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Paragraph 28 Postal ballot papersI1

England and Wales

(1)

The returning officer must, in accordance with regulations under the 1983 Actf1, issue to those entitled to vote by post—

(a)

a ballot paper,

(b)

a postal voting statement in the form set out in F1the applicable Appendix or a form to the like effect, and

(c)

such envelopes for the return of the ballot paper and postal voting statement as may be prescribed by regulations under the 1983 Act.

F2(1A)

 In paragraph (1)(b), “the applicable Appendix” means—

(a)

where the voting system that applies at the election is the simple majority system, Appendix 4;

(b)

where the voting system that applies at the election is the single transferable vote system, Appendix 4A.

(2)

The returning officer must also issue to those entitled to vote by post such information as the returning officer considers appropriate about how to obtain—

(a)

translations into languages other than English and Welsh 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, and

(d)

the directions or guidance in any other form (including any audible form).

(3)

The postal voting statement must include provision—

(a)

for the form to be signed by the elector or, where the elector is voting by proxy, the proxy, unless the registration officer has dispensed with the requirement for a signature, and

(b)

for stating the date of birth of the elector or, where the elector is voting by proxy, the proxy.

(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.

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1

Words in Sch. 1 rule 28(1)(b) substituted (9.10.2023) by The Local Elections (Principal Areas) (Single Transferable Vote) (Wales) Rules 2023 (S.I. 2023/1064), rules 1(2), 3(4)(a)

F2

Sch. 1 rule 28(1A) inserted (9.10.2023) by The Local Elections (Principal Areas) (Single Transferable Vote) (Wales) Rules 2023 (S.I. 2023/1064), rules 1(2), 3(4)(b)

Commencement

I1

Sch. 1 rule 28 in force at 17.12.2021, see rule 1

Footnotes

f1

See the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341); relevant amending instruments are S.I. 2002/871, S.I. 2006/752, S.I. 2006/2910 and S.I. 2013/3198.