Paragraph 64F Opening of containers etc. where returning officer is not the co-ordinating returning officerF1

This rule applies where the returning officer is not the co-ordinating returning officer.

On receipt of the containers of ballot papers from the returning officer who is the co-ordinating returning officer, and after the time specified in the notice given under rule 64E(3), the returning officer must open each container in the presence of the principal area counting agents.

Where the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers are not taken together with those proceedings at a relevant election under regulation 65 of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 or under that regulation as applied by regulations under section 44 of the Local Government Act 2000, the returning officer must count the postal ballot papers that have been properly returned and record the number counted.

The returning officer must then mix together all the postal ballot papers and all the ballot papers from the containers.