[^key-1eaa7b41b0e7bd60e06a13a05007d2bd]: Sch. 2 Pt. 7: form of postal voting statement, the official postal poll card (to be sent to an elector voting by post) and the official proxy postal poll card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting by post) substituted (13.12.2023) by The Overseas Electors, Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy (Amendment) Rules 2023 (S.I. 2023/1233), rules 1(2), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with rule 1(3)(4))

[^key-14a86cf1c15508b80702565f53918698]: Sch. 3 Pt. 7: Form of Postal Voting Statement (for use where there is joint issue and receipt of postal ballot papers), the form of postal voting statement (for use when a local government poll is combined with another poll but the postal ballot papers are not combined), the official postal poll card (to be sent to an elector voting by post) and the official proxy postal poll card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting by post) substituted (13.12.2023) by The Overseas Electors, Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy (Amendment) Rules 2023 (S.I. 2023/1233), rule 1(2), Sch. 1 Pt. 2 (with rule 1(3)(4))

[^key-4f0206a8072eda2db4aee58de4971484]: Sch. 2 rule 30(1)(ba) inserted (13.12.2023) by The Overseas Electors, Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy (Amendment) Rules 2023 (S.I. 2023/1233), rules 1(2), 3(2)(a) (with rule 1(3)(4))

[^key-adaf5c69ba37fc06104e330b4ed5f8d7]: Word in Sch. 2 rule 45(3)(c) omitted (13.12.2023) by virtue of The Overseas Electors, Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy (Amendment) Rules 2023 (S.I. 2023/1233), rules 1(2), 3(2)(b)(i) (with rule 1(3)(4))

[^key-e28bfdee1e4526c829b0689bae9ed518]: Sch. 2 rule 45(3)(e) and word inserted (13.12.2023) by The Overseas Electors, Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy (Amendment) Rules 2023 (S.I. 2023/1233), rules 1(2), 3(2)(b)(ii) (with rule 1(3)(4))

[^key-e4159777e83b56a84d245aceccab77f4]: Sch. 3 rule 30(1)(ba) inserted (13.12.2023) by The Overseas Electors, Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy (Amendment) Rules 2023 (S.I. 2023/1233), rules 1(2), 3(3)(a) (with rule 1(3)(4))

[^key-d3f81fd2d75ca8318295c830bdf54e40]: Word in Sch. 3 rule 45(6)(c) omitted (13.12.2023) by virtue of The Overseas Electors, Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy (Amendment) Rules 2023 (S.I. 2023/1233), rules 1(2), 3(3)(b)(i) (with rule 1(3)(4))

[^key-ade0146cc0d6003ddc0ed373705c000f]: Sch. 3 rule 45(6)(e) and word inserted (13.12.2023) by The Overseas Electors, Postal Vote Handling and Secrecy (Amendment) Rules 2023 (S.I. 2023/1233), rules 1(2), 3(3)(b)(ii) (with rule 1(3)(4))

[^key-8c621824133f022629cbde626e7c395a]: Sch. 2 Pt. 7 form of nomination paper substituted (10.1.2024) by The Local Government and Greater London Authority Elections (Amendment) Rules 2023 (S.I. 2023/1334), rule 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with rule 1(3)(4))

[^key-74de35da467ad20438c7859f782a083e]: Sch. 3 Pt. 7 form of nomination paper substituted (10.1.2024) by The Local Government and Greater London Authority Elections (Amendment) Rules 2023 (S.I. 2023/1334), rule 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 2 (with rule 1(3)(4))

[^key-e604e9aa7aab2c63ac93e0224440f05a]: Sch. 2 Pt. 7 Candidate consent to nomination modified (16.1.2024) by The Representation of the People (Overseas Electors etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1406), regs. 1(2), 17(3)(4)

[^key-03549acfce208e1473ac6545db59da18]: Sch. 3 Pt. 7 Candidate consent to nomination modified (16.1.2024) by The Representation of the People (Overseas Electors etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1406), regs. 1(2), 17(3)(4)

[^key-33023f16ef06b37d26b12f5076c246c7]: Words in Sch. 2 rule 33 table substituted (31.1.2024) by The Local Government and Greater London Authority Elections (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1066), regs. 1(4)(a), 3(8)(b)(i) (with Sch. 1 para. 7(1))

[^key-486be6e373c7dfb7e6c990c438076d16]: Words in Sch. 2 rule 33 table omitted (31.1.2024) by virtue of The Local Government and Greater London Authority Elections (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1066), regs. 1(4)(a), 3(8)(b)(ii) (with Sch. 1 para. 7(1))

[^key-9282f009a562764450e309a97d9ef9ea]: Words in Sch. 2 rule 33(1)(b) inserted (31.1.2024) by The Local Government and Greater London Authority Elections (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1066), regs. 1(4)(a), 3(8)(a) (with Sch. 1 para. 7(1))

[^key-50a6847a078e0938ed161ab8741d54cd]: Words in Sch. 2 rule 33(2) substituted (31.1.2024) by The Local Government and Greater London Authority Elections (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1066), regs. 1(4)(a), 3(8)(c) (with Sch. 1 para. 7(1))

[^key-42911ea44aa3f7aaff70985135e2c62d]: Words in Sch. 3 rule 33 table substituted (31.1.2024) by The Local Government and Greater London Authority Elections (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1066), regs. 1(4)(a), 3(16)(b)(i) (with Sch. 1 para. 7(1))

[^key-b99ec1b12d547fa6f8a8b3c5eda20ce1]: Words in Sch. 3 rule 33 table omitted (31.1.2024) by virtue of The Local Government and Greater London Authority Elections (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1066), regs. 1(4)(a), 3(16)(b)(ii) (with Sch. 1 para. 7(1))

[^key-609804da964ae74b5ad4428f30b971f2]: Words in Sch. 3 rule 33(1)(b) inserted (31.1.2024) by The Local Government and Greater London Authority Elections (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1066), regs. 1(4)(a), 3(16)(a) (with Sch. 1 para. 7(1))

[^key-673f5cd2b99cc01f3bfd0e1423a12e4b]: Words in Sch. 3 rule 33(2) substituted (31.1.2024) by The Local Government and Greater London Authority Elections (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1066), regs. 1(4)(a), 3(16)(c) (with Sch. 1 para. 7(1))

[^key-73bcbe1859cb90700e827c60f4bbdca4]: Words in rule 2(1) inserted (7.2.2024) by The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) Order 2017 (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/131), regs. 1(3), 17(a)

[^key-b6457ca2c760272f972d92ca885ae777]: Rule 2(2)(db) inserted (7.2.2024) by The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) Order 2017 (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/131), regs. 1(3), 17(b)

[^key-a2472c618719ef7507c43ce9bc9ed6da]: Sch. 2 Pt. 7 form of Official Poll Card (to be sent to an elector voting in person) substituted (26.12.2024) by The Voter Identification (Principal Area, Parish and Greater London Authority Elections) (Amendment) Rules 2024 (S.I. 2024/1271), rule 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with rule 1(3)(4))

[^M_F_35f09b29-e5c9-400d-a174-4bec7055048d]: Sch. 2 Pt. 7 form of Official Proxy Poll Card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person) substituted (26.12.2024) by The Voter Identification (Principal Area, Parish and Greater London Authority Elections) (Amendment) Rules 2024 (S.I. 2024/1271), rule 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (with rule 1(3)(4))

[^key-928fa24b54ac07fe4ebb8e93473f272e]: Sch. 3 Pt. 7 form of Official Poll Card (to be sent to an elector voting in person) substituted (26.12.2024) by The Voter Identification (Principal Area, Parish and Greater London Authority Elections) (Amendment) Rules 2024 (S.I. 2024/1271), rule 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 2 (with rule 1(3)(4))

[^M_F_45e5d350-b1f3-4d5a-d577-6e3041105235]: Sch. 3 Pt. 7 form of Official Proxy Poll Card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person) substituted (26.12.2024) by The Voter Identification (Principal Area, Parish and Greater London Authority Elections) (Amendment) Rules 2024 (S.I. 2024/1271), rule 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 2 (with rule 1(3)(4))

[^key-f5ff83f4c4c1978c7b221e8f09a6b8cb]: Rules restricted (E.) (10.3.2026) by The Surrey (Structural Changes) Order 2026 (S.I. 2026/264), arts. 1(1), 45(4), 46(4), 48(4)

Inspection of home address forms

11A

(1) During ordinary office hours on any day, other than a day specified in rule 2(1), after the latest time for delivery of nomination papers and before the date of the poll, the following persons may inspect the home address form of a candidate (“candidate A”)—

(a) a person standing nominated as a candidate (“candidate B”) in the same electoral area as candidate A,

(b) the election agent, proposer or seconder of candidate B, or

(2) Where a person has been nominated by more than one nomination paper, the reference to proposer or seconder in sub-paragraph (1)(b) is a reference to—

(a) the proposer or seconder on the nomination paper that the candidate may select, or

(b) in the absence of such a selection, to the nomination paper which was first delivered in accordance with rule 4(1).

(3) Nothing in this rule permits any person to take a copy of, or extracts from, any home address form.

(4) The returning officer must not permit a home address form to be inspected otherwise than in accordance with this rule, or for some other purpose authorised by law.

Nomination in more than one electoral area

Withdrawal of candidates

Method of election

Destruction of home address forms

50A

(1) The returning officer must destroy each candidate’s home address form—

(a) on the next day following the 35th day after the officer has returned the name of the member elected; or

(b) if an election petition questioning the election or return is presented before that day, as soon as is practicable following the conclusion of proceedings on the petition or on appeal from such proceedings.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), any day falling within rule 2(1) must be disregarded.

Sealing up of ballot papers

Delivery of documents to relevant registration officer

Orders for production of documents

Retention of documents

Inspection of home address forms

11A

(1) During ordinary office hours on any day, other than a day specified in rule 2(1), after the latest time for delivery of nomination papers and before the date of the poll, the following persons may inspect the home address form of a candidate (“candidate A”)—

(a) a person standing nominated as a candidate (“candidate B”) in the same electoral area as candidate A,

(b) the election agent, proposer or seconder of candidate B, or

(2) Where a person has been nominated by more than one nomination paper, the reference to proposer or seconder in sub-paragraph (1)(b) is a reference to—

(a) the proposer or seconder on the nomination paper that the candidate may select, or

(b) in the absence of such a selection, to the nomination paper which was first delivered in accordance with rule 4(1).

(3) Nothing in this rule permits any person to take a copy of, or extracts from, any home address form.

(4) The returning officer must not permit a home address form to be inspected otherwise than in accordance with this rule, or for some other purpose authorised by law.

Nomination in more than one electoral area

Withdrawal of candidates

Method of election

Destruction of home address forms

50A

(1) The returning officer must destroy each candidate’s home address form–

(a) on the next day following the 35th day after the officer has returned the name of the member elected; or

(b) if an election petition questioning the election or return is presented before that day, as soon as practicable following the conclusion of proceedings on the petition or on appeal from such proceedings.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), any day falling within rule 2(1) must be disregarded.

Sealing up of ballot papers

Delivery of documents to relevant registration officer

Orders for production of documents

Retention of documents

Refusal to deliver ballot paper

39A

(1) Where a presiding officer refuses to deliver a ballot paper to a voter who applied for one as an elector, the officer or a clerk must enter on the ballot paper refusal list—

(a) the voter’s electoral number, and

(b) against that number, the reason for the refusal.

(2) Where a presiding officer refuses to deliver a ballot paper to a voter who applied for one as a proxy, the officer or a clerk must enter on the ballot paper refusal list—

(a) the name and address of the voter, and

(b) against those details, the reason for the refusal.

(3) Paragraphs (4) and (5) apply where—

(a) a presiding officer refuses to deliver a ballot paper to a voter under rule 35(1E), and

(b) the voter makes a further application as permitted by rule 35(1G).

(4) If a ballot paper is delivered to the voter following that application, the presiding officer or a clerk must note that fact on the ballot paper refusal list.

(5) If the presiding officer again refuses to deliver a ballot paper to the voter, the presiding officer or a clerk must note that fact on the ballot paper refusal list.

(6) Entries required by this rule to be made on the ballot paper refusal list must be made as soon as practicable after delivery of a ballot paper to a voter is refused (or, in the case mentioned in paragraph (4), as soon as practicable after the delivery of a ballot paper to a voter).

(7) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), a person’s “electoral number” is the number—

(a) allocated to the person as stated in the copy of the register of electors, or

(b) where an entry relating to the person is added to the register in pursuance of a notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, as stated in the copy of that notice.

(8) Subject to rule 35(1G) and paragraph (9), a refusal to deliver a ballot paper to a voter is final and may not be questioned in any proceeding whatsoever.

(9) A refusal to deliver a ballot paper to a voter is subject to review on an election petition.

(10) In this rule—

(a) except in paragraph (3)(a), any reference to the refusal to deliver a ballot paper (however expressed) is to the refusal to do so under rule 33(3) or 35(1E), and

(b) any reference to paragraph (1E) or (1G) of rule 35 includes a reference to that paragraph as applied by rule 36, 37 or 38.

Spoilt ballot papers

Correction of errors on day of poll

Collection and disclosure of information relating to applications made under rules 35 to 38

41A

(1) This rule applies in relation to an election to which the Secretary of State’s duty under section 59A(4) of the 1983 Act (reports on voter identification requirements in respect of local government elections) applies.

(2) The presiding officer must—

(a) collect the information described in regulation 34 of the Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (collection of information by presiding officer) relating to applications made under rules 35(1), 36(1), 37(1) or 38(1), and

(b) provide that information to the returning officer as soon as practicable after the close of the poll.

(3) The returning officer must forward the information to the relevant registration officer.

(4) As soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the information the relevant registration officer must—

(a) anonymise the information by removing from it all names and electoral numbers of the people to whom the information relates, and

(b) collate the information in accordance with regulation 35 of the Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (collation of information by relevant registration officer).

The information as anonymised and collated in accordance with this paragraph is referred to in the rest of this rule as “the paragraph (4) information”.

(5) The relevant registration officer must provide the paragraph (4) information—

(a) to the Secretary of State, as soon as reasonably practicable after taking the steps required by paragraph (4), and

(b) where they request the information, to the Electoral Commission.

(6) The relevant registration officer must not disclose the paragraph (4) information otherwise than in accordance with paragraph (5).

(7) The relevant registration officer must retain the information anonymised in accordance with paragraph (4)(a) for at least 10 years.

(8) For the purpose of paragraph (4)(a), a person’s “electoral number” is the number—

(a) allocated to the person as stated in the copy of the register of electors, or

(b) where an entry relating to the person is added to the register in pursuance of a notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, as stated in the copy of that notice.

(9) Except as provided by paragraph (10), a disclosure of information under this rule does not breach—

(a) any obligation of confidence owed by the presiding officer, the returning officer or a registration officer, or

(b) any other restriction on the disclosure of information (however imposed).

(10) Nothing in this rule authorises the making of a disclosure that contravenes the data protection legislation (but in determining whether a disclosure would do so, the duties imposed by paragraphs (2) and (3) are to be taken into account).

(11) In this rule—

(a) “the data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018;

(b) references to the relevant registration officer are to the registration officer of the local authority in whose area the election is held.

Adjournment of poll in case of riot

Procedure on close of poll

Form of nomination paper for an election of councillors of a principal area where poll is taken together with the poll at a relevant election or referendum

Form of Candidate’s Consent to Nomination

Form of Front of Ballot Paper

Form of Back of Ballot Paper

Directions as to Printing the Ballot Paper

Corresponding Number List L1

Corresponding Number List L2

Form of postal voting statement

First page

Final page

Official Poll Card (to be sent to an elector voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

Official postal poll card (to be sent to an elector voting by post)

Front of card

Rear of card

Official Proxy Poll Card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

Official proxy postal poll card

Front of card

Rear of card

Form of Ballot Paper Refusal List

Form of directions for the guidance of the voters in voting

Form of Certificate of employment

Form of Declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities

Front of declaration

Back of declaration

Refusal to deliver ballot paper

39A

(1) Where a presiding officer refuses to deliver a ballot paper to a voter who applied for one as an elector, the officer or a clerk must enter on the ballot paper refusal list—

(a) the voter’s electoral number, and

(b) against that number, the reason for the refusal.

(2) Where a presiding officer refuses to deliver a ballot paper to a voter who applied for one as a proxy, the officer or a clerk must enter on the ballot paper refusal list—

(a) the name and address of the voter, and

(b) against those details, the reason for the refusal.

(3) Paragraphs (4) and (5) apply where—

(a) a presiding officer refuses to deliver a ballot paper to a voter under rule 35(1E), and

(b) the voter makes a further application as permitted by rule 35(1G).

(4) If a ballot paper is delivered to the voter following that application, the presiding officer or a clerk must note that fact on the ballot paper refusal list.

(5) If the presiding officer again refuses to deliver a ballot paper to the voter, the presiding officer or a clerk must note that fact on the ballot paper refusal list.

(6) Entries required by this rule to be made on the ballot paper refusal list must be made as soon as practicable after delivery of a ballot paper to a voter is refused (or, in the case mentioned in paragraph (4), as soon as practicable after the delivery of a ballot paper to a voter).

(7) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), a person’s “electoral number” is the number—

(a) allocated to the person as stated in the copy of the register of electors, or

(b) where an entry relating to the person is added to the register in pursuance of a notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, as stated in the copy of that notice.

(8) Subject to rule 35(1G) and paragraph (9), a refusal to deliver a ballot paper to a voter is final and may not be questioned in any proceeding whatsoever.

(9) A refusal to deliver a ballot paper to a voter is subject to review on an election petition.

(10) In this rule—

(a) except in paragraph (3)(a), any reference to the refusal to deliver a ballot paper (however expressed) is to the refusal to do so under rule 33(3) or 35(1E), and

(b) any reference to paragraph (1E) or (1G) of rule 35 includes a reference to that paragraph as applied by rule 36, 37 or 38.

Spoilt ballot papers

Correction of errors on day of poll

Collection and disclosure of information relating to applications made under rules 35 to 38

41A

(1) This rule applies in relation to an election to which the Secretary of State’s duty under section 59A(4) of the 1983 Act (reports on voter identification requirements in respect of local government elections) applies.

(2) The presiding officer must—

(a) collect the information described in regulation 34 of the Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (collection of information by presiding officer) relating to applications made under rules 35(1), 36(1), 37(1) or 38(1), and

(b) provide that information to the returning officer as soon as practicable after the close of the poll.

(3) The returning officer must forward the information to the relevant registration officer.

(4) As soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the information the relevant registration officer must—

(a) anonymise the information by removing from it all names and electoral numbers of the people to whom the information relates, and

(b) collate the information in accordance with regulation 35 of the Voter Identification Regulations 2022 (collation of information by relevant registration officer).

The information as anonymised and collated in accordance with this paragraph is referred to in the rest of this rule as “the paragraph (4) information”.

(5) The relevant registration officer must provide the paragraph (4) information—

(a) to the Secretary of State, as soon as reasonably practicable after taking the steps required by paragraph (4), and

(b) where they request the information, to the Electoral Commission.

(6) The relevant registration officer must not disclose the paragraph (4) information otherwise than in accordance with paragraph (5).

(7) The relevant registration officer must retain the information anonymised in accordance with paragraph (4)(a) for at least 10 years.

(8) For the purpose of paragraph (4)(a), a person’s “electoral number” is the number—

(a) allocated to the person as stated in the copy of the register of electors, or

(b) where an entry relating to the person is added to the register in pursuance of a notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, as stated in the copy of that notice.

(9) Except as provided by paragraph (10), a disclosure of information under this rule does not breach—

(a) any obligation of confidence owed by the presiding officer, the returning officer or a registration officer, or

(b) any other restriction on the disclosure of information (however imposed).

(10) Nothing in this rule authorises the making of a disclosure that contravenes the data protection legislation (but in determining whether a disclosure would do so, the duties imposed by paragraphs (2) and (3) are to be taken into account).

(11) In this rule—

(a) “the data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018;

(b) references to the relevant registration officer are to the registration officer of the local authority in whose area the election is held.

Adjournment of poll in case of riot

Procedure on close of poll

Form of Nomination Paper

Form of Candidate’s Consent to Nomination

Form of Front of Ballot Paper

Form of Back of Ballot Paper

Directions as to Printing the Ballot Paper

Corresponding Number List M1

Corresponding Number List M2

Form of Postal voting statement (for use when there is a joint issue and receipt of postal ballot papers)

First page

Final page

Form of postal voting statement (for use when a local government poll is combined with another poll but the postal ballot papers are not combined)

First page

Final page

Official Poll Card (to be sent to an elector voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

Official postal poll card (to be sent to an elector voting by post)

Front of card

Rear of card

Official Proxy Poll Card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting in person)

Front of form

Rear of form

Official proxy postal poll card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting by post)

Front of card

Rear of card

Ballot Paper Refusal List

Form of Directions for the guidance of the voters in voting

Form of Certificate of employment

Form of Declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities

Front of declaration

Back of declaration

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