section 2(4) of the Elections (Northern Ireland) Act 1985."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f24",
      "text": "Rule 43(1)(f) was amended by section 13(4) of the 2000 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f25",
      "text": "Rule 53 was amended by section 13(b) of, and paragraph 83 of Schedule 4 to, the 1985 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f26",
      "text": "Rule 55(1)(c) was amended by section 13(4) of the 2000 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f27",
      "text": "The form of nomination paper has been amended by section 38(4) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 and the notes repealed in part by Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 2000."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f28",
      "text": "The form of directions was substituted by Schedule 4 to the 1985 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f29",
      "text": "The form of declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities was amended by section 13(5) of the 2000 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f30",
      "text": "Schedule 2A was inserted by Schedule 16 to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f31",
      "text": "The form of declaration was amended by paragraph 88 of Schedule 4 to the Act of 1985."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f32",
      "text": "Section 3(7) was amended by section 25(2) of the Act of 1985."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f33",
      "text": "Sections 5 to 9 were amended by Schedule 6 to the 2000 Act."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f34",
      "text": "Part I was substituted by Schedule 2 to the Local Elections (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 1987 (S.I. 1987/168)."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f35",
      "text": "Section 8(3) was substituted by paragraph 7 of Schedule 2 to S.I. 1995/1948 and section 8(11) was repealed by Part IX of Schedule 27 to the Finance Act 1985 (c. 54)."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f36",
      "text": "Section 27(1) was repealed in part by the Schedule to the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1986 (c. 58) and subsection (2) was amended by Schedule 6 to the 2000 Act."
    }
  ],
  "outstanding_effects": [],
  "provenance": {
    "source": "legislation.gov.uk",
    "source_url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2001/0110296362/schedule/1n2",
    "retrieved_at": "2026-10-30T15:26:44.642836+00:00"
  },
  "licence": "Open Government Licence v3.0",
  "licence_url": "https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/",
  "attribution": "Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives."
}