Article 6 Equipment of polling stations

for paragraph (5)(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 33 (including in relation to voting secretly).”,

after paragraph (5), insert—

“(5A)

For the purposes of paragraph (5)(b), “relevant persons” means persons who find it difficult or impossible to vote in the manner directed by rule 33 because of—

(a)

blindness or partial sight, or

(b)

another disability.

(5B)

The Electoral Commission must give guidance to returning officers in relation to the duty imposed by paragraph (5)(b).

(5C)

Before giving guidance under paragraph (5B), the Electoral Commission must consult such persons, including bodies representing the interests of relevant persons, as they consider appropriate.

(5D)

In performing the duty imposed by paragraph (5)(b), a returning officer must have regard to guidance given under paragraph (5B).

(5E)

Paragraph (5F) applies where, before the coming into force of paragraphs (5B) and (5C), the Electoral Commission has—

(a)

issued guidance for the purposes of rule 38(4B) of schedule 2 (Scottish parliamentary election rules) of the Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) Order 2015^f1, and

(b)

consulted on that guidance in accordance with rule 38(4C)^f2 of that schedule.

(5F)

Where this paragraph applies, guidance mentioned in paragraph (5E)(a) is treated as guidance issued under paragraph (5B) which complies with paragraph (5C).”.