Rule 11

after paragraph (3) insert—

“(3A)

The documents provided in accordance with paragraph (3)(b), (d) and (e) may be provided in paper form or electronic form.”;

for paragraph (6)(b) substitute—

“(b)

such equipment as it is reasonable to provide for the purposes of enabling, or making it easier for, relevant persons to vote independently in the manner directed by rule 42, including in relation to voting secretly.”;

after paragraph (6) insert—

“(6A)

In this rule, “relevant persons” means persons who find it difficult or impossible to vote in the manner directed by rule 42 because of—

(a)

severe sight impairment or partial sight, or

(b)

other disability.”;

omit paragraph (8);

in paragraph (11)(a), for “box” substitute “voting box”;

in paragraph (11)(b), for “box” substitute “voting box”;

in paragraph (12)(a), in the Welsh language text, for “blwch pleidleisio” substitute “bocs pleidleisio”;

after paragraph (12) insert—

“(13)

The Electoral Commission must give guidance to returning officers in relation to the duty imposed by paragraph (6)(b).

(14)

Before giving guidance under paragraph (13), the Electoral Commission must consult such persons, including bodies representing the interests of relevant persons, as it considers appropriate.

(15)

In performing the duty imposed by paragraph (6)(b), a returning officer must have regard to guidance given under paragraph (13).”