Rule 22 The ballot papersI1

England and Wales

(1)

The ballot of every voter must consist of a ballot paper.

(2)

The only persons entitled to have their names inserted on the ballot paper are those remaining validly nominated for the electoral area after any withdrawals under rule 12.

(3)

A ballot paper must be—

(a)

in the form in Appendix 2, and

(b)

printed in accordance with the directions in that Appendix.

(4)

The ballot paper must—

(a)

contain the names and descriptions (if any) of the candidates and their home address information, as shown in the statement of persons nominated,

F1(aa)

where a candidate has elected to use the word “Wales”, “Welsh”, “Cymru” or “Cymreig” in a description as set out in rules 6(7) and 7, display that word or those words on the ballot paper,

(b)

be capable of being folded up,

(c)

have a number and other unique identifying mark printed on the back, and

(d)

be of a different colour to that of any ballot papers used at a relevant election.

(5)

At the request of a candidate who is authorised under rule 6(3)(c) to use a description likely to lead electors to associate the candidate with a registered political party, the ballot paper must contain, against the candidate’s particulars, one registered emblem of the party.

(6)

At the request of a candidate who is authorised under rule 6(4)(c) to use a description likely to lead electors to associate the candidate with two or more registered political parties, the ballot paper must contain, against the candidate’s particulars, one registered emblem of one of the parties.

(7)

The candidate’s request under paragraph (5) or (6) must be—

(a)

made in writing to the returning officer, and

(b)

received by the returning officer before the last time for the delivery of nomination papers as set out in the timetable in rule 1.

(8)

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

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1: Sch. 2 rule 22(4)(aa) inserted (13.3.2026) by The Local Elections (Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2026 (W.S.I. 2026/84), rules 1(2), 90 (with rule 1(3))

Commencement

I1: Sch. 2 rule 22 in force at 17.12.2021, see rule 1

Notes on Schedule 2

Modifications

C1: Sch. 2 applied (with modifications) (18.7.2025) by The Senedd Cymru (Representation of the People) Order 2025 (S.I. 2025/864), art. 1(2), Sch. 3 paras. 26, 29 (with art. 1(4))