Regulation 101 Postal ballot boxes and receptacles

(1)

The petition officer must provide a separate ballot box for the reception of—

(a)

the covering envelopes returned by the postal signers (“postal signers’ ballot box”); and

(b)

postal signing sheets (“postal ballot box”).

(2)

Each such ballot box must be marked “postal signers’ ballot box” or “postal ballot box” (as the case may be) and marked with the name of the petition signing place in relation to which it is to be used at the petition.

(3)

The postal ballot box must be shown to those present on the occasion of opening the first postal signers’ ballot box as being empty.

(4)

The petition officer must then lock the postal ballot box (if it has a lock) and apply the officer’s seal in such manner as to prevent its being opened without breaking the seal.

(5)

For petitions in England and Wales and Scotland, the petition officer must provide the following receptacles—

(a)

receptacle for rejected signing sheets;

(b)

receptacle for signing sheet envelopes;

(c)

receptacle for rejected signing sheet envelopes;

(d)

receptacle for rejected signing sheets (verification procedure); and

(e)

receptacle for postal petition statements (verification procedure).

(6)

For petitions in Northern Ireland, the petition officer must provide the following receptacles—

(a)

receptacle for rejected signing sheets;

(b)

receptacle for signing sheet envelopes; and

(c)

receptacle for declarations of identity.

(7)

The petition officer must take proper precautions for the safe custody of every ballot box and receptacle referred to in this regulation.