The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules 2006

• (c) count such of the postal ballot papers as have been duly returned and record separately the number counted at the poll at the parish ... election and each relevant election or referendum;

• (d) separate the ballot papers relating to the parish ... election from the ballot papers relating to each relevant election or referendum;

• (e) make up into packets the ballot papers for each relevant election or referendum and seal them up in separate containers endorsing on each a description of the area to which the ballot papers relate;

• (f) deliver or cause to be delivered to the returning officer for the relevant election or referendum to which the ballot papers relate—

• (i) those containers, together with a list of them and of the contents of each; and

• (ii) the ballot paper accounts together with a copy of the statement as to the result of their verification in respect of that election; and

• (g) at the same time deliver or cause to be delivered to that officer packets that so relate containing—

• (i) the unused and spoilt ballot papers,

• (ii) the tendered ballot papers, and

• (iii) the certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll.

• (2) Where separate ballot boxes are used, no vote for any candidate shall be rendered invalid by the ballot paper being placed in the ballot box intended for use at any relevant election or referendum.

• (3) After completion of the proceedings under paragraph (1), the returning officer must mix together all of the ballot papers used at the parish ... election and count the votes given on them.

• (4) Where the returning officer at the parish ... election does not discharge the functions specified in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, he must—

• (a) on receipt of containers from the returning officer who does discharge those functions, and after the time specified in the notice given under rule 44(2)(b), in the presence of the counting agents open each container;

• (b) where the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers are not taken together with those proceedings at a relevant election or referendum under regulation 65 of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 or under that regulation as applied by regulations made under section 9HE, 9MG, 44 or 45, whether or not in addition to 105 of the Local Government Act 2000 , count such of the postal ballot papers as have been duly returned and record the number counted; and

• (c) mix together the postal ballot papers and the ballot papers from all of the containers and count the votes given on them,

and paragraph (10) shall not apply to these proceedings.

• (5) A postal ballot paper must not be taken to be duly returned unless—

• (a) it is returned in the manner set out in paragraph (6) and reaches the returning officer or any polling station in the appropriate electoral area (as defined in paragraph (7)) before the close of the poll;

• (b) the postal voting statement, duly signed, is also returned in the manner set out in paragraph (6) and reaches him or such a polling station before that time;

• (c) the postal voting statement also states the date of birth of the elector or proxy (as the case may be); ...

• (d) in a case where steps for verifying the date of birth and signature of the voter have been prescribed by regulations made under the 1983 Act , the returning officer (having taken such steps) verifies the date of birth and signature of the voter; and

• (e) the postal ballot paper is not one that falls to be rejected in accordance with regulation 79B, 79D, 82B or 82D of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001.

• (6) The manner in which any postal ballot paper or postal voting statement may be returned—

• (a) to the returning officer, is by hand or by post; and

• (b) to a polling station, is by hand.

• (6A) A postal ballot paper or postal voting statement that reaches the returning officer or a polling station on or after the close of the poll is treated for the purposes of this rule as reaching that officer or polling station before the close of the poll if it is delivered by a person who, at the close of the poll, is in the polling station, or in a queue outside the polling station, for the purpose of returning it.

• (7) The appropriate electoral area in respect of any voter shall be—

• (a) the area which is common to the parliamentary constituency , electoral area, ... local authority area or voting area (as the case may be) in which the polls at the parish ... election and any relevant election or referendum are being taken together; and

• (b) in respect of which polls the postal voter has been issued with a ballot paper.

• (8) The returning officer must not count any tendered ballot papers.

• (9) The returning officer, while counting and recording the number of ballot papers and counting the votes, must keep the ballot papers with their faces upwards and take all proper precautions for preventing any person from seeing the numbers or other unique identifying marks printed on the back of the papers.

• (10) The returning officer must verify each ballot paper account by comparing it with the number of ballot papers recorded by him, and the unused and spoilt ballot papers in his possession and the tendered votes list (opening and resealing the packets containing the unused and spoilt ballot papers and the tendered votes list) and must draw up a statement as to the result of the verification, which any election agent (if appointed) may copy.

• (11) The returning officer must so far as practicable proceed continuously with counting the votes, allowing only time for refreshment, except that he may exclude the hours between 7 in the evening and 9 on the following morning.

• (12) During the time so excluded the returning officer must—

• (a) place the ballot papers and other documents relating to the election under his own seal and the seals of such of the counting agents as desire to affix their seals; and

• (b) otherwise take proper precautions for the security of the papers and documents.

Re-count

46

• (1) A candidate or his election agent (if appointed) may, if present when the counting or any re-count of the votes is completed, require the returning officer to have the votes re-counted or again re-counted but the returning officer may refuse to do so if in his opinion the request is unreasonable.

• (2) No step shall be taken on the completion of the counting or any re-count of votes until the candidates and election agents (if appointed) present at its completion have been given a reasonable opportunity to exercise the right conferred by this rule.

Rejected ballot papers

47

• (1) Any ballot paper—

• (a) which does not bear the official mark, or

• (b) on which votes are given for more candidates than the voter is entitled to vote for, or

• (c) on which anything is written or marked by which the voter can be identified except the printed number and other unique identifying mark on the back, or

• (d) which is unmarked or void for uncertainty,

shall, subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), be void and not counted.

• (2) Where the voter is entitled to vote for more than one candidate, a ballot paper shall not be deemed to be void for uncertainty as respects any vote as to which no uncertainty arises and that vote must be counted.

• (3) A ballot paper on which the vote is marked—

• (a) elsewhere than in the proper place, or

• (b) otherwise than by means of a cross, or

• (c) by more than one mark,

shall not for such reason be deemed to be void (either wholly or as respects that vote) if an intention that the vote shall be for one or other of the candidates clearly appears, and the way the paper is marked does not itself identify the voter and it is not shown that he can be identified by it.

• (4) The returning officer must—

• (a) endorse the word “rejected” on any ballot paper which under this rule is not to be counted; and

• (b) in the case of a ballot paper on which any vote is counted under paragraph (2), endorse the words “rejected in part” on the ballot paper and indicate which vote or votes have been counted,

and must add to the endorsement the words “rejection objected to” if any objection is made by a counting agent to his decision.

• (5) The returning officer must draw up a statement showing the number of ballot papers rejected, including those rejected in part, under the several heads of—

• (a) want of official mark;

• (b) voting for more candidates than the voter is entitled to;

• (c) writing or mark by which the voter could be identified;

• (d) unmarked or void for uncertainty,

and the statement must record the number of ballot papers rejected in part.

Decisions on ballot papers

48

The decision of the returning officer on any question arising in respect of a ballot paper shall be final, but shall be subject to review on an election petition.

Equality of votes

49

Where, after the counting of the votes (including any re-count) is completed, an equality of votes is found to exist between any candidates and the addition of a vote would entitle any of those candidates to be declared elected, the returning officer must forthwith decide between those candidates by lot, and proceed as if the candidate on whom the lot falls had received an additional vote.

PART 4 — Final Proceedings in Contested and Uncontested Elections

Declaration of result

50

• (1) In a contested election, when the result of the poll has been ascertained, the returning officer must forthwith—

• (a) declare to be elected the candidate or candidates to whom more votes have been given than to the other candidates, up to the number of councillors to be elected;

• (b) give notice of the name of each candidate to whom sub-paragraph (a) applies to—

• (i) the proper officer of the parish ... council, and

• (ii) the proper officer of the council of the district in which the parish is situate ...; and

• (c) give public notice of the name of each candidate elected and of the total number of votes given for each candidate (whether elected or not) together with the number of rejected ballot papers under each head shown in the statement of rejected ballot papers.

• (2) In an uncontested election, the returning officer must as soon as practicable after the latest time for the delivery of notices of withdrawals of candidature—

• (a) declare to be elected the person or persons remaining validly nominated;

• (b) give notice of the name of each person to whom sub-paragraph (a) applies to—

• (i) the proper officer of the parish ... council, and

• (ii) the proper officer of the council of the district in which the parish is situate ...; and

• (c) give public notice of the name of each such person.

PART 5 — Disposal of Documents

Sealing up of ballot papers

51

• (1) On the completion of the counting at a contested election the returning officer must seal up in separate packets the counted and rejected ballot papers, including ballot papers rejected in part.

• (2) The returning officer must not open the sealed packets of—

• (a) tendered ballot papers, or

• (aa) the completed ballot paper refusal list, or

• (b) certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll.

• (3) Where the returning officer discharges the functions referred to in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, he must also not open the sealed packets of—

• (a) the completed corresponding number lists, or

• (b) the marked copies of the register of electors (including any marked copy notices issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act) and lists of proxies.

Delivery of documents to relevant registration officer

52

• (1) The returning officer must then forward to the relevant registration officer the following documents—

• (a) the packets of ballot papers in his possession,

• (b) the ballot paper accounts and the statements of rejected ballot papers and of the result of the verification of the ballot paper accounts,

• (c) the tendered votes lists, the lists of voters with disabilities assisted by companions, the lists of votes marked by the presiding officer and the related statements, the lists maintained under rule 41 and the declarations made by the companions of voters with disabilities,

• (ca) the packet containing the completed ballot paper refusal list,

• (d) the packets of the completed corresponding number lists,

• (e) the packets of certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll, and

• (f) the packets containing marked copies of registers (including any marked copy notices issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act) and of the postal voters list, of the lists of proxies and of the proxy postal voters list.

• (2) At an election where the returning officer does not discharge the functions referred to in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, paragraph (1) shall have effect as if sub-paragraphs (c), (d) and (e) were omitted.

• (3) In this rule and in rules 53, 54 and 55 references to the relevant registration officer are to—

• (a) the registration officer of the local authority in whose area the election is held and in which the parish ... is situate;

• (b) if the electoral area for the relevant election or referendum comprises any part of the area of more than one local authority, the registration officer of the local authority in whose area the greater or greatest (as the case may be) number of electors is registered;

• (c) if the returning officer discharges the functions referred to in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, the registration officer of the local authority in whose area the parish ... election is held and in which the parish ... is situate.

Orders for production of documents

53

• (1) An order—

• (a) for the inspection or production of any rejected ballot papers, including ballot papers rejected in part, in the custody of the relevant registration officer, or

• (b) for the opening of a sealed packet of the completed corresponding number lists or certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll or the inspection of any counted ballot papers in his custody,

may be made by a county court, if the court is satisfied by evidence on oath that the order is required for the purpose of instituting or maintaining a prosecution for an offence in relation to ballot papers, or for the purpose of an election petition.

• (1A) An order—

• (a) for the opening of the sealed packet containing a completed ballot paper refusal list, or

• (b) for the inspection or production of that list,

may be made by the county court if satisfied by evidence on oath that the order is required for the purpose of an election petition.

• (2) An order for the opening of a sealed packet of the completed corresponding number lists or of certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll or for the inspection of any counted ballot papers in the custody of the relevant registration officer may be made by an election court.

• (3) An order under this rule may be made subject to such conditions as to—

• (a) persons,

• (b) time,

• (c) place and mode of inspection,

• (d) production or opening,

as the court making the order may think expedient; but in making and carrying into effect an order for the opening of a packet of the completed corresponding number lists or certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll or for the inspection of counted ballot papers, care must be taken that the way in which the vote of any particular elector has been given shall not be disclosed until it has been proved—

• (i) that his vote was given; and

• (ii) that the vote has been declared by a competent court to be invalid.

• (4) An appeal lies to the High Court from any order of a county court under this rule.

• (5) Any power given under this rule to a county court may be exercised by any judge of the court otherwise than in open court.

• (6) Where an order is made for the production by the relevant registration officer of any document in his possession relating to any specified election—

• (a) the production by him or his agent of the document ordered in such manner as may be directed by that order shall be conclusive evidence that the document relates to the specified election; and

• (b) any endorsement on any packet of ballot papers so produced shall be prima facie evidence that the ballot papers are what they are stated to be by the endorsement.

• (7) The production from proper custody of—

• (a) a ballot paper purporting to have been used at any election, and

• (b) a completed corresponding number list with a number marked in writing beside the number of the ballot paper,

shall be prima facie evidence that the elector whose vote was given by that ballot paper was the person whose entry in the register of electors or on a notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act at the time of the election contained the same number as the number written as mentioned in subparagraph (b) of this paragraph.

• (8) Save as by this rule provided, no person shall be allowed to inspect any rejected or counted ballot papers in the possession of the relevant registration officer or open any sealed packets of the completed corresponding number lists or of certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll.

Retention of documents

54

The relevant registration officer must retain for one year all documents relating to an election forwarded to him in pursuance of these Rules by a returning officer, and then, unless otherwise directed by an order of a county court, the Crown Court, a magistrates' court or an election court, must cause them to be destroyed.

PART 6 — Death of Candidate

Countermand or abandonment of poll on death of a candidate

55

• (1) If at a contested election proof is given to the returning officer's satisfaction before the result of the election is declared that one of the persons named or to be named as candidate in the ballot papers has died, then the returning officer must countermand notice of the poll or, if polling has begun, direct that the poll be abandoned, and the provisions of subsections (1) and (5) of section 39 of the 1983 Act apply in respect of any vacancy which remains unfilled.

• (2) Neither the countermand of the poll at the parish ... election nor the direction that that poll be abandoned shall affect the poll at each relevant election or referendum.

• (3) Where the poll at the parish ... election is abandoned by reason of a candidate's death, no further ballot papers shall be issued.

• (4) At the close of the poll at each relevant election or referendum the presiding officer must take the like steps (so far as not already taken) for the delivery to the returning officer of ballot boxes and ballot papers and other documents as he would be required to do if the poll at the parish ... election had not been abandoned.

• (5) The returning officer must dispose of ballot papers used at the parish ... election (at which a candidate has died) as he is required to do on the completion in due course of the counting of the votes, subject to paragraphs (6) and (7).

• (6) It is not necessary for any ballot paper account at that election to be prepared or verified.

• (7) Having separated the ballot papers relating to each relevant election or referendum, the returning officer must take no step or further step for the counting of the ballot papers used at the parish ... election (at which a candidate has died) or of the votes cast at that parish ... election.

• (8) The returning officer must seal up all the ballot papers used at the parish ... election (whether the votes on them have been counted or not) and it shall not be necessary to seal up counted and rejected ballot papers in separate packets.

• (9) The provisions of these Rules as to the inspection, production, retention and destruction of ballot papers and other documents by the relevant registration officer relating to a poll at a parish ... election apply to any such documents relating to a poll abandoned by reason of a candidate's death subject to paragraphs (10) and (11).

• (10) Ballot papers on which the votes were neither counted nor rejected must be treated as counted ballot papers.

• (11) No order is to be made for—

• (a) the production or inspection of any ballot papers, or

• (b) for the opening of a sealed packet of the completed corresponding number lists or of certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll,

unless the order is made by a court with reference to a prosecution.

PART 7 — Appendix of Forms

• Note–The forms contained in this Appendix may be adapted so far as circumstances require.—

• 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 where there is a joint issue and receipt of postal voting papers)

• Form of Postal Voting Statement (for use when a parish ... poll is combined with another poll but the postal ballot papers are not combined)

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

• Official Postal Poll Card (to be sent to an elector voting by post)

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

• Official Proxy Postal Poll Card (to be sent to an appointed proxy voting by post)

• 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

SCHEDULE 4

Signed

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State,

Bridget Prentice — Parliamentary Under Secretary of State — 2006-12-12

Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Rules)

Footnotes

[^f00001]: 1983 c.2

[^f00002]: 2000 c.41

[^f00003]: S.I. 2004/294 as amended by S.I. 2006/3278.

[^f00004]: S.I. 2001/1298, which was amended by S.I. 2004/226.

[^f00005]: 1985 c.50. Subsection (1) of section 27 was amended by the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1986 (c.58), section 3(1). The definition of the European Assembly was repealed by the Schedule to that Act on the entering into force of the Single European Act (Cmnd. 9758) on 1 July 1987.

[^f00006]: S.I. 2004/293

[^f00007]: S.I. 2002/185 as amended by S.I. 2004/225.

[^f00008]: S.I. 2000/2852

[^f00009]: For the definition of “Parliamentary election”, see the Interpretation Act 1978 (c.30), Schedule 1.

[^f00010]: Section 36(3) was substituted for subsection (3) as originally enacted, by section 17 of the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50) and further amended by paragraph 68(8) of Schedule 16 to the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 (c.19) and subsection (3AB) was inserted by paragraph 68(8) of Schedule 16; subsection (3AC) was inserted by paragraph 17 of Schedule 3 to the Local Government and Rating Act 1997 (c.19).

[^f00011]: 1985 c.50

[^f00012]: Provisions as to the combination of polls at elections, including parish or community elections, are contained in section 36 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (c.2) (“the 1983 Act”), section 15 of the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50), the Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/1298) and the Local Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/185).

[^f00013]: 1972 c.70

[^f00014]: Section 187(1) was amended by paragraph 64 of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50) and by paragraph 124 of Schedule 1 to the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^f00015]: Section 136(2) was amended by paragraph 48 of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50) and by paragraph 19(4) of Schedule 18 to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41).

[^f00016]: 1971 c. 80

[^f00017]: Section 28 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) was amended by S.I. 2004/366 and by section 48 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^f00018]: Section 28A of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) was inserted by section 49(1) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^f00019]: Section 28B of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) was inserted by section 49(1) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^f00020]: 1972 c.70. Section 80 has been amended by the Local Government Act 2000 (c.22) Schedule 3 paragraph 8, Schedule 5 paragraph 8 and Schedule 6; the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (c.42) Schedule 11 paragraph 21, Schedule 12 Part 2 and Schedule 14 paragraph 3; the Enterprise Act 2002 (c.40) section 267(1); the Local Government Finance Act 1982 (c.32), Schedule 6 Part 4; the Representation of the People Act 1983 (c.2) Schedule 8 paragraph 12; the Audit Commission Act 1998 (c.18) Schedule 3 paragraph 3(1); the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c. 29) section 69; the Environment Act 1995 (c. 25) Schedule 10 paragraph 10(1); the Transport Act 1985 (c.67) Schedule 8. It has also been amended by S.I. 1999/2267, 2001/2237 and 2002/808. Section 81 has been amended by the Local Government Act 1985 (c.51) Schedule 17 and the Education Reform Act 1988 (c.40) Schedule 13 Part 2.

[^f00021]: 2000 c.22. Section 79 has been amended by the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c.10), Schedule 4 paragraphs 1 and 20.

[^f00022]: See the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341) as amended by S.I. 2002/1871, 2006/752 and 2006/2910.

[^f00023]: Section 13B of the 1983 Act was inserted by paragraph 3 of Schedule 2 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c.2) and amended by section 11(3) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22). Subsections (3B) and (3D) of section 13B were inserted by section 11(4) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^f00024]: Subsections (1), (2) and (3) of section 66 of the 1983 Act were amended by paragraphs 69, 82, 86(b) and 96 of Schedule 1 to the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22); subsection (6) was amended by paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 to the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50).

[^f00025]: See regulation 84A of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341) as inserted by S.I. 2006/2910.

[^f00026]: Sections 6A to 6F of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) were inserted by section 29 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^f00027]: Section 13B of the 1983 Act was inserted by paragraph 3 of Schedule 2 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c.2) and amended by section 11(3) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22). Subsections (3B) and (3D) of section 13B were inserted by section 11(4) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^f00028]: Section 13B of the 1983 Act was inserted by paragraph 3 of Schedule 2 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c.2) and amended by section 11(3) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22). Subsections (3B) and (3D) of section 13B were inserted by section 11(4) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^f00029]: Sections 6A to 6F of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) were inserted by section 29 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^f00030]: See regulations 85 and 85A of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341), which were inserted by S.I. 2006/2910.

[^f00031]: Subsection (1) of section 39 was amended by the Local Government Act 1985 (c.51), Schedule 17, and the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50), section 19(2).

[^f00032]: 1971 c.80

[^f00033]: Section 28 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) was amended by S.I. 2004/366 and by section 48 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^f00034]: Section 28A of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) was inserted by section 49(1) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^f00035]: Section 28B of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) was inserted by section 49(1) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^f00036]: 1972 c.70. Section 80 has been amended by the Local Government Act 2000 (c.22) Schedule 3 paragraph 8, Schedule 5 paragraph 8 and Schedule 6; the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (c.42) Schedule 11 paragraph 21, Schedule 12 Part 2 and Schedule 14 paragraph 3; the Enterprise Act 2002 (c.40) section 267(1); the Local Government Finance Act 1982 (c.32), Schedule 6 Part 4; the Representation of the People Act 1983 (c.2) Schedule 8 paragraph 12; the Audit Commission Act 1998 (c.18) Schedule 3 paragraph 3(1); the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c. 29) section 69; the Environment Act 1995 (c. 25) Schedule 10 paragraph 10(1); the Transport Act 1985 (c.67) Schedule 8. It has also been amended by S.I. 1999/2267, 2001/2237 and 2002/808. Section 81 has been amended by the Local Government Act 1985 (c.51) Schedule 17 and the Education Reform Act 1988 (c.40) Schedule 13 Part 2.

[^f00037]: 2000 c.22. Section 79 has been amended by the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 (c.10) Schedule 4 paragraphs 1 and 20.

[^f00038]: For the meaning of “parliamentary constituency”, see section 1 of the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 (c.56).

[^f00039]: See the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341) as amended by S.I. 2002/1871, 2006/752 and 2006/2910.

[^f00040]: Section 13B of the 1983 Act was inserted by paragraph 3 of Schedule 2 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c.2) and amended by section 11(3) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22). Subsections (3B) and (3D) of section 13B were inserted by section 11(4) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^f00041]: Regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations has been amended by S.I. 2006/3278.

[^f00042]: Subsections (1), (2) and (3) of section 66 of the 1983 Act were amended by paragraphs 69, 82, 86(b) and 96 of Schedule 1 to the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22); subsection (6) was amended by paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 to the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50).

[^f00043]: See regulation 84A of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341) as inserted by S.I. 2006/2910.

[^f00044]: Sections 6A to 6F of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) were inserted by section 29 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^f00045]: S.I. 2001/341

[^f00046]: 2000 c.22. See the Local Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/185) under section 44 and the Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/1298) under section 45.

[^f00047]: See regulations 85 and 85A of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341), which were inserted by S.I. 2006/2910.

[^f00048]: For the meaning of “parliamentary constituency”, see section 1 of the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 (c.56).

[^f00049]: Subsection (1) of section 39 was amended by the Local Government Act 1985 (c.51), Schedule 17, and the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50), section 19(2).

1

• (1) These Rules may be cited as The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules 2006.

• (2) These Rules come into force on 2 January 2007 except for the purposes of an election if the last date for the publication of the notice of election for that election was, or will be, prior to 27 March 2007.

• (3) These Rules do not extend to Scotland or Northern Ireland.

• (4) Subject to paragraph (2), the Rules specified in Schedule 1 to these Rules are revoked.

2

• (1) In these Rules,

• “1983 Act” means the Representation of the People Act 1983;

• “anonymous elector’s document” has the same meaning as in regulation 3(1) of the Voter Identification Regulations 2022;

• “the Combination of Polls Regulations” means the Representation of the People (Combination of Polls) (England and Wales) Regulations 2004 ;

• “combined authority mayoral election” means an election of a mayor for a combined authority under Part 6 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009;

• “combined county authority mayoral election” means an election of a mayor for a combined county authority under Chapter 1 of Part 2 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023;

• “counting observer” shall have the same meaning as in regulation 2(1) of the Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2012;

• “counting officer” shall have the same meaning as in regulation 2(1) of the Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2012;

• ...

• ...

• “mayoral election” means an election conducted under the Local Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007;

• “petition organiser” shall have the same meaning as in regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Referendums) (Petitions and Directions) (England) Regulations 2000 ;

• “police and crime commissioner election” means an election of a police and crime commissioner in accordance with Chapter 6 of Part 1 of the 2011 Act;

• “polling observer” shall have the same meaning as in regulation 2(1) of the Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2012;

• “principal area” means, a county in England, a district or a London borough;

• “referendum” means a referendum conducted under the Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2012;

• “temporary electoral identity document” has the same meaning as in regulation 3(1) of the Voter Identification Regulations 2022;

• “voting area” shall have the same meaning as in regulation 2 of the Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2012.

• (2) In these Rules, “relevant election or referendum” means one or more of the following—

• (a) a Parliamentary election ;

• (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (c) another local government election;

• (d) a mayoral election; and

• (da) a combined authority mayoral election;

• (db) a combined county authority mayoral election;

• (e) a referendum,

• (f) a police and crime commissioner election,

the poll at which is taken together with the poll at the parish ... election.

• (3) In the case of a referendum, a reference to—

• (a) a “candidate” shall be construed as a reference to a petition organiser;

• (b) an “election agent” or a “counting agent” shall be construed as a reference to a counting observer;

• (c) a “polling agent” shall be construed as a reference to a polling observer; and

• (d) a “returning officer” shall be construed as a reference to a counting officer.

• (4) Any reference in these Rules to a district shall be construed as a reference to a county in the case of a county in which there are no district councils.

3

In the application of the parliamentary elections rules to the election of councillors of the council of a parish ... where the poll at that election is not taken together with the poll at another election under section 36(3), (3AB) or (3AC) of the 1983 Act or section 15(1) or (2) of the Representation of the People Act 1985 , adaptations, alterations and exceptions shall be made to those rules so that the election shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules set out in Schedule 2 to these Rules.

4

Where the poll at an election of councillors to the council of a parish ... is to be taken together with the poll at a relevant election or referendum, the Rules set out in Schedule 2 shall apply to the parish ... election as shown modified in Schedule 3.

5

• (1) A request may be made in accordance with paragraph (2) for an election to fill a casual vacancy in the office of a parish ... councillor.

• (2) Any request must be made—

• (a) to the proper officer of the council of the district in which the parish is situate ...,

• (b) by 10 persons who are named on the register in use at the time of the request as local government electors for the electoral area in which the vacancy has occurred, and

• (c) within 14 days (computed in accordance with rule 2 of the elections rules in Schedule 2 to these Rules) after public notice of the vacancy has been given in accordance with section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972 .

• (3) An election must be held, if requested in accordance with paragraph (2), if the casual vacancy in the office of the parish ... councillor occurs other than within six months before the day on which that councillor would regularly have retired.

• (4) Where a casual vacancy in any such office is required to be filled by election, the election must be held on a day appointed by the returning officer, being a day falling within the period of 60 days (so computed) beginning with the day on which public notice of the vacancy was given.

• (5) Subject to paragraph (6) below, where a casual vacancy in any such office is not required to be filled by election, the parish ... council must, as soon as practicable after the expiry of the period of 14 days referred to in paragraph (2)(c), co-opt a person to fill the vacancy.

• (6) In the case of a casual vacancy occurring in the office of a parish ... councillor within six months before the day on which that councillor would regularly have retired, paragraph (5) shall have effect with the substitution of the word “may” for “must”; and any vacancy not so filled must be filled at the next ordinary election.

6

In the application of those provisions of the 1983 Act referred to in section 187(1) of that Act to an election of parish ... councillors or an election of the chairman of a parish ... council the following modifications shall have effect—

• (a) for any reference to the proper officer of the authority there shall be substituted a reference to the returning officer, and

• (b) in section 136(2)(b) of that Act for the words “£2,500” there shall be substituted “£1,500”.

7

A declaration as to election expenses at an election of parish ... councillors must be in the form in Schedule 4 to these Rules, or a form to the like effect.

Note—The forms contained in this Appendix may be adapted so far as circumstances require.

Note–The forms contained in this Appendix may be adapted so far as circumstances require.

Editorial notes

[^c17726611]: 1983 c.2

[^c17726621]: 2000 c.41

[^c17726631]: S.I. 2004/294 as amended by S.I. 2006/3278.

[^c17726681]: S.I. 2000/2852

[^c17726691]: For the definition of “Parliamentary election”, see the Interpretation Act 1978 (c.30), Schedule 1.

[^c17726701]: Section 36(3) was substituted for subsection (3) as originally enacted, by section 17 of the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50) and further amended by paragraph 68(8) of Schedule 16 to the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 (c.19) and subsection (3AB) was inserted by paragraph 68(8) of Schedule 16; subsection (3AC) was inserted by paragraph 17 of Schedule 3 to the Local Government and Rating Act 1997 (c.19).

[^c17726711]: 1985 c.50

[^c17726721]: Provisions as to the combination of polls at elections, including parish or community elections, are contained in section 36 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (c.2) (“the 1983 Act”), section 15 of the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50), the Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/1298) and the Local Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/185).

[^c17726731]: 1972 c.70

[^c17726741]: Section 187(1) was amended by paragraph 64 of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50) and by paragraph 124 of Schedule 1 to the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^c17726751]: Section 136(2) was amended by paragraph 48 of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50) and by paragraph 19(4) of Schedule 18 to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41).

[^c17726761]: 1971 c. 80

[^c17726771]: Section 28 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) was amended by S.I. 2004/366 and by section 48 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^c17726781]: Section 28A of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) was inserted by section 49(1) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^c17726791]: Section 28B of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) was inserted by section 49(1) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^c17726821]: See the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341) as amended by S.I. 2002/1871, 2006/752 and 2006/2910.

[^c17726831]: Section 13B of the 1983 Act was inserted by paragraph 3 of Schedule 2 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c.2) and amended by section 11(3) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22). Subsections (3B) and (3D) of section 13B were inserted by section 11(4) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^c17726841]: Subsections (1), (2) and (3) of section 66 of the 1983 Act were amended by paragraphs 69, 82, 86(b) and 96 of Schedule 1 to the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22); subsection (6) was amended by paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 to the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50).

[^c17726851]: See regulation 84A of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341) as inserted by S.I. 2006/2910.

[^c17726861]: Sections 6A to 6F of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) were inserted by section 29 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^c17726871]: Section 13B of the 1983 Act was inserted by paragraph 3 of Schedule 2 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c.2) and amended by section 11(3) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22). Subsections (3B) and (3D) of section 13B were inserted by section 11(4) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^c17726881]: Section 13B of the 1983 Act was inserted by paragraph 3 of Schedule 2 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c.2) and amended by section 11(3) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22). Subsections (3B) and (3D) of section 13B were inserted by section 11(4) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^c17726891]: Sections 6A to 6F of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) were inserted by section 29 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^c17726901]: See regulations 85 and 85A of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341), which were inserted by S.I. 2006/2910.

[^c17726911]: Subsection (1) of section 39 was amended by the Local Government Act 1985 (c.51), Schedule 17, and the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50), section 19(2).

[^c17727081]: 1971 c.80

[^c17727091]: Section 28 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) was amended by S.I. 2004/366 and by section 48 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^c17727101]: Section 28A of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) was inserted by section 49(1) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^c17727111]: Section 28B of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) was inserted by section 49(1) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^c17727141]: For the meaning of “parliamentary constituency”, see section 1 of the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 (c.56).

[^c17727151]: See the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341) as amended by S.I. 2002/1871, 2006/752 and 2006/2910.

[^c17727161]: Section 13B of the 1983 Act was inserted by paragraph 3 of Schedule 2 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 (c.2) and amended by section 11(3) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22). Subsections (3B) and (3D) of section 13B were inserted by section 11(4) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^c17727171]: Regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations has been amended by S.I. 2006/3278.

[^c17727181]: Subsections (1), (2) and (3) of section 66 of the 1983 Act were amended by paragraphs 69, 82, 86(b) and 96 of Schedule 1 to the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22); subsection (6) was amended by paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 to the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50).

[^c17727191]: See regulation 84A of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341) as inserted by S.I. 2006/2910.

[^c17727201]: Sections 6A to 6F of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (c.41) were inserted by section 29 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c.22).

[^c17727211]: S.I. 2001/341

[^c17727221]: 2000 c.22. See the Local Authorities (Mayoral Elections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/185) under section 44 and the Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (England) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/1298) under section 45.

[^c17727231]: See regulations 85 and 85A of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341), which were inserted by S.I. 2006/2910.

[^c17727241]: For the meaning of “parliamentary constituency”, see section 1 of the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 (c.56).

[^c17727251]: Subsection (1) of section 39 was amended by the Local Government Act 1985 (c.51), Schedule 17, and the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c.50), section 19(2).

[^key-003f5295c48a75c160b2ffbfa5afa97a]: Rule 5(3) modified (E.) (7.4.2020) by The Local Government and Police and Crime Commissioner (Coronavirus) (Postponement of Elections and Referendums) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/395), regs. 1, 6

[^key-0053188a05eaef83518d8c93fcce16fb]: Words in Sch. 3 rule 20(1)(a) substituted (5.5.2010) by The Local Education Authorities and Children’s Services Authorities (Integration of Functions) (Local and Subordinate Legislation) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/1172), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 70(3)

[^key-059f384c963d34b64c6e9adf5bf7c232]: Words in Sch. 2 rule 1 table substituted (6.4.2014) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/492), rules 1(2), 3(2)(c) (with rule 1(2))

[^key-05a155b8bb59d4a4d4cf067088e810a4]: Sch. 2 rule 10(2)(c) inserted (E.) (2.5.2019 with effect in accordance with rule 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Rules 2018 (S.I. 2018/1309), rules 1(2), 2(6)(b)

[^key-06a5c3058360bd5e9a9f022e4bc9649b]: Sch. 3 rule 52 modified (16.2.2011) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), s. 19(2), Sch. 5 para. 48(2)(3)

[^key-09e4cbfd6511dce44d8879aab4e6c44c]: Sch. 2 Pt. 7 Form of Front of Ballot Paper and Directions as to Printing the Ballot Paper substituted (2.3.2015 with effect in accordance with rule 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2015 (S.I. 2015/104), rules 1(2), 2(3)(b), Sch. 1

[^key-0dcaa24bbb0ba07c1e50b2fcdf7ac97e]: Sch. 2 rule 7(b) substituted (6.4.2014) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/492), rules 1(2), 3(3) (with rule 1(2))

[^key-0e3fc1a7dfa197082ee3d58a3b112ab3]: Rule 2(2)(b) revoked (31.12.2020) by The European Parliamentary Elections Etc. (Repeal, Revocation, Amendment and Saving Provisions) (United Kingdom and Gibraltar) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1310), reg. 1, Sch. 1 Pt. 2 Table 1 (as amended by S.I. 2019/1389, regs. 1, 2(2))

[^key-15c8d3b219ee2edc829f3cd6210e9d7a]: Sch. 2 rule 8(2)(aa) inserted (E.) (2.5.2019 with effect in accordance with rule 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Rules 2018 (S.I. 2018/1309), rules 1(2), 2(4)(b)

[^key-1772173f5508adf217b4123784de23fc]: Sch. 3 rule 37(6) excluded (16.2.2011) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), s. 19(2), Sch. 5 para. 32

[^key-1c30522ab4cf05afceebb361e037b522]: Sch. 3 rule 27(6) excluded (16.2.2011) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), s. 19(2), Sch. 5 para. 23

[^key-1cf5097856e65d59772e6c61d57b6192]: Sch. 3 rule 45(6A) inserted (6.4.2014) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/492), rules 1(2), 4(8)(b) (with rule 1(2))

[^key-1d8e3dc2c88dd72d69078666d89705a1]: Words in Sch. 3 rule 10(1) inserted (E.) (2.5.2019 with effect in accordance with rule 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Rules 2018 (S.I. 2018/1309), rules 1(2), 3(6)(a)

[^key-2283ee01e0b49f91a0a06be5f6dc0419]: Sch. 3 rule 26(2)(7) excluded (16.2.2011) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), s. 19(2), Sch. 5 para. 18

[^key-27ddc09ca2f6627644fa2ec8c14d9c90]: Words in rule 2(1) revoked (31.12.2020) by The European Parliamentary Elections Etc. (Repeal, Revocation, Amendment and Saving Provisions) (United Kingdom and Gibraltar) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1310), reg. 1, Sch. 1 Pt. 2 Table 1 (as amended by S.I. 2019/1389, regs. 1, 2(2))

[^key-2c0239ec01915add9dffcad26ffb5974]: Sch. 3 rule 30(6) inserted (6.4.2014) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/492), rules 1(2), 4(6) (with rule 1(2))

[^key-3092b1d1a11a1642d6b47ed63e678660]: Sch. 2 rule 28(2) inserted (6.4.2014) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/492), rules 1(2), 3(5) (with rule 1(2))

[^key-32a057d526d24375d164f384401c9054]: Sch. 3 rule 22(1) excluded (16.2.2011) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), s. 19(2), Sch. 5 para. 13

[^key-340f3f28738acde99f1c394fd8ae8581]: Words in Sch. 2 rule 7(b)(i) omitted (E.) (2.5.2019 with effect in accordance with rule 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Rules 2018 (S.I. 2018/1309), rules 1(2), 2(3)

[^key-3a4078d5ecd5fb6629d3f687e714c912]: Words in rule 2(1) inserted (25.7.2012) by The Police and Crime Commissioner Elections Order 2012 (S.I. 2012/1917), art. 1(2), Sch. 4 para. 11(2)(a)

[^key-3b15c61399bd7f0468c2ee4c665fed24]: Sch. 3 rule 17(2) excluded (16.2.2011) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), s. 19(2), Sch. 5 para. 9

[^key-3c8b3f2093ee81cffbfdbaf2bd9d1d27]: Sch. 2 rule 16(3A) inserted (24.3.2011) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2011 (S.I. 2011/562), rules 1, 2(2)

[^key-3e5d5cad244fa6406ab3203a9eb9e2b5]: Sch. 2 Pt. 7 Form of Back of Ballot Paper substituted (E.) (2.5.2019 with effect in accordance with rule 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Rules 2018 (S.I. 2018/1309), rules 1(2), 2(9)(d), Sch. 1

[^key-3fdfddbc4b061baf26f7ca6726bb05aa]: Sch. 3 rule 28(2) inserted (6.4.2014) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/492), rules 1(2), 4(5) (with rule 1(2))

[^key-409e19b48c79386ae2e864db5da58473]: Sch. 3 rule 44 excluded (16.2.2011) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), s. 19(2), Sch. 5 para. 41

[^key-4185251708049bf5469fd750326b57b6]: Words in Sch. 2 rule 25(1) substituted (2.3.2015 with effect in accordance with rule 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2015 (S.I. 2015/104), rules 1(2), 2(2)

[^key-4257c7b19cb96ad37e577dcc8639261e]: Sch. 3 rule 35(6) excluded (16.2.2011) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), s. 19(2), Sch. 5 para. 27

[^key-429cf36d3090e6c75d7b2bb9631c6e7a]: Sch. 2 rule 28 renumbered as Sch. 2 rule 28(1) (6.4.2014) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/492), rules 1(2), 3(5) (with rule 1(2))

[^key-44a0eeacd96c71ddc3af45325126cebe]: Words in Sch. 3 rule 21(4)(b) revoked (31.12.2020) by The European Parliamentary Elections Etc. (Repeal, Revocation, Amendment and Saving Provisions) (United Kingdom and Gibraltar) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1310), reg. 1, Sch. 1 Pt. 2 Table 1 (as amended by S.I. 2019/1389, regs. 1, 2(2))

[^key-484033c87ad9dc247be9e593a12c189d]: Sch. 3 rule 4(5)-(7) inserted (E.) (2.5.2019 with effect in accordance with rule 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Rules 2018 (S.I. 2018/1309), rules 1(2), 3(2)(c)

[^key-495bfd922c0189d3c7ea9d382786579f]: Sch. 3 Pt. 7 Form of Certificate of Employment substituted (6.4.2014) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/492), rules 1(2), 4(10)(k), Sch. 2 (with rule 1(2))

[^key-4ae97b17826a3e08d302b3908fc4db92]: Sch. 3 rule 50A inserted (E.) (2.5.2019 with effect in accordance with rule 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Rules 2018 (S.I. 2018/1309), rules 1(2), 3(8)

[^key-4d2e6a693b50b1a4efef0be03e5e1c13]: Sch. 3 rule 28 renumbered as Sch. 3 rule 28(1) (6.4.2014) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/492), rules 1(2), 4(5) (with rule 1(2))

[^key-4dd96c4e7a61ae819372e2cdea828d55]: Sch. 2 rule 30(6) inserted (6.4.2014) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/492), rules 1(2), 3(6) (with rule 1(2))

[^key-5125bb9ecaf89c38c8f7a390a0741573]: Sch. 3 rule 55 modified (16.2.2011) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), s. 19(2), Sch. 5 para. 49

[^key-54091250727d55d13aab2240640a21b5]: Sch. 3 rule 16(3A) inserted (24.3.2011) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2011 (S.I. 2011/562), rules 1, 2(2)

[^key-54e5ac98a3970a8eade91d6a163874af]: Sch. 3 rule 53(8) modified (16.2.2011) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), s. 19(2), Sch. 5 para. 48(6)

[^key-5813d2263fdf7a47981d1d9f9bb1b942]: Sch. 2 rule 11A inserted (E.) (2.5.2019 with effect in accordance with rule 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Rules 2018 (S.I. 2018/1309), rules 1(2), 2(7)

[^key-5a4986d8103d4fe85ebb4b7a37cd46bd]: Sch. 2 Pt. 7 Form of Front of Ballot Paper substituted (E.) (2.5.2019 with effect in accordance with rule 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Rules 2018 (S.I. 2018/1309), rules 1(2), 2(9)(c), Sch. 1

[^key-62c6bee59c73fa55e40eac37164cab2b]: Sch. 3 rule 45(4)(b) modified (3.8.2012) by The Neighbourhood Planning (Referendums) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2031), regs. 1, 8, 12, 13, Sch. 4 para. 20

[^key-635132790911f1dbda63a300ca3d69bc]: Rule 2(1) modified (3.8.2012) by The Neighbourhood Planning (Referendums) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2031), regs. 1, 8, 12, 13, Sch. 4 para. 19 (as amended (6.4.2014) by S.I. 2014/333, regs. 1(6), 11 (with reg. 1(7)))

[^key-63c359a402f616d2be3cf80bbc0199a5]: Words in Sch. 2 rule 1 table substituted (6.4.2014) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/492), rules 1(2), 3(2)(b) (with rule 1(2))

[^key-683699218b5097ef7b45126f88991f10]: Sch. 2 rule 35(6) inserted (6.4.2014) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/492), rules 1(2), 3(7) (with rule 1(2))

[^key-6acf230dfee715dddde0be4bb1e676d7]: Words in rule 2 substituted (6.4.2014) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/492), rules 1(2), 2(2) (with rule 1(2))

[^key-71a45ed214e02f1194ef824698545a1e]: Sch. 3 Pt. 7 Form of Front of Ballot Paper and Directions as to Printing the Ballot Paper substituted (2.3.2015 with effect in accordance with rule 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2015 (S.I. 2015/104), rules 1(2), 3(3)(c), Sch. 2

[^key-71f0cab88bc62f5290e2be9eb5443e04]: Sch. 3 rule 43(1) modified (16.2.2011) by Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1), s. 19(2), Sch. 5 para. 37(1)

[^key-740cb308888bedf68031c38b93e22e4e]: Sch. 3 rule 4(2)(b) omitted (E.) (2.5.2019 with effect in accordance with rule 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) (England) Rules 2018 (S.I. 2018/1309), rules 1(2), 3(2)(b)

[^key-75b84f13aec4e17e9a7750e3ba327f18]: Words in Sch. 3 rule 1 table substituted (6.4.2014) by The Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2014 (S.I. 2014/492), rules 1(2), 4(2)(b) (with rule 1(2))