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Elections and Referendums (Volume 37 (2023), paras 1–386; Volume 38 (2023), paras 387–568; Volume 38A (2023), paras 569–1095)

If it's not in Halsbury's then it's not the law.

Covering every proposition of the law of England and Wales, however niche, Halsbury's Laws provides all your legal answers in a single source.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Elections and Referendums (Volume 37 (2023), paras 1–386; Volume 38 (2023), paras 387–568; Volume 38A (2023), paras 569–1095)

If it's not in Halsbury's then it's not the law.

Covering every proposition of the law of England and Wales, however niche, Halsbury's Laws provides all your legal answers in a single source.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Elections and Referendums (Volume 37 (2023), paras 1–386; Volume 38 (2023), paras 387–568; Volume 38A (2023), paras 569–1095)

Consultant Editor

Stop Press: Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act 2024

1. Introduction and General Framework

1. Scope of title.

2. Functions of the Secretary of State and the Welsh Ministers.

3. Outline of legislation relating to elections.

4. Outline of legislation relating to referendums.

5. Legislation relating to recall petitions.

6. Impact of coronavirus pandemic on electoral law.

7. The integrity of parliamentary elections.

8. Rights guaranteed under the European Convention on Human Rights.

9. Rights guaranteed under international conventions.

10. Parliamentary elections.

11. Local government statutes requiring the election of councillors and mayors.

12. Provision for local government elections made under the Representation of the People Acts.

13. Combined authority mayoral elections and combined county authority mayoral elections.

14. Senedd Cymru elections.

15. Police and crime commissioner elections.

16. National and regional referendums.

17. Local referendums and polls.

18. Polls consequent upon parish meetings.

19. Votes at community meetings and community governance polls.

20. General provision for the combination of polls.

21. Expenses at combined polls.

22. Transferred functions of returning officer where polls are combined.

23. Polling stations to be used where polls are combined.

24. Proceedings on issue and receipt of postal ballot papers where polls are combined.

25. Combined polls at parliamentary general election and ordinary local government election.

26. Combined polls at Senedd general election and local government or PCC elections.

27. Combined polls at a mayoral election and at parliamentary election or ordinary local government election.

28. Combined polls at local authority referendum and election in England.

29. Combined polls at local government elections for related electoral areas.

30. Combined polls at a local, combined authority or combined county authority mayoral election and at local government elections for related electoral areas.

31. Combined polls at elections for related areas.

32. Combined polls at elections and a local authority referendum in England.

33. Combined polls at local authority referendums in England.

34. Other combinations of polls.

35. City elections.

2. The Electoral Commission and the Boundary Commissions

36. Establishment and constitution of the Electoral Commission.

37. Appointment of Electoral Commissioners and Commission chairman.

38. Tenure of Electoral Commissioners and Commission chairman.

39. Salaries, pensions etc of Electoral Commissioners.

40. The chief executive and staff of the Electoral Commission.

41. Political restrictions on chief executive and staff of the Electoral Commission.

42. Assistant Electoral Commissioners.

43. Committees of the Electoral Commission.

44. Delegation to committees and to staff.

45. Proceedings of the Electoral Commission.

46. Finances, financial estimates and the five-year plan.

47. Accounts of the Electoral Commission.

48. Annual report of the Electoral Commission.

49. Regulations made by the Electoral Commission.

50. Proof of instruments.

51. Speaker's Committee.

52. The Llywydd's Committee.

53. Parliamentary Parties Panel.

54. Reports on elections, referendums and recall petitions.

55. Reviews of electoral and political matters.

56. Review of devolved electoral matters in Wales.

57. Commission representatives and accredited observers to attend electoral proceedings and observe working practices.

58. Commission to be consulted on certain instruments relating to electoral law.

59. Involvement of Commission in changes in electoral procedures for local elections in England and Wales.

60. Powers with respect to elections exercisable only on Commission recommendation.

61. Setting of performance standards for electoral officers.

62. Giving of advice and assistance.

63. Views expressed by Commission on political, election and referendum campaign broadcasts.

64. Policy development grants.

65. Education about electoral and democratic systems.

66. Designation of statement.

67. Examination of duty to have regard to strategy and policy statement.

68. Consultation and procedural requirements.

69. Review and revision of statement.

70. Monitoring and regulating compliance with controls.

71. Investigatory powers of the Commission.

72. Investigatory powers of the Commission: disclosure notices and inspection warrants.

73. Investigatory powers of the Commission in relation to suspected offences or contraventions under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

74. Investigatory powers of the Commission: offences.

75. Duty to make schemes for the transfer of property, etc to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

76. The permanent parliamentary Boundary Commissions.

77. Constitution of the Boundary Commissions.

78. Procedure of the Boundary Commissions.

79. The Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

80. The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru.

81. Reviews of qualifying public bodies in Wales.

82. Establishment of constituencies for the purpose of parliamentary elections.

83. Establishment of electoral areas for the purpose of local government elections.

84. Establishment of London Assembly constituencies.

85. Establishment of constituencies and electoral regions for the purpose of elections to the Senedd Cymru.

86. Reports of the Boundary Commissions.

87. Orders in Council following Boundary Commission reports.

88. Number of constituencies.

89. Rules for distribution of seats: the parity principle dependent on electoral quota and geographical area.

90. Allocation of constituencies to parts of the United Kingdom.

91. Publicity and consultation about Boundary Commission proposals.

92. Review of local government areas and recommendations for electoral change by Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

93. Procedure on review of local government areas and recommendations for electoral change.

94. Consequential recommendations arising from community governance reviews.

95. Review of London Assembly constituencies.

96. Review of electoral arrangements for principal areas in Wales.

97. Review of electoral arrangements for communities in Wales.

98. Considerations for a review of principal area or community electoral arrangements.

99. Review of Senedd electoral regions.

3. Right to Vote and Registration of Electors

100. Rights under international law.

101. Basis of right to vote in England and Wales.

102. Entitlement to vote as parliamentary elector.

103. Extension of parliamentary franchise to British citizens overseas.

104. Extension of franchise for parliamentary elections to British citizens overseas.

105. Entitlement to vote as local government elector.

106. Entitlement to vote for the return of an elected local authority mayor, combined authority mayor or combined county authority mayor.

107. Entitlement to vote at an election of Senedd Cymru members.

108. Qualifying EU citizens.

109. EU citizens with retained rights.

110. Persons entitled to vote in a referendum under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

111. Persons entitled to vote in a local authority referendum under the Local Government Act 2000.

112. Persons entitled to vote in a poll held to ascertain views about whether or how any of the functions of the Welsh Ministers should be exercised.

113. Persons entitled to vote in poll consequent on parish meeting or community governance poll.

114. Disfranchisement of serving prisoners and detained offenders.

115. Disfranchisement of offenders detained in mental hospitals.

116. Incapacity imposed for offences against electoral law during parliamentary or local government election.

117. Incapacity imposed for offences against electoral law during Senedd election.

118. General provision made as to registration etc.

119. Entitlement to be registered as a parliamentary or local government elector.

120. The digital service.

121. Entitlement to be registered as an overseas parliamentary elector.

122. Qualification as overseas elector.

123. Determination of residence for registration as a parliamentary or local government elector.

124. Residence of merchant seamen may be deemed.

125. Deemed residence of patients in mental hospitals who are not detained offenders or on remand.

126. Deemed residence of persons remanded in custody.

127. Notional residence deemed by way of declaration of local connection.

128. Formalities associated with declaration of local connection.

129. Invalid declaration of local connection.

130. Effect of declaration of local connection.

131. Service qualification.

132. Service declaration.

133. Formalities associated with service declarations.

134. Transmission of service declaration.

135. Invalid service declaration.

136. Effect of service declaration.

137. Guidance for service voters.

138. Formalities associated with overseas electors' declarations: existing provisions.

139. Formalities associated with overseas elector's declarations: new provisions.

140. Additional information required to be stated in overseas elector's declaration in appropriate circumstances.

141. Transmission of overseas elector's declaration.

142. Invalid declarations.

142A. Reminders and renewal declarations

143. Effect of overseas elector's declaration.

144. Offences associated with voters' declarations.

145. Registration officers.

146. Deputies and assistants.

147. Duty to secure relevant registration objectives.

148. Registration officer's powers to require information about electors and to inspect certain records.

149. Disclosure of information to registration officer by local authority.

150. Discharge of duties by registration officer.

151. Payment of expenses of registration officer.

152. Electoral identity documents.

153. Anonymous electors' documents.

154. Applications for identity documents.

155. Issuing of documents.

156. Provision of false information on identity document application.

157. Form and content of registers of electors.

158. Form and content of list of overseas electors.

159. Registration of local government electors in Wales without application.

160. Applications for anonymous entry in register.

161. Procedure for determining applications for anonymous entry.

162. Effect of register entries and list of proxies.

163. Effect of misdescription in documents published by registration officer.

164. Reform of the system of registration based on annual canvass of households.

165. Power to abolish or amend the annual canvass in Great Britain.

166. Registration officers' duty to conduct annual canvass in Great Britain compatible with system of individual registration.

167. Conducting the annual canvass.

168. Registration officers' duty to invite unregistered persons to apply for registration.

169. Invitations to apply for registration.

170. Requiring a person to apply for registration.

171. Form of application for registration as a parliamentary or local government elector.

172. Application for alteration of register in respect of name.

173. Registration officer's power to request additional evidence.

173A. Registration officer's power to request further evidence from overseas electors

174. Form of objection to registration.

175. Verification and processing of information provided in connection with applications.

176. Procedure for determining applications for registration and objections.

177. Notification of successful application.

178. Registration officer to determine applications for individual registration of electors.

179. Alterations to entries on register of electors derived from individual registration.

180. Publication of revised version of registers and list of overseas electors.

181. Supply of electoral information following publication of revised register.

182. Publication of edited version of register.

183. Notification of change to edited register preference.

184. Notice of alteration of published register.

185. Alteration of registers: interim publication dates.

186. Alteration of registers: recall petition.

187. Termination of entitlement to be registered as parliamentary or local government elector.

188. Termination of entitlement to be registered by virtue of notional residence or in pursuance of voter's declaration.

189. Duration of entitlement to be registered: overseas electors.

190. Renewal declaration: overseas electors.

191. Termination of entitlement to anonymous entry in register.

192. Decisions from which registration appeals lie.

193. Notice of appeal.

194. Consolidation of appeals and test cases.

195. Hearing of appeal and costs.

196. Appeal to Court of Appeal.

197. Appeals pending when notice of election given.

198. Notification to registration officer and alteration of register.

199. General restriction on supply of electoral records and disclosure of information.

200. Supply of electoral records to national libraries.

201. Supply of electoral records to public libraries and local authority archives service.

202. Supply of electoral records to holders of electoral office.

203. Supply of electoral records to Electoral Commission.

204. Supply of electoral records to the Boundary Commissions.

205. Supply of electoral records to elected officials, holders of offices, candidates.

206. Supply of electoral records to security and intelligence services, police forces, etc.

207. Supply of electoral records to Statistics Board.

208. Sale of edited and full versions of register etc.

209. Senedd elections: protection of young persons' information.

4. Initiating an Election

210. Commanding of elections for new Parliament.

211. Effect of demise of the Crown occurring on or after dissolution of a Parliament.

212. Pre-election period of sensitivity.

213. Power of House of Commons to fill vacant seats.

214. Issue and conveyance of writs for parliamentary elections.

215. Parliamentary writs list.

216. Manner of conveyance of writs for parliamentary elections.

217. Polling days for parliamentary elections.

218. Notice of election at parliamentary election.

219. Ordinary election of councillors for local government principal areas.

220. Ordinary election of local authority mayor.

221. Ordinary election of combined authority mayor.

222. Ordinary election of combined county authority mayor.

223. London Assembly or London Mayoral ordinary elections.

224. Election of councillors for parish or community councils and of chairman for parish meetings.

225. Insufficient nominations at ordinary election of parish and community councillors.

226. Elections of police and crime commissioners.

227. Vacancies in the office of councillor for a principal area.

228. Vacancies in the office of elected mayor.

229. Vacancies in the office of mayor of a combined authority.

230. Vacancies arising in the office of Mayor of London or in membership of the London Assembly.

231. Vacancies in parish or community councils.

232. Vacancies arising in the office of police and crime commissioner.

233. Ordinary day of local government election.

234. Day of poll consequent on a parish meeting.

235. Day of election at certain local government elections to fill casual vacancy.

236. Day of local government election if vacancies not filled.

237. Abortive parish or community election or poll consequent on a parish or community meeting.

238. Notice of local government election.

239. Notice of poll consequent on a parish meeting taken on a question of appointment to office.

240. Date of poll for a police and crime commissioner by-election.

241. Ordinary general election for the Senedd Cymru.

242. Vacancies in constituency seats in the Senedd Cymru.

243. Vacancies in electoral region seats in the Senedd Cymru.

244. Notice of Senedd Cymru election.

5. Candidacy and the Election Campaign

245. Disqualification for membership of the House of Commons.

246. Qualification for membership of local authority.

247. Candidacy for election as mayor of combined authority.

248. Candidacy for elections to be a member of the London Assembly or to be the Mayor of London.

249. Candidacy for Senedd elections.

250. Disqualification of persons convicted of offences aggravated by hostility to candidates, office holders and campaigners.

251. Meaning of 'candidate'.

252. Appointment of election agent for parliamentary and local government elections.

253. Effect of default in appointment of election agent for parliamentary and local government elections.

254. Nomination of sub-agent at certain parliamentary and local government elections.

255. Office of agents for parliamentary and local government elections.

256. Appointment of election agent for Senedd Cymru elections.

257. Effect of default in appointment of election agent for Senedd Cymru elections.

258. Nomination of sub-agent for Senedd Cymru elections.

259. Office of agents for Senedd Cymru elections.

260. Duties of election agent.

261. Candidate's liability.

262. Evidence of agency.

263. Agency where only one act of corruption.

264. Canvassers as agents.

265. Member of election committee as agent.

266. Political associations as agents.

267. Other examples of agents.

268. Termination of agency.

269. Statutory prohibition on agency by election officials and canvassing by police officers.

270. Power to make provision for the regulation of loans.

271. Registration of party and officials as condition precedent to participation in election.

272. Selection of candidates by political parties.

273. Form and supply of nomination papers.

274. Particulars required in nomination papers.

275. Subscription of nomination paper.

276. Consent of candidate to nomination.

277. Requirement for deposit at certain elections.

278. Delivery of nomination papers.

279. Nomination proceedings and the inspection of papers.

280. Nominations duly made stand unless and until candidate withdraws or dies or nomination held to be invalid.

281. Grounds upon which returning officer might hold nomination paper to be invalid.

282. Returning officer's decisions regarding the validity of nomination papers.

283. Endorsement and communication of decision.

284. Questioning returning officer's decision on validity.

285. Returning officer's duties with regard to nomination papers; power to correct minor errors.

286. Withdrawal of candidate.

287. Publication of statement of persons nominated.

288. Notice of disqualification.

289. Statutory definition of 'election expenses'.

290. Restriction on payment of candidate's election expenses otherwise than by or through election agent.

291. Candidate's election expenses which may be paid otherwise than by or through election agent.

292. Third parties' election expenses incurred by outsiders in publicising a candidate or in promoting political debate at an election.

293. Returns in relation to third party expenditure.

294. Limitation of election expenses for individual or party list candidates.

295. Second regulated period (the 'long period') for pre-candidacy expenses where Parliament is dissolved after a period of more than 55 months.

296. Limitation of election expenses for joint candidates at certain local government elections.

297. Statutory bar on claims against a candidate or his election agent in respect of election expenses.

298. Application for permission to pay claims in respect of election expenses against the statutory bar.

299. Creditors' rights.

300. Return and declarations of incurred election expenses that were duly authorised by election agent.

301. Returns as to candidates' election expenses.

302. Declarations as to election expenses.

303. Circumstances where returns or declarations as to election expenses not required.

304. Publication of time and place for inspection of returns and declarations as to election expenses.

305. Inspection of returns and declarations as to election expenses.

306. Delivery of returns and declarations as to election expenses to the Electoral Commission.

307. Restriction on contributions made to candidates for meeting election expenses.

308. Meaning of 'donation' in relation to candidates at an election.

309. Restrictions on candidates at an election accepting certain donations.

310. Acceptance or return of donations received by candidate at an election.

311. Transfer to election agent of donations received by candidate at an election.

312. Evasion of restrictions on donations to candidate at an election.

313. Statement of relevant donations received by candidate at an election.

314. Election expenses at an election of parish or community councillors.

315. Claims in respect of election expenses at an election of parish or community councillors.

316. Return and declaration as to election expenses.

317. Public inspection of returns and declarations.

318. Disapplication of election expenses provisions.

319. General accounting requirements for registered parties.

320. Meaning of 'campaign expenditure'.

321. Officers of registered party with responsibility for campaign expenditure.

322. Restriction on incurring campaign expenditure without authority.

323. Restriction on payments made in respect of campaign expenditure without authority.

324. Claims against registered party in respect of campaign expenditure.

325. Application for permission to pay claims in respect of campaign expenditure.

326. Limitation of campaign expenditure.

327. Limitation of campaign expenditure where campaigns are combined.

328. Returns as to campaign expenditure.

329. Delivery of returns as to campaign expenditure to the Electoral Commission.

330. Declaration as to campaign expenditure.

331. Public inspection of returns as to campaign expenditure.

332. Weekly reporting of donations made to registered parties during election periods.

333. Weekly reporting of regulated transactions involving registered parties during election periods.

334. Meaning of 'controlled expenditure' in relation to third parties.

335. Property, services and facilities provided to third parties.

336. Controlled expenditure not regarded as expended by a third party.

337. Recognised third parties.

338. Restriction on which third parties may incur controlled expenditure.

339. Restriction on incurring controlled expenditure without authority.

340. Restriction on payments in respect of controlled expenditure incurred by third parties.

341. Claims against third party in respect of controlled expenditure.

342. Application for permission to pay claims in respect of controlled expenditure.

343. Controlled expenditure and campaign expenditure during post-commencement period.

344. Limitation of controlled expenditure incurred by third parties.

345. Arrangements for controlled expenditure.

346. Targeted expenditure.

347. Authorisation by registered party.

348. Limitation of controlled expenditure incurred by third parties where elections are combined.

349. Returns in respect of controlled expenditure.

350. Statement of accounts in respect of controlled expenditure.

351. Delivery of returns and statements of account in respect of controlled expenditure to the Electoral Commission.

352. Declaration as to return in respect of controlled expenditure.

353. Declaration as to statement of accounts in respect of controlled expenditure.

354. Public inspection of returns in respect of controlled expenditure.

355. Meaning of 'donation' in relation to a recognised third party.

356. Restrictions on recognised third parties accepting certain donations.

357. Acceptance or return of donations made to a recognised third party.

358. Evasion of restrictions on donations made to a recognised third party.

359. Statement of relevant donations received by a recognised third party.

360. Quarterly reports of donations to recognised third parties

361. Weekly reports of donations to recognised third parties.

362. Effect on reporting requirements of lapse of third party's recognition notification.

363. Civil sanctions for failure to provide report.

364. Offences in relation to reports.

365. Public inspection of reports.

366. Code of practice on controlled expenditure.

367. Right of candidates at election to send election address post free.

368. Broadcasting from outside United Kingdom with intent to influence elections.

369. Broadcasters' responsibilities in election periods.

370. Broadcasting of local items during parliamentary or local government election period.

371. Control of advertisements.

372. Requirement to include information with electronic material.

373. Paid-for electronic material.

374. Electronic material not paid for.

375. When electronic material is not regarded as published on behalf of a candidate.

376. Exceptions to requirements relating to electronic material.

377. Offence of breaching provisions as to electronic material.

378. Guilt of illegal practice instead of offence in relation to electronic material.

379. Removal of electronic material on conviction of offence.

380. Supply of information in connection with electronic material.

381. Duty of Electoral Commission to prepare guidance.

382. Schools and rooms for meetings at parliamentary or Senedd Cymru elections.

383. Arrangements for use of rooms for meetings at parliamentary or Senedd Cymru elections.

384. Preparation of list of rooms for meetings at parliamentary or Senedd Cymru elections.

385. Rooms for meetings at a local government election.

386. Disturbances at election meetings.

6. The Ballot

387. Elections taking place in a constituency or electoral area.

388. Alternative voting systems for elections to principal councils in Wales

389. Elections taking place in an electoral region.

390. Elections to the office of mayor.

391. Polls consequent on a parish meeting taken on the question of appointment to any office.

392. Polling districts at parliamentary elections.

393. Polling places at parliamentary elections.

394. Review of parliamentary polling districts and polling places.

395. Representations made to the Electoral Commission regarding review of parliamentary polling districts and places.

396. Polling districts and polling stations at local government elections.

397. Polling districts and polling places at Senedd Cymru elections.

398. Returning officers for parliamentary elections.

399. Discharge of returning officer's functions for parliamentary elections.

400. Payments by and to returning officer for parliamentary elections.

401. Detailed assessment and examination of returning officer's account at parliamentary elections.

402. Returning officer at local government elections.

403. Returning officer's expenses for local elections in England.

404. Returning officer's expenses for local elections in Wales.

405. Returning officer and appointment of office at a poll consequent on parish meeting.

406. Designation of returning officers for Senedd Cymru elections.

407. Payments by and to returning officer for Senedd Cymru elections.

408. Detailed assessment and examination of returning officer's account at Senedd Cymru elections.

409. Manner of voting at a parliamentary or local government election.

410. Manner of voting at a Senedd Cymru election.

411. Absent voting.

412. Rejected postal voting statements.

413. Application for absent vote at elections for a period.

414. Additional requirements for applications for a proxy vote for a definite or indefinite period by reason of physical incapacity.

415. Additional requirements for applications for a proxy vote for a definite or indefinite period by reason of occupation, service or employment or attendance on a course.

416. Record of those entitled to an absent vote at elections for a definite period or for an indefinite period.

417. Notification of end of postal voting entitlement.

418. Applications for an absent vote at a particular election.

419. Additional requirements for applications for a proxy vote at a particular election.

420. Applications for emergency proxy on grounds of occupation, service or employment.

421. Applications for emergency proxy on grounds relating to voter identification.

422. Lists of absent voters.

423. Capacity of person to act as proxy for an elector.

424. Applications for appointment to vote as proxy for an elector.

425. Duration of appointment to vote as proxy for an elector.

426. Voting in person where a proxy has been appointed.

427. Application by person to vote by post as proxy.

428. Record of persons entitled to vote by post as proxy.

429. Application by person entitled to vote by post as proxy in respect of a particular election to send ballot paper to different address.

430. Proxy postal voters list.

431. Voting by post as proxy.

432. Verification of information in relevant absent voting applications.

433. Registration officer's power to request additional evidence.

434. Grounds relating to voter identification.

435. Rules for the conduct of elections.

436. Method of election.

437. Poll to be taken by secret ballot.

438. Form and printing of ballot papers.

439. Security measures associated with the ballot paper.

440. Notice of poll.

441. Issue of official poll cards at elections.

442. Provision and allotment of polling stations.

443. Equipment of polling stations.

444. Loan of equipment provided for elections.

445. Sealing, locking of ballot boxes.

446. Appointment of presiding officers and their clerks by returning officer.

447. Appointment of polling and counting agents.

448. Attendance at polling station.

449. Keeping of order in polling station; adjournment in case of riot.

450. Questions to be put to person applying for ballot paper at a polling station.

451. Identity requirements for delivery of ballot paper to voter.

452. Reports on effect of voter identification requirements.

453. Ballot paper refusals.

454. Effect of voter being challenged on suspicion of personation.

455. Voting procedure.

456. Votes marked by presiding officer on application of voter with incapacities.

457. Votes given by voters with disabilities assisted by companions.

458. Tendered ballot papers.

459. Collection of information relating to applications made at polling station.

460. Spoilt and replacement ballot papers.

461. Procedure on close of poll at a polling station.

462. Returning officer's duty to issue postal ballot papers, etc.

463. Time of issue of postal ballot papers, etc.

464. Procedure on the issue of postal ballot papers.

465. Refusal to issue more than one postal ballot paper to each elector.

466. Envelopes to be issued to postal voter.

467. Delivery of postal ballot papers by returning officer.

468. Sealing up of completed corresponding number lists for issued postal ballot papers and security of special lists.

469. Spoilt postal ballot papers and spoilt postal voting statements.

470. Lost postal ballot papers.

471. Cancellation of postal ballot papers.

472. Persons entitled to be present at receipt of postal ballot papers.

473. Returning officer's duty to provide postal ballot boxes, receptacles, and to ensure security and secrecy.

474. Return of postal ballot papers, etc to returning officer.

475. Marking of returned ballot papers on lists.

476. Postal voting documents handed in at a polling station.

477. Postal voting documents left behind at a polling station.

478. Postal voting documents handed in to returning officer.

479. Postal voting documents left behind with returning officer.

480. Notice of opening of postal voters' ballot box and covering envelopes.

481. Opening of postal voters' ballot box; additional verification of personal identifiers; retrieval of cancelled papers.

482. Opening of postal voters' ballot box and procedures applying to covering envelopes and postal voting statements.

483. Opening of ballot paper envelopes placed in the receptacle for ballot paper envelopes.

484. Conclusion of postal ballot procedure.

485. Arrangements for counting the votes.

486. Verification of ballot paper accounts and counting of ballot papers.

487. Ballot papers rejected for want of official mark.

488. Ballot papers rejected for voters exceeding the number of votes they are entitled to give.

489. Ballot papers rejected for marks identifying the voter.

490. Ballot papers rejected for being unmarked or void for uncertainty.

491. Treatment of rejected ballot papers.

492. Conclusiveness of returning officer's decision on any question arising as to ballot papers.

493. Recounts.

494. Casting of lots in case of equality of votes.

495. Verification of ballot paper accounts at combined authority mayoral elections or combined county authority mayoral elections.

496. Attendance at count of ballot papers.

497. Verification of ballot paper accounts and the count of votes at elections for local authority, combined authority mayors or combined county authority mayors.

498. Rejected ballot papers at elections for local authority, combined authority or combined county authority mayors.

499. Conclusiveness of returning officer's decision as to ballot papers at elections for local authority, combined authority or combined county authority mayors.

500. Recount at elections for local authority, combined authority or combined county authority mayors.

501. Procedure at conclusion of count at elections for local authority, combined authority or combined county authority mayors.

502. Final statement and central calculation at combined authority mayoral election or combined county authority mayoral election.

503. The count of second preference votes.

504. Procedure at conclusion of count of second preference votes.

505. Arrangements for verifying and counting votes at Authority elections; the electronic counting system.

506. Verification of ballot paper accounts and the count at Authority elections.

507. Ballot papers rejected at Authority elections.

508. Conclusiveness of returning officer's decision as to ballot papers at Authority elections.

509. Recount at Authority elections.

510. Procedure at conclusion of count at Authority elections for return of constituency members.

511. Procedure at conclusion of count at Authority elections for return of London members.

512. The calculation of the London figure for the allocation of seats at Authority elections for return of London members.

513. Procedure at conclusion of local count at an election for the return of London Mayor.

514. The calculation and resolution.

515. Time of count and verification at a Senedd Cymru election; attendance at count.

516. Verification of ballot paper accounts and counting of ballot papers at a Senedd Cymru election.

517. Rejected ballot papers at a Senedd Cymru election.

518. Conclusiveness of returning officer's decision as to ballot papers at a Senedd Cymru election.

519. Recount at a Senedd Cymru election.

520. Procedure at conclusion of count at a Senedd Cymru election; resolution of constituency election in case of equality of votes between candidates.

521. Ascertainment of results at a contested Senedd Cymru regional election.

522. The procedure at uncontested parliamentary elections.

523. The procedure at uncontested local government elections.

524. The procedure at uncontested Senedd Cymru elections.

525. The procedure at uncontested poll consequent on a parish meeting on a question involving appointment to office.

526. Declaration of result at parliamentary election.

527. Return to the writ and record of returns in parliamentary elections.

528. Return or forfeiture of candidate's deposit at parliamentary election.

529. Declaration of result at local government election for a principal area, parish or community council.

530. Declaration of result at a poll consequent on a parish meeting.

531. Declaration of result at local authority mayoral election.

532. Declaration of result at combined authority or combined county authority mayoral election.

533. Return or forfeiture of candidate's deposit at local authority, combined authority or combined county authority mayoral election.

534. Declaration of result at London Authority election for the return of constituency members.

535. Declaration of result at London Authority election for the return of London members.

536. Declaration of result at London Authority election for the return of London Mayor.

537. Return or forfeiture of candidate's deposit at London Authority election.

538. Declaration of result at Senedd Cymru constituency election.

539. Declaration of result at Senedd Cymru regional election.

540. Return or forfeiture of candidate's deposit at Senedd Cymru election.

541. Sealing up of ballot papers.

542. Transfer of documents relating to parliamentary elections.

543. Forwarding of documents after postal voting at a parliamentary election.

544. Transfer of documents relating to local government elections or a poll consequent on a parish meeting.

545. Transfer of documents relating to Senedd Cymru elections.

546. Forwarding of documents after postal voting at Senedd Cymru election.

547. Requirement to retain and supply documents relating to parliamentary elections.

548. Supply and inspection of documents relating to parliamentary elections.

549. Requirement to retain and supply documents relating to local government elections.

550. Supply and inspection of documents relating to local government elections.

551. Requirement to retain and supply documents relating to a poll consequent on a parish meeting.

552. Requirement to retain and supply documents relating to Senedd Cymru elections.

553. Supply and inspection of documents relating to Senedd Cymru elections.

554. Orders for production or inspection of documents.

555. Countermand or abandonment of poll at a parliamentary election on the death of independent or party candidate or Speaker of House of Commons seeking re-election.

556. Poll abandoned or countermanded after postal ballot papers have been issued at a parliamentary election.

557. Fresh election following countermand or abandonment of poll on death of candidate at a parliamentary election.

558. Countermand or abandonment of poll on death of candidate at local government or Senedd Cymru election, or poll consequent on a parish meeting.

559. Poll abandoned or countermanded after postal ballot papers have been issued at local government or Senedd Cymru election.

560. Fresh local government election following countermand or abandonment of poll on death of candidate.

561. Fresh Senedd Cymru constituency election following countermand or abandonment of poll on death of candidate.

562. Action following countermand or abandonment of poll consequent on a parish meeting on a question involving appointment to office.

563. Pilot orders relating to schemes for voting and campaigning at local government elections.

564. Evaluation by the Electoral Commission of pilot schemes relating to voting and campaigning at local government elections.

565. Revision of procedures following report on pilot schemes relating to voting and campaigning at local government elections.

566. Pilot orders for schemes to add candidates' photographs to ballot papers at local government elections.

567. Evaluation by the Electoral Commission of pilot schemes for modifying ballot papers used at local government elections.

568. Revision of procedures following report on pilot schemes for modifying ballot papers used at local government elections.

568A. Welsh election pilots

568B. Proposals for pilots

568C. Evaluation of pilot proposals

568D. Evaluation of pilots and electoral reform

7. Procedure for Conducting Referendums

569. Referendums for which provision is made under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

570. Wording of referendum questions.

571. Meaning of 'permitted participant'.

572. Power of Electoral Commission to designate permitted participants for assistance.

573. Assistance available to designated organisations.

574. Right of designated organisations to send referendum address post free.

575. Schools and rooms available to designated organisations for meetings at referendums.

576. Broadcasting during referendum period.

577. Meaning of 'referendum expenses'.

578. Restriction on incurring referendum expenses without authority.

579. Restrictions on payments in respect of referendum expenses.

580. Claims in respect of referendum expenses.

581. Application for leave to pay claims in respect of referendum expenses.

582. General restriction on referendum expenses for individual or body that is not a permitted participant.

583. Special restrictions on referendum expenses for permitted participants.

584. Returns as to referendum expenses.

585. Delivery of returns as to referendum expenses to the Electoral Commission.

586. Declaration made in relation to returns as to referendum expenses.

587. Public inspection of returns as to referendum expenses.

588. Meaning of 'donation' in relation to certain permitted participants at a referendum.

589. Restrictions on permitted participants at a referendum accepting certain donations.

590. Acceptance or return of donations received by permitted participants at a referendum.

591. Evasion of restrictions on donations received by permitted participants at a referendum.

592. Statement of relevant donations received by permitted participants at a referendum.

593. Provision for the regulation of loans.

594. Restriction on publication etc of promotional material by central and local government etc.

595. Referendum campaign broadcasts.

596. Provision of electronic material relating to referendum.

597. Chief counting officers and counting officers for referendums.

598. Orders regulating conduct of referendums.

599. Conduct of a local authority referendum.

600. Conduct of poll consequent on a parish meeting and community governance poll.

601. Conduct of local poll under the Local Government Act 2003.

602. Proposals for which a referendum is required.

603. Petitions calling for local authority referendum.

604. Verification number for petitions calling for local authority referendum.

605. Post-announcement and post-direction petitions calling for local authority referendum.

606. Amalgamation of petitions calling for local authority referendum.

607. Formalities and validity of petitions calling for local authority referendum.

608. Procedure on receipt of petitions calling for local authority referendum.

609. Public inspection of petitions calling for local authority referendum.

610. Publicity for petitions calling for local authority referendum.

611. Timing of local authority referendum in consequence of a valid petition.

612. Action taken before local authority referendum in consequence of a valid petition.

613. Restrictions relating to publicity for local authority referendums held in consequence of a valid petition.

614. Circumstances in which Welsh Ministers may require local authority referendum to be held.

615. Action following receipt of direction to hold local authority referendum.

616. Time for holding referendum required by direction.

617. Publicity for local authority referendum required to be held by direction.

618. Public notice of local authority referendum and proposals.

619. The question to be asked at a local authority referendum.

620. Notice of date etc of local authority referendum.

621. Definition of 'referendum expenses' for purposes of local authority referendum.

622. General restriction on local authority referendum expenses.

623. Restriction on publication etc of promotional material regarding local authority referendum.

624. Control of advertisements relating specifically to a local authority referendum.

625. How polls consequent on a parish meeting come about.

626. Day of poll consequent on a parish meeting.

627. Notification to council of poll consequent on a parish meeting.

628. Polling districts and stations at local authority referendum.

629. Extent of poll consequent on a parish meeting.

630. Counting officer's functions, and assistance for counting officers at local authority referendum.

631. Counting officer's expenses at local authority referendum.

632. Returning officer and appointment of office at a poll consequent on parish or community meeting.

633. Expenses incurred in taking a poll consequent on a parish meeting or community governance poll.

634. Manner of voting at a local authority referendum.

635. Manner of voting at a poll consequent on a parish meeting.

636. Rejected postal voting statements for referendums.

637. Application for absent vote at referendums.

638. Record of those entitled to an absent vote at referendums for a definite period or for an indefinite period.

639. Applications for absent vote at particular referendum.

640. Additional requirements for applications for a proxy vote at a particular referendum.

641. Applications for emergency proxy on grounds of occupation, service or employment.

642. Applications for emergency proxy on grounds relating to voter identification.

643. Absent voters list at a local authority referendum.

644. Capacity of person to act as proxy for an elector at a referendum.

645. Applications for appointment to vote as proxy at a referendum.

646. Duration of appointment to vote as proxy at a referendum.

647. Voting in person as proxy at referendum.

648. Application by person to vote by post as proxy at referendum.

649. Record of persons entitled to vote by post as proxy at a referendum.

650. Application in respect of a particular referendum by a proxy entitled to vote by post as proxy to send ballot paper to different address.

651. List of postal proxy voters at a referendum.

652. Voting by post as proxy at referendum.

653. Verification of information in relevant absent voting applications.

654. Registration officer's power to request additional evidence.

655. Grounds relating to voter identification.

656. Poll at referendum or poll to be taken by secret ballot.

657. The ballot papers and the official mark used at referendum or poll.

658. Notice of poll at referendum or poll.

659. Issue of official poll cards at referendum.

660. Provision and allotment of polling stations for use at referendum or poll.

661. Equipment of polling stations.

662. Loan of equipment provided for referendum or poll.

663. Sealing of ballot boxes at referendum or poll.

664. Appointment of presiding officers and clerks at referendum or poll.

665. Appointments for the counting of votes at referendum or poll.

666. Hours of polling at a referendum or poll.

667. Keeping of order at referendum or poll; adjournment in case of riot.

668. Admission to polling station at referendum or poll.

669. Questions to be put to voters at a referendum or poll.

670. Identity requirements for delivery of ballot paper to voter.

671. Ballot paper refusals.

672. Challenge of voter at a referendum or poll.

673. Voting procedure at a referendum or poll.

674. Ballot papers marked by presiding officer at a referendum or poll.

675. Voting at a referendum or poll by persons with disabilities.

676. Tendered ballot papers at a referendum or poll.

677. Inadvertently spoilt ballot papers at a referendum or poll.

678. Procedure on close of poll at a referendum or poll.

679. Counting officer's duty to issue postal ballot papers, etc at local authority referendum.

680. Notification of requirement of secrecy at proceedings relating to the issue of postal ballot papers at local authority referendum.

681. Time of issue of postal ballot papers, etc at local authority referendum.

682. Proceedings on the issue of postal ballot papers at local authority referendum.

683. Refusal to issue more than one postal ballot paper at local authority referendum.

684. Envelopes issued to postal voter at local authority referendum.

685. Delivery of postal ballot papers at local authority referendum.

686. Sealing up of completed corresponding number lists and security of special lists at local authority referendum.

687. Spoilt postal ballot papers at local authority referendum.

688. Lost postal ballot papers at local authority referendum.

689. Cancellation of ballot papers.

690. Attendance at proceedings on receipt of postal ballot papers at local authority referendum.

691. Notification of requirement of secrecy at proceedings relating to the receipt of postal ballot papers at local authority referendum.

692. Provision of postal ballot boxes and receptacles at local authority referendum.

693. Return of postal ballot papers, etc to counting officer at local authority referendum.

694. Notice of opening of postal voters' ballot box and covering envelopes at local authority referendum.

695. Opening of postal voters' ballot box at local authority referendum.

696. Opening of covering envelopes at local authority referendum.

697. Opening of ballot paper envelopes at local authority referendum.

698. Conclusion of postal ballot procedure at local authority referendum.

699. Attendance at counting of votes at a referendum or poll.

700. The count at a referendum or poll.

701. Rejected ballot papers at a referendum or poll.

702. Conclusiveness of decision as to ballot papers of counting officer at referendum and returning officer at poll.

703. Recount at a referendum or poll.

704. Equality of votes at a referendum or poll.

705. Declaration of result at local authority referendum.

706. Action to be taken where proposals at local authority referendum are approved.

707. Action where proposals at local authority referendum are rejected.

708. Declaration of result of poll consequent on a parish or community meeting.

709. Sealing up of ballot papers at a referendum or poll.

710. Delivery of documents relating to a referendum or poll.

711. Forwarding of documents after postal voting at a local authority referendum.

712. Retention and public inspection of documents relating to a referendum or poll.

713. Pilot schemes submitted by principal councils regarding the conduct of a local authority referendum.

714. Evaluation by the Electoral Commission of pilot schemes relating to voting and campaigning at local authority referendums.

715. Poll held to ascertain views about whether or how any of the functions of the Welsh Ministers should be exercised.

716. Persons entitled to vote in a poll regarding the functions of the Welsh Ministers.

717. Provision as to the conduct of polls regarding the functions of the Welsh Ministers.

718. Holding of neighbourhood planning referendums.

719. Timing of referendum.

720. Subject of the referendum.

721. Referendum expenses.

722. Counting officers.

723. Business voters at business referendums.

724. Conduct of a residential referendum.

725. Conduct of a business referendum.

726. Holding of council tax increase referendums.

727. Subject of the referendum.

728. Referendum expenses.

729. Counting officers.

730. Conduct of council tax increase referendums.

8. Procedure for Conducting MP Recall Petitions

731. Recalling of MPs.

732. Early termination of the recall process.

733. Persons entitled to sign a recall petition.

734. Register of persons entitled to sign the petition.

735. Limitation on petition expenditure by accredited campaigners.

736. Limitation on petition expenditure by accredited campaigners.

737. Expenses incurred by persons acting in concert.

738. Expenses incurred before recall petition period.

739. Notional expenses.

740. General restriction on incurring petition expenses.

741. Restriction on payments in respect of petition expenses.

742. Restrictions on payment of claims in respect of petition expenses

743. Meaning of 'petition expenses'.

744. Accredited campaigners.

745. The responsible person.

746. Meaning of 'donation'.

747. Sponsorship.

748. Value of donations.

749. Permissible donors.

750. Donations on behalf of others.

751. Prohibition on accepting donations from impermissible or unidentifiable donors.

752. Duty to verify donor's identity.

753. Returning donations from impermissible or unidentified donors.

754. Forfeiture of prohibited donations.

755. Evasion of restrictions.

756. Provision for the regulation of loans.

757. Requirement to make recall petition return.

758. Statement of petition expenses.

759. Statement of relevant donations accepted.

760. Statement of relevant donations received from impermissible or unidentifiable donors.

761. Declaration by responsible person in relation to petition recall return.

762. Inspection of return.

763. Provision of electronic material relating to recall petitions.

764. Entitlement to sign by post or proxy: in general.

765. Application for definite or indefinite period.

766. Absent signing for a particular petition.

767. Absent signers list.

768. Capacity to act as proxy at recall petition.

769. Signing as proxy.

770. Personal identifiers record.

771. General requirements for applications.

772. Verification of information when application is not through digital service.

773. Further information where application is not through the digital service.

774. Grounds relating to identification.

775. Additional requirements for applications for a proxy signature for a definite or indefinite period by reason of blindness or other disability.

776. Additional requirements for applications for a proxy signature for a definite or indefinite period by reason of occupation, service or employment or attendance on a course.

777. Applications for emergency signature on grounds of occupation, service or employment.

778. Applications for emergency proxy on grounds relating to identification.

779. Supply of records and lists.

780. Notification of end of entitlement.

781. Postal signing packs.

782. Procedure on issuing postal signing sheet.

783. Delivery of postal signing packs.

784. Spoilt postal signing sheets.

785. Lost postal signing sheets.

786. Cancellation of postal signing sheets.

787. Persons entitled to be present at receipt of postal signing sheets.

788. Postal ballot boxes and receptacles.

789. Postal petition documents handed in or left behind at signing place.

790. Postal petition documents handed in to or left behind with petition officer.

791. Opening the postal signers' ballot box.

792. Opening the covering envelopes.

793. Request to confirm receipt.

794. Personal identifier verification procedure.

795. Opening signing sheet envelopes.

796. Rejected postal petition statements.

797. Conclusion of postal signing procedure.

798. Time and place for signing recall petition.

799. Staff at petition signing places.

800. The signing sheet.

801. The corresponding number list.

802. Equipment at signing places.

803. Requirement of secrecy.

804. Admission to signing place.

805. Keeping order.

806. Questions to be put to persons signing recall petition.

807. Identity requirements for delivery of signing sheet.

808. Signing sheet refusals.

809. Challenge of person signing a recall petition.

810. Signing procedure at recall petition.

811. Signing sheets endorsed by petition clerk.

812. Tendered signing sheets.

813. Spoilt signing sheets.

814. Verification and storage of signing sheets.

815. Discrepancies and errors.

816. Close of petition.

817. Attendance at the count.

818. The count.

819. Rejected signing sheets.

820. Conclusiveness of petition officer's decision.

821. Outcome of the recall petition.

822. Sealing up signing sheets.

823. Forwarding of documents.

824. Order for production of documents

825. Supply of documents and public inspection.

826. Double signing, personation and other signing offences relating to recall petitions.

827. Breach of official duty.

828. Tampering with signing sheets.

829. Handling of postal petition documents by political campaigners.

830. Breach of the requirement of secrecy.

831. Publication of exit polls.

832. Broadcasting from outside United Kingdom with intent to influence petition.

833. Imitation of official notice.

834. Disturbances at meetings.

835. Canvassing by police officers.

836. False statements as to MPs or campaigners.

837. Payments for exhibiting notices.

838. Contravention of requirements as to contents of petition publications.

839. Illegal employment of paid canvassers.

840. Illegal payments.

841. Bribery.

842. Treating.

843. Influencing persons at signing places.

844. Undue influence.

845. Absent signing offences.

846. Interference with notices.

9. Irregularities and Offences

847. Effect of breaches of election rules by returning officer.

848. Defect in title of returning officer.

849. Validity of local government elections.

850. Effect of failure to hold London borough election.

851. Practices which are illegal.

852. Meeting election expenses by accepting donations not provided to candidate or election agent.

853. Election expenses knowingly incurred by candidate or election agent in excess of financial limits.

854. Payment of election expenses otherwise than by or through candidate's election agent.

855. Payment of statute-barred claims for election expenses or of claims out of time.

856. Failure to make required financial returns or declarations as to election expenses.

857. Failure to deliver or send returns or declarations of expenses authorised by election agent.

858. Paying or incurring expenses at elections under the Local Government Act 1972 where election agent not required.

859. Disturbing election or referendum meetings.

860. False statements as to candidates.

861. Illegal payment or employment by candidate or election agent.

862. Inducing or procuring corrupt withdrawal of candidate by illegal payment.

863. Illegal payments for exhibition of election notices.

864. Illegal employment of paid canvassers.

865. Providing money for prohibited payment or for expenses incurred in excess of the maximum amount.

866. Relief in respect of failure to deliver or send returns or declarations of expenses authorised by election agent.

867. Relief in respect of returns or declarations as to election expenses.

868. Relief in respect of returns or declarations as to election expenses at parish or community council elections.

869. Relief in respect of illegal practice, payment, employment or hiring.

870. Inadvertence as ground for relief in respect of illegal practice, etc.

871. Other reasonable cause as ground for relief in respect of illegal practice, etc.

872. Applications for relief in respect of illegal practice, etc which have been granted.

873. Applications for relief in respect of illegal practice, etc which have been refused.

874. Time of application for relief in respect of illegal practice, etc.

875. Notice of application for relief.

876. Supporting affidavits in respect of application for relief for illegal practice.

877. Parties and costs in respect of application for relief for illegal practice.

878. Offences which also constitute illegal practices.

879. Voting offences which are illegal practices.

880. Contravention of prohibition on broadcasting from outside United Kingdom with intent to influence certain elections.

881. Contravention of prohibition on issuing imitation poll cards at certain elections.

882. Failure of candidate or election agent to comply with requirements in relation to election publications.

883. Practices which are corrupt.

884. Making false statements in connection with the nomination of candidates at elections.

885. Issuing false certificate authorising a description to be used by candidate at an election.

886. Incurring third party election expenses without due authorisation or making false declaration as to such expenses.

887. False declarations or returns as to election expenses.

888. Bribery.

889. Consideration for a bribe.

890. Travelling expenses may constitute bribery.

891. Time off to allow for voting may constitute bribery.

892. Payments for past services may constitute bribery.

893. Charitable gifts may constitute bribery.

894. Other instances of bribery.

895. Time of bribe.

896. Payments for expenditure in bribes.

897. Payment of legitimate expenses not to constitute bribery.

898. Offence of receiving bribe.

899. Proof of bribery.

900. Treating.

901. Treating must be corrupt.

902. Undue influence.

903. Use or threatened use of force, violence or restraint.

904. Temporal influence and financial loss.

905. Spiritual influence.

906. Fraudulent device or contrivance.

907. Acquiescence by official in face of undue influence.

908. Offences which also constitute corrupt practices.

909. Personation.

910. Offences which are corrupt practices arising from false applications to vote by post or by proxy.

911. Handling of postal voting documents by political campaigners.

912. Offences.

913. Interference with the duties of registration officer.

914. Offences connected with supply and inspection of the full electoral register and associated records.

915. Offences as to certain voting applications or declarations.

916. Breaches of official duty.

917. Tampering with nomination and ballot papers.

918. Offence related to the requirement of secrecy.

919. Contravention of requirement of secrecy at count and verification of ballot paper accounts.

920. Contravention of requirement of secrecy in relation to postal votes and proxy votes.

921. Interference with voter.

922. Influencing voters at polling booths.

923. Contravention of requirement of secrecy at issue or receipt of postal ballot papers.

924. Contravention of requirement of secrecy for persons having undertaken to assist a voter with disabilities.

925. Contravention of prohibition on publication of exit polls.

926. Offences regarding access to or control of election or referendum documents.

927. Contravention of prohibition on officials acting as candidates' agents.

928. Illegal canvassing by police officers.

929. Failure to display details on election publications.

930. Offences relating to electronic material.

931. Failure to display details on election material published by third parties in national election campaigns.

932. Failure to display details on referendum material.

933. Offences related to contravention of the controls imposed on expenditure incurred during election and referendum campaigns.

934. Offences related to contravention of the controls imposed on donations during election and referendum campaigns.

935. Offences regarding obstruction of the Electoral Commission in its duties.

936. Electoral fraud.

937. Interference with elections or referendums on behalf of a foreign power.

938. Commission of electoral offences on behalf of a foreign power.

939. Financial penalty for sitting or voting in office where no financial returns or declarations are transmitted.

940. Civil penalties for failure to make application for registration when required by registration officer.

941. Imposition of fixed monetary penalties.

942. Imposition of discretionary requirements.

943. Imposition of stop notices.

944. Commission's power to accept enforcement undertakings.

945. Duty of the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to offences.

946. General time limits relating to punishment of offences.

947. Prosecution of local election and local authority referendum offences punishable summarily.

948. Offences committed outside the United Kingdom.

949. Evidence by certificate of holding of election or referendum and of electoral registration.

950. Punishment of corrupt practices.

951. Punishment of illegal practices.

952. Punishment of illegal payments or employments.

953. Drafting of charges on prosecution for corrupt or illegal practice or for illegal payments or employments.

954. Offences, corrupt or illegal practices etc committed by associations.

955. Summary proceedings for offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

956. Offences committed by bodies corporate or unincorporated associations.

10. Questioning Elections and Referendums and other Legal Proceedings

957. Jurisdiction of court to grant injunction or order.

958. Interim or perpetual injunctions restraining false statements about candidates before or during election.

959. Questioning parliamentary elections.

960. Questioning local elections.

961. Application of provisions relating to questioning parliamentary and local elections to other polls.

962. Questioning Senedd Cymru elections.

963. Questioning local authority referendums.

964. Questioning recall petitions.

965. Election petition rules.

966. Mandatory time limits.

967. Constitution of the court.

968. Appointment of masters.

969. Jurisdiction, status and practice of the election court.

970. Jurisdiction of judges on rota and master.

971. Registrar.

972. Payment of expenses.

973. Constitution of the court.

974. Court officers.

975. Court accommodation and attendance; repayment of expenses.

976. Remuneration of commissioner and staff; repayment of expenses.

977. Election court's jurisdiction.

978. Form and contents of election petition.

979. Who may present an election petition.

980. Respondent.

981. Notice of respondent's intention not to oppose.

982. Mode of presentation of election petition.

983. Time for presentation of election petition.

984. Amendment of election petition.

985. Supplemental petition.

986. Service of petition.

987. Form and contents of petition.

988. Who may present a petition.

989. Who may be respondent.

990. Mode of presentation of petition.

991. Time for presentation of petition.

992. Amendment of petition.

993. Service of notices on respondent etc.

994. Amount and form of security for costs.

995. Recognisances as security for costs.

996. Notice of presentation of petition and of security.

997. Objections to recognisances.

998. Hearing of objections.

999. Time when petition is at issue.

1000. In general.

1001. Notice of interim application.

1002. Service of documents.

1003. List of petitions.

1004. Time and place of trial.

1005. Notice of time and place of trial.

1006. Particulars of petition.

1007. Particulars where general corruption charged.

1008. Amendment of particulars.

1009. Disclosure and inspection of documents.

1010. Production and admittance of documents at trial.

1011. Application for permission to withdraw petition.

1012. Continuation of trial despite the occurrence of certain events.

1013. Application for stay or dismissal of petition.

1014. Petition proceeding by way of special case stated rather than by trial.

1015. Mode of trial and procedure and practice in general.

1016. Attendance of shorthand writers.

1017. Power to adjourn.

1018. Duty of parties and court.

1019. Duty of the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to trial of election petition.

1020. Member of House of Commons may not appear at trial of parliamentary election petition.

1021. Attendance and swearing of witnesses at election court.

1022. Examination of witnesses by election court.

1023. Evidence on commission.

1024. Perjury.

1025. Ordering witnesses to withdraw.

1026. Cross-examination.

1027. Witness evidence and secrecy of vote.

1028. Duty to answer questions.

1029. Proof of corrupt practices before agency proved.

1030. Proof of agency.

1031. Statements by parties.

1032. Statements by voters.

1033. Contradiction by witness.

1034. Election documents produced following an order.

1035. When recriminatory evidence may be offered.

1036. Allegation of charges against subsequent election.

1037. Object of and provisions as to scrutiny generally.

1038. History of scrutiny.

1039. Votes by persons under legal incapacity to vote.

1040. Votes struck off for bribery, treating and undue influence.

1041. Votes struck off for corrupt and illegal practices.

1042. Votes of persons guilty of personation and of persons impersonated.

1043. Votes given to a disqualified candidate at an election.

1044. Votes improperly recorded.

1045. Scrutiny and recriminatory case.

1046. Who may demand a scrutiny.

1047. List of objections to votes.

1048. Particulars on a scrutiny.

1049. Inspection of ballot papers and orders for production of election documents.

1050. Evidence of vote at election.

1051. Petitions following equality of votes at election or referendum.

1052. Effect of judges' disagreement as to votes at a parliamentary election.

1053. Application for recount at election.

1054. Procedure for recount.

1055. Reference of question of law by statement of case.

1056. Determination of parliamentary election petition.

1057. Matters to be reported by court hearing parliamentary election petition.

1058. Subsequent action by House of Commons.

1059. Determination of local government election petition and subsequent procedures.

1060. Matters to be reported by court hearing local election petition.

1061. Determination of Senedd Cymru election petition and subsequent procedures.

1062. Matters to be reported by court hearing Senedd Cymru election petition.

1063. Determination of local authority referendum petition and subsequent procedures.

1064. Matters to be reported by court hearing local authority referendum petition.

1065. Grounds for judgment.

1066. Conclusion of petition.

1067. Application of High Court principles with regard to costs.

1068. How costs are defrayed.

1069. General rule as to costs.

1070. Grounds for special orders.

1071. Disagreement over costs by judges on trial of petition.

1072. Costs against person engaged in corrupt practices.

1073. Repayment of expenses of election court for local election or local authority referendum petition.

1074. Expenses of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

1075. Returning officer's costs.

1076. Witnesses' expenses.

1077. Recovery of costs.

1078. Right of appeal.

1079. Avoidance of election of candidate reported guilty of corrupt or illegal practice.

1080. Avoidance of election by reason of general corruption, bribery, treating or intimidation.

1081. Avoidance of election for employing corrupt agent.

1082. Avoidance of local authority referendum by reason of general corruption, bribery, treating or intimidation.

1083. Other circumstances in which a fresh election or referendum can be ordered.

1084. Votes struck off following a scrutiny.

1085. Recount following application.

1086. Court's duty to report election candidate or agent personally guilty of a corrupt or illegal practice.

1087. Court's duty to report justice of the peace found guilty of a corrupt practice.

1088. Court's duty to report barrister, solicitor, etc found guilty of a corrupt practice.

1089. Court's duty to report conviction of certain offences to Electoral Commission.

1090. Personal incapacity incurred on proof of corrupt or illegal voting practices at a parliamentary, local government election or local authority referendum.

1091. Disqualification from being the Mayor of London for failure to make returns as to election expenses.

1092. Personal incapacity incurred on proof of corrupt or illegal voting practices at a Senedd Cymru election.

1093. Effect of person holding a licence or certificate under the Licensing Act 2003 reported as being personally guilty of corrupt or illegal practices.

1094. Mitigation and remission of incapacities imposed on proof of corrupt or illegal voting practices at elections.

1095. Disqualification for offences aggravated by hostility to candidates and others.