Contents
- Part 1 General
- Part 2 Restriction of period for which a person can apply for a postal vote
- Part 3 General requirements for relevant devolved absent voting applications – national insurance number
- Part 4 Use of the uk digital service for relevant devolved absent voting applications
- Part 5 Verification of information provided in a relevant devolved absent voting application, power to request additional evidence and processing of information provided
- Part 6 Consequential amendments
- Part 7 Transitional provisions
- Part 8 Miscellaneous amendments
Part 1 · General
1Title and commencement#
(1)The title of these Regulations is the Representation of the People (Absent Voting and Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2026.
(2)Subject to paragraph (3), these Regulations come into force on 24 March 2026.
(3)Regulations 3 to 28 come into force on 3 November 2026.
2Interpretation#
In these Regulations—• “2000 Act” (“Deddf 2000”) means the Representation of the People Act 2000;• “2001 Regulations” (“Rheoliadau 2001”) means the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001;• “2025 Order” (“Gorchymyn 2025”) means the Senedd Cymru (Representation of the People) Order 2025;• “local government election” (“etholiadllywodraethleol”) means the election of councillors for any electoral ward or community ward in Wales or, in the case of a community in Wales where there are no wards, the community for which the election of councillors is held under Part 2 of the Local Government Act 1972;• “relevant devolved absent voting application” (“caispleidleisioabsennoldatganoledigperthnasol”) means an application, including a partially completed application, made under—(a) article 6, 7, 9 or 10 of the 2025 Order in relation to a Senedd election, or Senedd elections, or(b) paragraph 3, 4 or 6 of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act in relation to a local government election, or local government elections, in Wales;• “Senedd election” (“etholiad i’r Senedd”) means an election to Senedd Cymru.
Part 2 · Restriction of period for which a person can apply for a postal vote
3Introduction to Part 2#
This Part contains provision—
(a)limiting the period for which a person can apply to vote by post at a Senedd election, and
(b)relating to the implementation of the amendments made to Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act by the Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Act 2025, which limit the period for which a person can apply to vote by post at local government elections in Wales.
5Amendment of article 6 (absent vote at Senedd elections for a particular or an indefinite period)#
(1)Article 6 (absent vote at Senedd elections for a particular or an indefinite period) is amended as follows.
(2)In the heading before article 6, omit “for a particular or an indefinite period”.
(3)In paragraph (1), in the words before sub-paragraph (a), omit “whether for an indefinite period or for a particular period specified in the application,”.
(4)After paragraph (1), insert—“1A Any application granted under paragraph (1), is to be granted for—a the period ending with the third 31 January following the date on which the application is granted, orb any shorter period specified in the application.”
(5)In paragraph (4)—
(a)omit sub-paragraph (a);
(b)in sub-paragraph (b), after “post,” insert “the periods for which they may do so and”;
(c)in sub-paragraph (c), after “proxy,” insert “whether the applications were to vote by proxy for an indefinite or particular period and specifying that period, and”.
(6)In paragraph (5)—
(a)omit the “or” at the end of sub-paragraph (d);
(b)in sub-paragraph (e)—
(i)omit “by post or”;
(ii)for the “.” at the end of the sub-paragraph, substitute “, or”;
(c)after sub-paragraph (e), insert—“f in the case of a person shown in the record as voting by post, once the period for which the person is entitled to vote by post, in accordance with paragraph (1A), has expired.”
(7)In paragraph (8), omit “, whether for an indefinite period or for a particular period specified in the application”.
(8)After paragraph (8), insert—“8A Paragraph (1A) applies to an application under sub-paragraph (8) to vote by post, as it applies to an application under paragraph (1).”
6Amendment of article 10 (voting as proxy at Senedd elections)#
(1)Article 10 (voting as proxy at Senedd elections) is amended as follows.
(2)In paragraph (4)(a), omit “whether for an indefinite period or for a particular period specified in the person’s application,”.
(3)After paragraph (5), insert—“5A Any application granted under paragraph (4)(a) to vote by post as proxy, is to be granted for—a the period ending with the third 31 January following the date on which the application is granted, orb any shorter period specified in the application.”
(4)For paragraph (6)(a), substitute—“a the periods for which they may vote by post as proxy, in accordance with paragraph (5A), and”
(5)In paragraph (10)(b), for “for a particular period, once that period expires” substitute “, once the period for which the person is entitled to vote by post as proxy, in accordance with paragraph (5A), has ended”.
7Amendment of Schedule 1 (absent voting at Senedd elections)#
(1)Schedule 1 to the 2025 Order (absent voting at Senedd elections) is amended as follows.
(2)In paragraph 1—
(a)in sub-paragraph (1), omit “for a particular or an indefinite period”;
(b)in sub-paragraph (5), for paragraph (a), substitute—“a under article 6(1), 9(6) or 10(4)(a) for—i an indefinite period,ii the maximum period as specified in article 6(1A)(a) or 10(5A)(a), oriii the period specified in the application, or”
(3)In paragraph 12 (grant or refusal of applications)—
(a)after sub-paragraph (1), insert—“1A The notification under sub-paragraph (1) must include—a if the postal vote entitlement is for a particular election, the day of the poll for which the elector’s entitlement to vote by post has been granted,b otherwise, the date on which the elector’s entitlement to vote by post ends, in accordance with article 6(1A) or 10(5A), as relevant.”
(b)after sub-paragraph (8), insert—“8A Sub-paragraphs (8B) to (8D) apply if—a an application has been made under article 6, 7, 9 or 10, andb either—i paragraph 2(2) applies to that application, or would have applied if paragraph 2(3) was ignored, orii paragraph 3(1) and (2) applies to that application, or would have applied if paragraph 3(3) was ignored.8B A notification under sub-paragraph (1) to one of the following types of applicants must also include a statement that ballot papers will be sent to the postal ballot delivery address—a an applicant registered in pursuance of a service declaration;b an applicant registered in pursuance of a declaration of local connection (within the meaning of section 7B of the 1983 Act);c an applicant who is a merchant seaman (within the meaning of section 6 of the 1983 Act);d an applicant who has an anonymous entry.8C If sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) of sub-paragraph (8B) do not apply to the applicant, the registration officer must, in addition to notifying the applicant under sub-paragraph (1), (4), (5) or (8), notify the applicant in writing that—a the application has been granted, refused or disregarded, andb where the application has been granted, ballot papers will be sent to the postal ballot delivery address.8D A notification under paragraph (8C) must be delivered to—a if paragraph (8A)(b)(ii) applies and the notification is to be delivered to a person shown as voting by post in the record kept under article 8(1)(a), the address shown in that record;b otherwise—i the address stated in the application in accordance with paragraph 1(1)(b), orii the proxy’s address stated in the application in accordance with paragraph 1(1)(c).8E In sub-paragraphs (8B) and (8C), the “postal ballot delivery address” means—a if sub-paragraph (8A)(b)(i) applies, the address stated in the application in accordance with paragraph 1(1)(d);b if sub-paragraph (8A)(b)(ii) applies, the different address described in paragraph 3(1) and (2).8F In sub-paragraph (8B) “service declaration” has the same meaning as in section 202(1) of the 1983 Act.”
(4)After paragraph 15 (inquiries by registration officer), insert—“15A 1 This paragraph applies in respect of an elector or proxy who remains entitled to vote by post at a Senedd election by virtue of an entitlement which was granted for the maximum period (“the relevant person”).2 Before the end of the maximum period, the registration officer must send to the relevant person—a notice of the date on which the relevant person’s entitlement to vote by post ends, andb information about how to make a fresh application to vote by post, as elector or as proxy.3 In this paragraph “maximum period” means the maximum period as specified in article 6(1A)(a) or 10(5A)(a).”
(5)In paragraph 16 (requirement to provide fresh signatures at five yearly intervals), before sub-paragraph (1), insert—“A1 This paragraph does not apply to an elector or proxy so far as that elector or proxy remains entitled to vote by post at a Senedd election.”
8Local government elections#
(1)Part 4 of the 2001 Regulations (absent voters) is amended as follows.
(2)In regulation 57 (grant or refusal of applications)—
(a)in paragraph (1A), omit “Where a registration officer grants an application to vote by post at a parliamentary election or a local government election in England,”;
(b)in paragraph (7)(a), for the words from “under Schedule 4” to the end substitute “has been made under Schedule 4;”.
(3)In regulation 60ZA(1) (requirement to notify certain electors and proxies that postal vote entitlement is to end), omit “in England”.
(4)In regulation 60A(A1) (requirement to provide fresh signatures at intervals), omit “in England”.
Part 3 · General requirements for relevant devolved absent voting applications – national insurance number
9Introduction to Part 3#
This Part contains provision requiring all relevant devolved absent voting applications for Senedd elections and local government elections in Wales to include the applicant’s national insurance number, or the reason why they are not able to provide it.
10Senedd Elections#
In paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to the 2025 Order (absent voting and Senedd elections), after sub-paragraph (1)(a) insert—“aa the applicant’s national insurance number, or if the applicant is not able to provide that information, the reason why the applicant is not able to do so,”
11Local government elections#
The 2001 Regulations are amended in accordance with regulations 12 and 13.
12Amendment of Part 1 (general, interpretation and miscellaneous)#
In regulation 3(1) (interpretation), in the appropriate place in alphabetical order, insert—“• “relevant devolved absent voting applications” means an application (including a partially completed application) under paragraph 3, 4 or 6 of Schedule 4 to 2000 Act in relation to a local government election, or local government elections, in Wales;”
13Amendment of Part 4 (absent voters)#
In regulation 51(2)(aa) of the 2001 Regulations (general requirements for applications for an absent vote), after “for a relevant absent voting application,” insert “or a relevant devolved absent voting application”.
Part 4 · Use of the uk digital service for relevant devolved absent voting applications
15Amendment of Part 1 (general)#
In article 2(1) (interpretation), in paragraph (1), in the appropriate place in alphabetical order, insert—“• “absent voting application” (“cais pleidleisio absennol”) means an application, including a partially completed application, made under article 6 (absent vote at Senedd elections), 7 (absent vote at a particular Senedd election), 9 (proxies at Senedd elections) or 10 (voting as proxy at Senedd elections);• “UK digital service” (“gwasanaeth digidol y DU”) has the same meaning as in section 13B(8) of the Government of Wales Act 2006;”.”
16Amendment of Schedule 1 (absent voting at Senedd elections)#
In paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 (general requirements for applications for an absent vote), after sub-paragraph (6), insert—“6A If, by virtue of arrangements made by the Minister of the Crown, an absent voting application is made through the UK digital service—a the Minister of the Crown may complete the application in part using information provided by the applicant as part of an application, or partially completed application, made under section 10ZC or 10ZD of the 1983 Act for registration in, or alteration of, a register of electors where that application is made through or completed using the UK digital service,b the application must contain a compliant photograph or electronic scan of the applicant’s signature if the application is required to contain a signature, andc the Minister of the Crown must—i request that the applicant provide their most recent previous name, if they have one, andii provide an explanation of the purpose for which the information will be used.6B In sub-paragraph (6A)(b), “compliant photograph or electronic scan of the applicant’s signature” means—a the signature contained in the photograph or electronic scan complies with the requirements of sub-paragraph (3)(a), andb the photograph or electronic scan of the signature is sufficiently clear and unambiguous to comply with the requirements of sub-paragraph (3)(a).6C If an applicant is unable to provide a national insurance number in accordance with sub-paragraph (1)(aa), as part of the application, the applicant may provide a copy of any of the documents listed in paragraph 11B(2) to (4).6D A document provided under sub-paragraph (6C) may be transmitted by an applicant by electronic means.6E The Minister of the Crown must send to the registration officer—a any absent voting application the Minister of the Crown receives, subject to sub-paragraph (6F),b the applicant’s previous name (if any provided),c any copy documentation provided by the applicant in accordance with sub-paragraph (6C), andd a reference number unique to that application.6F If an absent voting application made through the UK digital service in accordance with sub-paragraph (6A) includes the applicant’s national insurance number, the Minister of the Crown—a may send the registration officer that application without the national insurance number, andb where the Minister of the Crown does so, must indicate to the registration officer that a national insurance number was included when the application was made by the applicant.”
17Local government elections#
The 2001 Regulations are amended in accordance with regulations 18 and 19.
18Amendment of Part 1 (general, interpretation and miscellaneous)#
In regulation 3(1) (interpretation), in the definition of “digital service”, in paragraph (a), at the end insert “or relevant devolved absent voting applications”.
19Amendment of Part 4 (absent voters)#
In regulation 51 (general requirements for applications for an absent vote)—
(a)in the opening words of paragraph (7), after “relevant absent voting application” insert “or a relevant devolved absent voting application”;
(b)in paragraph (10)(a), after “relevant absent voting application” insert “or relevant devolved absent voting application”;
(c)in the opening words of paragraph (11), after “relevant absent voting application” insert “or a relevant devolved absent voting application”.
Part 5 · Verification of information provided in a relevant devolved absent voting application, power to request additional evidence and processing of information provided
20Senedd Elections#
In Schedule 1 to the 2025 Order (absent voting at Senedd elections), after paragraph 11 (closing dates for applications), insert—“11A 1 On receipt of an absent voting application made otherwise than through the UK digital service, a registration officer must disclose the applicant’s name or names, address, date of birth and national insurance number (“the first stage information”) to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in such format and through such an infrastructure system as the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government may have notified to the registration officer in writing.2 Following receipt of the first stage information from the registration officer or, in the case of an application made by an applicant through or partially completed using the UK digital service, from an applicant, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government may disclose the first stage information to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.3 If the first stage information has been disclosed to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions under sub-paragraph (2), the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions may compare it against—a the name, address, date of birth and national insurance number of individuals appearing in the following types of data kept by the Secretary of State—i data kept for the purposes of functions relating to social security, including such information kept on behalf of the Department for Social Development, andii data relating to working tax credit, child tax credit and child benefit, being information kept on behalf of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, andb any other information contained in such types of data which relates to the information disclosed under sub-paragraph (2).4 The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions may disclose the results of the comparison of the first stage information under sub-paragraph (3) (“the second stage information”) to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.5 On receipt of the second stage information, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government may disclose that information—a to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, orb to the registration officer to whom the application has been made or, in the case of an application made through the UK digital service, the registration officer appointed for the register to which the application relates.6 Sub-paragraph (3) applies to the second stage information where it has been disclosed to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions under sub-paragraph (5)(a) as it applies to the first stage information disclosed under sub-paragraph (2).7 The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions may disclose the results of the comparison of the second stage information under sub-paragraph (6) (“the third stage information”) to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.8 On receipt of the third stage information, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government may—a compare the third stage information against the information provided in the absent voting application, andb notify the registration officer to whom the application has been made or, in the case of an application made through the UK digital service, the registration officer appointed for the register to which the application relates, as to whether the comparison in sub-paragraph 8(a) resulted in a match.9 When determining the application, the registration officer must take into account any information disclosed by, or notification received from, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in accordance with this paragraph.10 This paragraph does not apply in relation to an application under article 7(2)—a which is received by the registration officer after 5.00 p.m. on the sixth day before the day of the poll at the election for which it is made, andb if paragraph 11(3) or (3A) applies.11 In sub-paragraph (1)—a “infrastructure system” has the meaning given in paragraph 7 of Schedule 3A to the Communications Act 2003;b the reference to the applicant’s address is a reference to the address contained in the application under paragraph 1(1)(b).11B 1 This paragraph applies where, upon receipt of an absent voting application, a registration officer considers additional evidence is necessary to verify the identity of the applicant.2 The registration officer may require the applicant to provide the registration officer with a copy, or where the registration officer considers it appropriate, the original, of one of the following documents—a the applicant’s passport;b the applicant’s identity card issued in the European Economic Area;c the applicant’s biometric immigration document issued in the United Kingdom in accordance with regulations made under section 5 of the UK Borders Act 2007;d the applicant’s electoral identity card issued in Northern Ireland;e the applicant’s photocard driving licence granted in the United Kingdom or driving licence granted by a Crown Dependency, which bears a photograph of the applicant.3 If an applicant is not able to provide one of the documents in sub-paragraph (2), the registration officer may require the applicant to provide the registration officer with a copy, or where the registration officer considers it appropriate, the original, of—a one of the following documents, which, except in relation to paragraph (vii), must have been issued in the United Kingdom or in a Crown Dependency—i the applicant’s birth certificate;ii the applicant’s marriage or civil partnership certificate;iii the applicant’s adoption certificate;iv the applicant’s firearms certificate granted under the Firearms Act 1968;v the record of a decision on bail made in respect of the applicant in accordance with section 5(1) of the Bail Act 1976;vi the applicant’s driving licence, which is not in the form of a photocard;vii the applicant’s driving licence, granted other than in the United Kingdom or Crown Dependencies, which bears a photograph of the applicant and which must be valid for at least 12 months from the date the applicant entered the United Kingdom, andb two other documents, each of which may be either from sub-paragraph (3)(a) or from sub-paragraph (4)(a) to (e).4 If the applicant is not able to provide documents in accordance with sub-paragraph (3), the registration officer may require that the applicant provides the registration officer with a copy, or where the registration officer considers it appropriate, the original, of four documents, each of which may be any of the following kinds of evidence and which must bear the applicant’s full name—a a financial statement, including but not limited to—i a mortgage statement;ii a bank or building society statement or a letter from a bank or building society confirming that the applicant has opened an account with that bank or building society;iii a credit card statement;iv a pension statement;b a council tax demand letter or statement;c a utility bill;d a Form P45 or Form P60 issued to the applicant by their employer or former employer;e a statement of benefits or entitlement to benefits, such as a statement of child benefit, within the meaning of section 141 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, or a letter confirming that the applicant is entitled to housing benefit, within the meaning of section 130 of that Act.5 If an applicant is unable to provide the documentary evidence required under sub-paragraphs (2) to (4), the registration officer may require that the applicant provides an attestation which must—a confirm that the applicant is the person named in the application,b state that the person signing the attestation is aware of the penalty for providing false information to a registration officer,c be in writing and signed by a person—i whom the registration officer is satisfied is of good standing in the community,ii who is registered as an elector in a local authority area in England or Wales,iii who is not the spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild of the applicant, andiv who has not already signed a relevant identity attestation for any other applicants since, whichever is the later of—aa the date on which the revised register in which that person’s name appears was last published under section 13(1) of the 1983 Act, orbb the date on which a notice specifying that person’s entry in the register was issued under section 13A(2), 13AB(2), 13B or 13BC of that Act, and if there has been more than one such notice, the date on which the last one was issued;d state the full name, date of birth, address, electoral number and occupation of the person signing the attestation, ande state the date on which it is made.6 Any document provided in accordance with this paragraph may be transmitted by an applicant to a registration officer by electronic means.7 In sub-paragraph (5)(c)(iv), a “relevant identity attestation” is an attestation provided in accordance with—a sub-paragraph (5);b regulations 26B(6) or (6ZA) or 56C(5A) or (6) of the 2001 Regulations;c regulation 26B(6) or (6ZA) or 56C(5A) or (6) of the Representation of the People (Scotland) Regulations 2001;d regulation 11B(5) of the Representation of the People (Absent Voting at Local Government Elections) (Scotland) Regulations 2007;e regulation 25A(3) of the Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2008;f paragraph 16C(5) of Schedule 2 to the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections Order 2012;g paragraph 9B(5) of Schedule 3 of the Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) Order 2015;h regulation 72B(5A) or (6) of the Recall of MPs Act 2015 (Recall Petition) Regulations 2016;i regulation 7(6) of the Voter Identification Regulations 2022.8 Sub-paragraphs (2) to (5) do not apply where the applicant is registered, or has applied to be registered, in pursuance of any of the following declarations—a a service declaration on the grounds that the applicant is a Crown servant or the spouse or civil partner of a Crown servant;b a service declaration on the grounds that the applicant is a member of the forces;c a service declaration on the grounds that the applicant is the spouse or civil partner of a member of the forces.9 If sub-paragraph (8)(a) or (c) applies to an application, the registration officer may require that the applicant provides the registration offer with a copy, or where the registration officer considers it appropriate, the original, of one of the following documents, which has been certified by a Crown servant or British Council employee or an officer of the forces, who is not the applicant’s spouse or civil partner—a the applicant’s passport;b the applicant’s identity card issued in the European Economic Area.10 If sub-paragraph (8)(b) applies to an application, the registration officer may require that the applicant provides an attestation which must—a confirm that the applicant is the person named in the application,b be in writing and signed by an officer of the forces who is not the spouse, civil partner, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild of the applicant,c state the full name, address and rank of the person signing the attestation and the service, whether naval, military or air forces, in which they serve, andd state the date on which it is made.11 A document or attestation provided under this paragraph may be transmitted by an applicant by electronic means.12 In this paragraph—• “Crown Dependency” means the Bailiwick of Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey or the Isle of Man;• “member of the forces” has the same meaning as in section 59(1) of the 1983 Act;• “officer of the forces” means a member of the forces who is an officer;• “service declaration” has the same meaning as in section 202(1) of the 1983 Act.13 This paragraph does not apply in relation to an application under article 7(2)—a which is received by the registration officer after 5.00 p.m. on the sixth day before the day of the poll at the election for which it is made, andb where paragraph 11(3) or (3A) applies.11C 1 If a person provides an original document under paragraph 11B, the registration officer must make a copy of that document and return the original document to the person who provided it.2 In respect of any absent voting application, until the application has been determined, the registration officer must retain—a the application form or, in the case of an application made through the UK digital service, the information contained in the application transmitted to the registration officer by the Secretary of State;b any other information or documents provided to the registration officer in connection with the application or, in the case of original documents which are returned under sub-paragraph (1), a copy of such documents.3 Subject to sub-paragraph (4), the registration officer may retain the application form, information and documents in sub-paragraph (2) after the application has been determined but, if they do so, must delete the applicant’s national insurance number from the application form, information and documents in sub-paragraph (2) by no later than the date which is 13 months from the date on which the registration officer determined the absent voting application.4 The requirement to delete the national insurance number in sub-paragraph (3) does not apply where the application, information and documents referred to in sub-paragraph (2) are required for the purpose of any civil or criminal proceedings.5 Information disclosed under paragraph 11A must not be disclosed to any other person, except for the purposes of—a determining the absent voting application in connection with which the information was disclosed, orb civil or criminal proceedings.6 A person who discloses information in breach of sub-paragraph (5) is guilty of an offence and liable—a on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to a fine, or both;b on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the general limit in a magistrates’ court, or to a fine, or both.7 Any information disclosed under paragraph 11A must be processed in accordance with any requirements as to the processing of information that may have been imposed by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in writing in advance of that processing, including requirements as to the transfer, storage, destruction and security of that information.8 In this paragraph “copy” includes an electronic copy.”
21Local Government Elections#
(1)Part 4 of the 2001 Regulations (absent voters) is amended as follows.
(2)In regulation 56B (verification of information provided in a relevant absent voting application)—
(a)in the heading, after “relevant absent voting application” insert “or a relevant devolved absent voting application”;
(b)in paragraph (1), after “relevant absent voting application” insert “or a relevant devolved absent voting application”;
(c)in paragraph (8)(a), after “relevant absent voting application” insert “or the relevant devolved absent voting application”.
(3)In regulation 56C (power to request additional evidence in relation to relevant absent voting applications where the registration officer considers it necessary)—
(a)in the heading, after “relevant absent voting applications” insert “or relevant devolved absent voting applications”;
(b)in paragraph (1), after “relevant absent voting application” insert “or a relevant devolved absent voting application”;
(c)in paragraph (5), in the words before sub-paragraph (a), after “Where” insert “, in relation to a relevant absent voting application,”;
(d)in paragraph (8), after sub-paragraph (f), insert—“g paragraph 11B(5) of Schedule 1 to the Senedd Cymru (Representation of the People) Order 2025, in relation to a relevant devolved absent voting application.”
(e)in paragraph (9), in the words before sub-paragraph (a), omit “in England”.
(4)In regulation 56D (processing of information provided in connection with a relevant absent voting application)—
(a)in the heading, after “relevant absent voting application” insert “or a relevant devolved absent voting application”;
(b)in paragraph (2), in the words before sub-paragraph (a), after “relevant absent voting application” insert “or relevant devolved absent voting application”;
(c)in paragraph (3), after “relevant absent voting application” insert “or the relevant devolved absent voting application”;
(d)in paragraph (5)(a), after “relevant absent voting application” insert “or the relevant devolved absent voting application”;
(e)in paragraph (6), after “paragraph (5)” insert “in connection with a relevant absent voting application,”.
Part 6 · Consequential amendments
23Amendment of Part 5 (miscellaneous and supplemental)#
In article 141 (electronic applications, notices and signatures)—
(a)in paragraph (1), in the words before sub-paragraph (a), after “notice,” insert “attestation given under paragraph 11B(5) of Schedule 1 (absent voting at Senedd elections),”;
(b)after paragraph (4) insert—“5 Paragraphs (2) to (4) do not apply in relation to an absent voting application, the requirements for which are set out in Schedule 1 (absent voting at Senedd elections).”
24Amendment of Schedule 1 (absent voting at Senedd elections)#
(1)Schedule 1 (absent voting at Senedd elections) is amended as follows.
(2)In paragraph 9 (additional requirements for applications to vote by proxy in respect of a particular Senedd election), after sub-paragraph (7) insert—“7A If an application under article 7(2) is made after 5.00 p.m. on the sixth day before the day of the poll at the election for which it is made because the circumstances set out in paragraph 11(3B)(a) apply, the application must, in addition to providing any other information, state that it is being made because of those circumstances.”
(3)In paragraph 11 (closing dates for applications), after sub-paragraph (3) insert—“3A If an application is made under article 7(2) or 9(7) in the circumstances set out in sub-paragraph (3B), the application must be refused if it is received after 5.00 p.m. on the day of the poll at the election for which it is made.3B The circumstances are that—a the applicant submitted the application because an earlier application submitted by that applicant under article 6(2) or 9(6) is to be disregarded for the election for which it is made because that earlier application—i was submitted prior to the deadline of 5.00 p.m. on the sixth day before the day of the poll at the election for which it is made,ii was submitted via the UK digital service, andiii was not received by the registration officer until after the deadline of 5.00 p.m. on the sixth day before the day of the poll at the election for which it is made due to a technical defect in the digital service, orb the application meets the conditions specified in sub-paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) of paragraph (a).”
25Local Government Elections#
The 2001 Regulations are amended in accordance with regulations 26 to 28.
26Amendment of Part 1 (general, interpretation and miscellaneous)#
In regulation 6(4) (electronic signatures and related certificates), after “relevant absent voting application” insert “or a relevant devolved absent voting application”.
27Part 3 (registration)#
(1)Part 3 (registration) is amended as follows.
(2)In regulation 29ZB (processing of information provided in connection with an application under section 10ZC or 10ZD)—
(a)in paragraph (5)(aa)(i), after “relevant absent voting application” in both places it occurs, insert “or relevant devolved absent voting application”;
(b)after paragraph (5)(aa)(i) insert—“ia an application for an absent vote made under article 6, 7, 9 or 10 of the Senedd Cymru (Representation of the People) Order 2025 by the same applicant where that information is used by the Secretary of State to complete in part that application by virtue of paragraph 1(6A) of Schedule 1 to that Order,”
(3)In regulation 35(4) (registration officer’s right to inspect certain records), after “relevant absent voting application” insert “or a relevant devolved absent voting application”.
(4)In regulation 35A(1) (disclosure of certain local authorities’ records), after “relevant absent voting application” insert “or a relevant devolved absent voting application”.
28Part 4 (absent voting)#
In regulation 56(3D) (closing date for applications), after “paragraph (3F)” insert “in relation to a parliamentary election or a local government election in England or Wales”.
Part 7 · Transitional provisions
29Definitions#
In this Part—• “1983 Act” (“Deddf 1983”) means the Representation of the People Act 1983;• “devolved absent vote entitlement” (“hawlogaeth i bleidlais absennol ddatganoledig”) means an entitlement to vote by proxy or to vote by post, where the entitlement was granted before the relevant day, at—(a) a Senedd election, or Senedd elections, on an application under article 6, 7 or 9 of the 2025 Order, or(b) a local government election, or local government elections, in Wales on an application under paragraph 3, 4 or 6 of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act;• “devolved absent voting application” (“cais pleidleisio absennol datganoledig”) means an application, including a partially completed application, made under—(a) article 6, 7 or 9 of the 2025 Order in relation to a Senedd election, or Senedd elections, or(b) paragraph 3, 4 or 6 of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act in relation to a local government election, or local government elections, in Wales;• “devolved postal vote entitlement” (“hawlogaeth i bleidlais drwy’r post ddatganoledig”) means an entitlement to vote by post, as an elector, at—(a) a Senedd election, or Senedd elections, where the entitlement was granted before the relevant day on an application under article 6(1), 6(8) or 7(1) of the 2025 Order, or(b) a local government election, or local government elections, in Wales, where the entitlement was granted before the relevant day on an application under paragraph 3(1), 3(7) or 4(1) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act;• “devolved proxy postal vote entitlement” (“hawlogaeth i bleidlais drwy’r post drwy ddirprwy ddatganoledig”) means an entitlement to vote by post, as proxy, at—(a) a Senedd election, or Senedd elections, where the entitlement was granted before the relevant day on an application under article 10(4) of the 2025 Order, or(b) a local government election, or local government elections, in Wales, where the entitlement was granted before the relevant day on an application under paragraph 7(4) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act;• “devolved proxy vote entitlement” (“hawlogaeth i bleidlais drwy ddirprwy ddatganoledig”) means an entitlement to vote by proxy, where the entitlement was granted before the relevant day, at—(a) a Senedd election, or Senedd elections, on an application under article 6(2), 6(6), 7(2) or 7(4) of the 2025 Order, or(b) a local government election, or local government elections, in Wales on an application under paragraph 3(2), 3(6), 4(2), 4(2A) or 4(3) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act;• “elector” (“etholwr”), in relation to an election, means any person who has for the time being an entry on the register to be used at that election, or, in the case of a person who has an anonymous entry in the register, in the record of anonymous entries, but does not include those shown in the register as below voting age on the day fixed for the poll;• “paragraph 16 notice” (“hysbysiad paragraff 16”) means a notice under paragraph 16(1) of Schedule 1 to the 2025 Order (requirement to provide fresh signatures at five yearly intervals);• “parliamentary election” (“etholiad seneddol”) has the same meaning as in Schedule 1 (words and expressions defined) to the Interpretation Act 1978;• “qualifying address” (“cyfeiriad cymhwysol”) has the same meaning as in section 9(8)(b) of the 1983 Act ;• “registration officer” (“swyddog cofrestru”) means an electoral registration officer under section 8 of the 1983 Act;• “regulation 60A notice” (“hysbysiad rheoliad 60A”) means a notice under regulation 60A(2) of the 2001 Regulations (requirement to provide fresh signatures at intervals);• “relevant day” (“diwrnod perthnasol”) means 3 November 2026;• “reserved absent vote entitlement” (“hawlogaeth i bleidlais absennol gadwedig”) means an entitlement to vote by proxy or to vote by post, at a parliamentary election, or parliamentary elections, in Wales, where the entitlement was granted before the relevant day on an application under paragraph 3, 4 or 6 of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act;• “reserved postal vote entitlement” (“hawlogaeth i bleidlais drwy’r post gadwedig”) means an entitlement to vote by post, at a parliamentary election, or parliamentary elections, in Wales, where the entitlement was granted before the relevant day on an application under paragraph 3(1), 3(7) or 4(1) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act;• “reserved proxy postal vote entitlement” (“hawlogaeth i bleidlais drwy’r post drwy ddirprwy gadwedig”) means an entitlement to vote by post, as proxy, at a parliamentary election, or parliamentary elections, in Wales, where the entitlement was granted before the relevant day on an application under paragraph 7(4) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act;• “reserved proxy vote entitlement” (“hawlogaeth i bleidlais drwy ddirprwy gadwedig”) means an entitlement to vote by proxy, at a parliamentary election, or parliamentary elections, in Wales, where the entitlement was granted before the relevant day on an application under paragraph 3(2), 3(6), 4(2), 4(2A) or 4(3) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act.
30Devolved absent voting applications and devolved proxy postal voting applications not determined by the relevant day#
(1)A devolved absent voting application or a devolved proxy postal voting application that is made before, but not determined by, the relevant day is to be treated as not having been made.
(2)If, in accordance with paragraph (1), a person’s application is treated as not having been made, the registration officer must, as soon as practicable after the relevant day, send to that person, at that person’s qualifying address, information about how to make a fresh application.
(3)In this regulation “devolved proxy postal voting application” means an application, including a partially completed application, made under—
(a)article 10(4) of the 2025 Order in relation to a Senedd election, or Senedd elections, or
(b)paragraph 7(4) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act in relation to a local government election, or local government elections, in Wales.
31Ending of certain devolved proxy postal vote entitlements#
(1)This regulation applies if before the relevant day a person (“P”) has—
(a)a devolved proxy postal vote entitlement, and
(2)If this regulation applies, P’s devolved proxy postal vote entitlement ends on the relevant day.
(3)If P’s devolved proxy postal vote entitlement ends due to the operation of paragraph (2), as soon as practicable after the relevant day, the registration officer must send to P, at P’s qualifying address—
(a)a notice informing P that P’s devolved proxy postal vote entitlement has ended, the reason why it has ended and explaining the effect of that entitlement ending, and
(b)information about how to make a fresh application.
(4)If paragraph (2) applies, as soon as practicable after the relevant day, the registration officer must—
(a)update the following to reflect the ending of the devolved proxy postal vote entitlement due to the operation of paragraph (2)—
(i)the records, as applicable to P, kept under article 10(6) and (13) of the 2025 Order, or paragraph 7(6) and (12) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act, and
(ii)the proxy postal voters list kept under article 10(8) of the 2025 Order, or paragraph 7(8) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act, and
(b)notify the elector who appointed the proxy, by a notice sent to the elector’s qualifying address, that the devolved proxy postal vote entitlement has ended.
32Ending of certain devolved postal vote entitlements and proxy postal vote entitlements#
(1)This regulation applies where either paragraph (2) or (3) applies.
(2)Before the relevant day, a person (“P”) has a devolved postal vote entitlement, that lasts for—
(a)an indefinite period, or
(b)a period that would expire after the third 31 January following the relevant day.
(3)Before the relevant day, a person (“P”) has—
(a)a devolved proxy postal vote entitlement and does not have a reserved proxy postal vote entitlement, and
(b)P’s devolved proxy postal vote entitlement lasts for—
(i)an indefinite period, or
(ii)a period that would expire after the third 31 January following the relevant day.
(4)P’s devolved postal vote entitlement or P’s devolved proxy postal vote entitlement ends on—
(a)the transitional expiry date, or
(b)if later, the reserved expiry date if applicable.
(5)As soon as practicable after the relevant day, the registration officer must update the following to reflect any change in the period for which P’s devolved postal vote entitlement or P’s devolved proxy postal vote entitlement lasts due to the operation of paragraph (4)—
(a)the records, as applicable to P, kept under—
(i)article 6(4), 6(11), 7(7) or 10(6) of the 2025 Order, or
(ii)paragraph 3(4), 3(9) 4(6) or 7(6) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act, and
(b)the postal voters list or the proxy postal voters list, as applicable to P, kept under—
(i)article 8(1)(a) and (2) or 10(8) of the 2025 Order, or
(ii)paragraph 5(1) and (2) or 7(8) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act.
(6)Before the date on which P’s devolved postal vote entitlement or P’s devolved proxy postal vote entitlement ends due to the operation of paragraph (4), the registration officer must send to P, at P’s qualifying address—
(a)a notice informing P of the date on which P’s devolved postal vote entitlement or devolved proxy postal vote entitlement ends, and
(b)information about how to make a fresh application to vote by post, as elector or as proxy.
(7)Paragraph (8) applies if, due to the operation of paragraph (4)(a), P’s devolved postal vote entitlement ends on the signature refresh date.
(8)Any requirement to send P a paragraph 16 notice or a regulation 60A notice by the signature refresh date does not apply, unless—
(a)P has a reserved proxy vote entitlement that continues beyond that date, and
(b)paragraph 16 of the 2025 Order and regulation 60A of the 2001 Regulations apply in relation to that entitlement or those entitlements.
(9)In this regulation—• “reserved expiry date” (“dyddiad dod i ben cadwedig”) means the date on which P’s reserved postal vote entitlement, if they have one, ends, in accordance with paragraph 3(1A) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act;• “signature refresh date” (“dyddiad adnewyddu llofnod”) means the 31 January by which the registration officer would be required to send P a paragraph 16 notice or a regulation 60A notice, assuming there has been no change in P’s entitlement or entitlements to vote by post after the relevant day, and disregarding paragraph (8) of this regulation and the amendments made by regulations 7(5) and 8(4) of these Regulations;• “transitional expiry date” (“dyddiad dod i ben trosiannol”) means—(a) the third 31 January following the relevant day, or(b) if earlier, the signature refresh date for the devolved postal vote entitlement.
33Alignment of certain signature refresh dates#
(1)This regulation applies if, before the relevant day—
(a)a person (“P”) has—
(i)a devolved proxy vote entitlement, and
(ii)a reserved proxy vote entitlement, and
(b)the signature refresh dates for the entitlements are different.
(2)From the relevant day, the signature refresh date for P’s devolved proxy vote entitlement and the signature refresh date for P’s reserved proxy vote entitlement are aligned.
(3)The aligned signature refresh date is the signature refresh date for P’s reserved proxy vote entitlement.
(4)As soon as practicable after the relevant day, the registration officer must apply the signature provided by P in respect of P’s reserved proxy vote entitlement to all records, as applicable to P, kept under—
(a)article 6(11) or 7(7) of, and paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 to the 2025 Order, or
(b)paragraph 3(9) or 4(6) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act and regulation 61B of the 2001 Regulations.
(5)If a replacement signature is applied under paragraph (4), that replacement signature is deemed to be a signature provided under article 11(2) of the 2025 Order or paragraph 7A(1) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act, and article 11(3) of the 2025 Order or paragraph 7A(2) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act will apply to such a signature.
(6)Any requirement to send P a paragraph 16 notice or a regulation 60A notice will apply to the signature refresh date as amended due to the operation of this regulation.
(7)When a paragraph 16 notice or a regulation 60A notice is issued, the relevant notice must inform P of the amended signature refresh date and the reason why it has changed.
(8)In this regulation “signature refresh date” means the 31 January by which the registration officer would, or may be, required to send P a paragraph 16 notice or a regulation 60A notice, assuming there has been no change in P’s entitlement or entitlements to vote by proxy after the relevant day.
34Postal vote address discrepancies and termination of certain devolved postal vote entitlements#
(1)This regulation applies if before the relevant day—
(a)a person (“P”) has—
(i)a devolved postal vote entitlement, and
(ii)a reserved postal vote entitlement, and
(b)there is a discrepancy in the postal vote addresses held on the records kept by the registration officer for those entitlements.
(2)If this regulation applies, P’s devolved postal vote entitlement ends on the relevant day.
(3)Prior to the relevant day, the registration officer must, where reasonably practicable, send to P, at P’s qualifying address, a notice informing P that—
(a)the postal vote address kept in the registration officer’s record in respect of P’s devolved postal vote entitlement differs from the postal vote address kept in the registration officer’s record in respect of P’s reserved postal vote entitlement (“the address discrepancy”),
(b)the postal vote address details for P’s devolved postal vote entitlement and P’s reserved postal vote entitlement must be the same if both entitlements are to be in place from the relevant day, and
(c)if a fresh application to vote by post is not made before and determined by the relevant day, and the address discrepancy remains, P’s devolved postal vote entitlement will end on the relevant day.
(4)If P’s devolved postal vote entitlement ends due to the operation of paragraph (2), as soon as practicable after the relevant day, the registration officer must send to P, at P’s qualifying address—
(a)a notice informing P that P’s devolved postal vote entitlement has ended, the reason why it has ended and explaining the effect of that entitlement ending, and
(b)information about how to make a fresh application to vote by post.
(5)If paragraph (2) applies, as soon as practicable after the relevant day, the registration officer must update the following to reflect the ending of P’s devolved postal vote entitlement due to the operation of paragraph (2)—
(a)the records, as applicable to P, kept under—
(i)article 6(4), 6(11) or 7(7) of the 2025 Order, or
(ii)paragraph 3(4), 3(9) or 4(6) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act, and
(b)the postal voters list kept under—
(i)article 8(1)(a) and (2) of the 2025 Order, or
(ii)paragraph 5(1) and (2) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act.
(6)In this regulation “postal vote address” means for—
(a)a Senedd election, or Senedd elections, where an application has been made under article 6 or 7 of the 2025 Order, the address provided in accordance with paragraph 1(1)(d) of Schedule 1 to the 2025 Order, or
(b)a local government election, or local government elections, in Wales, or a parliamentary election, or parliamentary elections, in Wales, where an application has been made under paragraph 3 or 4 of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act, the address provided in accordance with regulation 51(2)(d) of the 2001 Regulations;
35Postal vote signature discrepancies#
(1)This regulation applies if before the relevant day—
(a)a person (“P”) has—
(i)a devolved postal vote entitlement, and
(ii)a reserved postal vote entitlement, and
(b)the signature kept in the registration officer’s record in respect of P’s devolved postal vote entitlement differs from the signature kept in the registration officer’s record in respect of P’s reserved postal vote entitlement.
(2)The registration officer must apply the signature kept in the registration officer’s record in respect of P’s reserved postal vote entitlement as the sole signature kept in the registration officer’s record as the signature for both P’s devolved postal vote entitlement and P’s reserved postal vote entitlement with effect from the relevant day.
(3)If paragraph (2) applies, as soon as practicable after the relevant day, the registration officer must apply the signature referred to in paragraph (2) to all records, as applicable to P, kept under—
(a)article 6(11) or 7(7) of, and paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 to, the 2025 Order, or
(b)paragraph 3(9) or 4(6) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act and regulation 61B of the 2001 Regulations.
(4)The signature applied under paragraph (3) is deemed to be a signature provided under article 11(2) of the 2025 Order or paragraph 7A(1) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act, and article 11(3) of the 2025 Order or paragraph 7A(2) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act applies to that signature.
36Signature waiver discrepancies and termination of certain devolved absent vote entitlements#
(1)This regulation applies if before the relevant day—
(a)a person (“P”) has—
(i)a devolved absent vote entitlement, and
(ii)a reserved absent vote entitlement, and
(b)a signature waiver has been granted in respect of one of P’s entitlements only and the requirement to provide a signature in respect of P’s other entitlement remains.
(2)If this regulation applies, P’s devolved absent vote entitlement ends on the relevant day.
(3)Prior to the relevant day, the registration officer must, where reasonably practicable, send to P, at P’s qualifying address, a notice informing P that—
(a)there is a discrepancy between P’s devolved absent vote entitlement and P’s reserved absent vote entitlement as a signature waiver is only in place for one of those entitlements, and the requirement to provide a signature in respect of P’s other entitlement remains,
(b)P must either have a signature waiver in place for both of P’s entitlements or not have a signature waiver in place for either of P’s entitlements if P is to have both a reserved absent vote entitlement and a devolved absent vote entitlement in place from the relevant day, and
(c)if a fresh application to vote by post or proxy is not made before and determined by the relevant day, and the discrepancy remains, P’s devolved absent vote entitlement will end on the relevant day.
(4)If P’s devolved absent vote entitlement ends due to the operation of paragraph (2), as soon as practicable after the relevant day, the registration officer must send to P, at P’s qualifying address—
(a)a notice informing P that P’s devolved absent vote entitlement has ended, the reason why it has ended and explaining the effect of that entitlement ending, and
(b)information about how to make a fresh devolved absent voting application.
(5)If paragraph (2) applies, as soon as practicable after the relevant day, the registration officer must update the following to reflect the ending of the devolved absent vote entitlement due to the operation of paragraph (2)—
(a)the records, as applicable to P, kept under—
(i)article 6(4), 6(11) or 7(7) of, and paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 to, the 2025 Order, or
(ii)paragraph 3(4), 3(9) or 4(6) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act and regulation 61B of the 2001 Regulations, and
(b)the postal voters list, the list of proxies or the proxy postal voters list, as applicable to P, kept under—
(i)article 8(1) to (3) or 10(8) of the 2025 Order, or
(ii)paragraph 5(1) to (3) or 7(8) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act.
(6)In this regulation “signature waiver” means where a registration officer has agreed an application by a person to dispense with any of the requirements under article 6, 7, 9 or 10 of the 2025 Order or paragraph 3, 4 or 7 of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act to provide a signature.
37Proxy name and address discrepancies and termination of certain devolved proxy vote entitlements#
(1)This regulation applies if before the relevant day—
(b)in the records kept by the registration officer for the relevant appointments, there is a discrepancy in—
(i)the proxy names recorded, or
(ii)the proxy addresses held on the records, or
(iii)both.
(2)If this regulation applies, the devolved proxy vote entitlement ends on the relevant day.
(3)Prior to the relevant day, the registration officer must, where reasonably practicable, send to P’s qualifying address, a notice informing P that—
(a)the proxy names or proxy addresses or both kept in the registration officer’s record in respect of P’s devolved proxy appointment differ from the proxy names or proxy addresses or both kept in the registration officer’s record in respect of P’s reserved proxy appointment (“the proxy details discrepancy”),
(b)the proxy details for P’s devolved proxy appointment and P’s reserved proxy appointment must be the same if both appointments are to be in place from the relevant day, and
(c)if a fresh application to vote by proxy is not made before and determined by the relevant day, and the proxy details discrepancy remains, P’s devolved proxy vote entitlement will end on the relevant day.
(4)If P’s devolved proxy vote entitlement ends due to the operation of paragraph (2), as soon as practicable after the relevant day, the registration officer must send to P, at P’s qualifying address—
(a)a notice informing P that P’s devolved proxy vote entitlement has ended, the reason it has ended and explaining the effect of that entitlement ending, and
(b)information about how to make a fresh application to vote by proxy.
(5)If paragraph (2) applies, as soon as practicable after the relevant day, the registration officer must update the following to reflect the ending of P’s devolved proxy vote entitlement due to the operation of paragraph (2)—
(a)the records, as applicable to P, kept under—
(i)article 6(4), 6(11) or 7(7) of the 2025 Order, or
(ii)paragraph 3(4), 3(9) or 4(6) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act, and
(b)the list of proxies kept under—
(i)article 8(1)(b) and (3) of the 2025 Order, or
(ii)paragraph 5(1) and (3) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act.
(6)In this regulation—• “devolved proxy appointment” (“penodiad dirprwy datganoledig”) means the appointment of a person as a proxy to vote for another person, at—(a) a Senedd election, or Senedd elections, where the appointment was made before the relevant day on an application under article 9(6) or (7) of the 2025 Order, or(b) a local government election, or local government elections, in Wales, where the appointment was made before the relevant day on an application under paragraph 6(7) or (8) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act;• “reserved proxy appointment” (“penodiad dirprwy cadwedig”) means the appointment of a person as a proxy to vote for another person, at a parliamentary election, or parliamentary elections, in Wales, where the appointment was made before the relevant day on an application under paragraph 6(7) or (8) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act.
38Postal vote and proxy vote discrepancies and termination of certain devolved postal vote entitlements#
(1)This regulation applies if before the relevant day a person (“P”) has—
(a)a devolved postal vote entitlement, and
(2)If this regulation applies, P’s devolved postal vote entitlement ends on the relevant day.
(3)Prior to the relevant day, the registration officer must, where reasonably practicable, send to P, at P’s qualifying address, a notice informing P that—
(a)P has a devolved postal vote entitlement and a reserved proxy vote entitlement,
(b)P’s devolved absent vote entitlement must be the same as P’s reserved absent vote entitlement if both entitlements are to be in place from the relevant day, and
(c)if a fresh application to vote by post or proxy is not made before and determined by the relevant day, and the discrepancy remains, P’s devolved postal vote entitlement will end on the relevant day.
(4)If this regulation applies, P’s devolved postal vote entitlement ends on the relevant day.
(5)If P’s devolved postal vote entitlement ends due to the operation of paragraph (2), as soon as practicable after the relevant day, the registration officer must send to P, at P’s qualifying address—
(a)a notice informing P that P’s devolved postal vote entitlement has ended, the reason it has ended and explaining the effect of that entitlement ending, and
(b)information about how to make a fresh application.
(6)If paragraph (2) applies, as soon as practicable after the relevant day, the registration officer must update the following to reflect the ending of the devolved postal vote entitlement due to the operation of paragraph (2)—
(a)the records, as applicable to P, kept under—
(i)article 6(4), 6(11) or 7(7) of the 2025 Order, or
(ii)paragraph 3(4), 3(9) or 4(6) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act, and
(b)the postal voters list kept under—
(i)article 8(1)(a) and (2) of the 2025 Order, or
(ii)paragraph 5(1) and (2) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act.
39Postal vote and proxy vote entitlement discrepancies and termination of certain devolved proxy vote entitlements#
(1)This regulation applies if before the relevant day a person (“P”) has—
(a)a devolved proxy vote entitlement, and
(2)If this regulation applies, P’s devolved proxy vote entitlement ends on the relevant day.
(3)Prior to the relevant day, the registration officer must, where reasonably practicable, send to P, at P’s qualifying address, a notice informing P that —
(a)P has a devolved proxy vote entitlement and a reserved proxy vote entitlement,
(b)P’s devolved absent vote entitlement must be the same as P’s reserved absent vote entitlement if both entitlements are to be in place from the relevant day, and
(c)if a fresh application to vote by post or proxy is not made before and determined by the relevant day and the discrepancy remains, P’s devolved proxy vote entitlement will end on the relevant day.
(4)If P’s devolved proxy vote entitlement ends due to the operation of paragraph (2), as soon as practicable after the relevant day, the registration officer must send to P, at P’s qualifying address—
(a)a notice informing P that P’s devolved proxy vote entitlement has ended, the reason why it has ended and explaining the effect of that entitlement ending, and
(b)information about how to make a fresh application.
(5)If paragraph (2) applies, as soon as practicable after the relevant day, the registration officer must update the following to reflect the ending of the devolved proxy vote entitlement due to the operation of paragraph (2)—
(a)the records, as applicable to P, kept under—
(i)article 6(4), 6(11) or 7(7) of the 2025 Order, or
(ii)paragraph 3(4), 3(9) or 4(6) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act, and
(b)the list of proxies kept under—
(i)article 8(1)(b) and (3) of the 2025 Order, or
(ii)paragraph 5(1) and (3) of Schedule 4 to the 2000 Act.
Part 8 · Miscellaneous amendments
41Amendment of Part 3 (the election campaign)#
(1)In article 45 (individual and party list candidates: expenses which may be paid otherwise than by an election agent)—
(a)at the beginning of paragraph (1), insert “During the regulated period,”;
(b)at the beginning of paragraph (2), insert “During the regulated period,”;
(c)in paragraph (3), for “paragraph (1)” substitute “paragraph (2)”.
(2)In article 49 (individual candidates: the regulated period)—
(a)in the heading of the article, omit “Individual candidates:”;
(b)in paragraph (1), after “individual candidate,” insert “or, for the purposes of article 45(1), a party list candidate,”.
(3)In article 51(2) (time for sending in and paying claims), for the words from “the deadline for” to the end substitute “the day on which the result or results of the election are declared.”
42Amendment of Schedule 2 (issue and receipt of postal ballot papers)#
In paragraph 14(3) of Schedule 2 (spoilt postal ballot paper), at the end insert “, except where those documents are received after 5.00 p.m. on the day of the poll.”
43Amendment of Schedule 5 (Senedd election rules)#
(1)Schedule 5 (Senedd election rules) is amended as follows.
(2)In rule 15 (decisions as to the validity of party nomination papers)—
(a)in paragraph (1)(b), for “each candidate” substitute “a candidate”;
(b)in paragraph (1)(c), for “each candidate” substitute “a candidate”;
(c)in paragraph (2), for “and each candidate on its list” substitute “, and each candidate on its list in respect of which a home address form and consent to nomination form has been received,”.
(3)In rule 37(7)(b) (equipment of polling station), for “rule 48” substitute “rule 46”.
(4)In rule 44 (questions to be put to voters), in Table 1 in paragraph 4—
(a)in question 2(c) in column (2) (questions to be asked in English), after “sister” insert “, child”;
(b)in question 2(c) in column (3) (questions to be asked in Welsh), after “chwaer,” insert “plentyn,”.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.