
2007 No. 236
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
DEVOLUTION, WALES
REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE
The National Assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) Order 2007 (revoked)
Made 31st January 2007
Coming into force in accordance with article 1(1)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 1 General
Citation, commencement and revocation
1 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interpretation
2 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 2 Assembly franchise and its exercise
Voting at Assembly elections
3 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Registers of electors etc
4 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Registration appeals
5 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Polling districts and places at Assembly elections
6 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Manner of voting at Assembly elections
7 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Absent vote at Assembly elections for a particular or an indefinite period
8 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Absent vote at a particular Assembly election
9 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Absent voters lists at Assembly elections
10 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proxies at Assembly elections
11 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voting as proxy at Assembly elections
12 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electors' signatures and use of personal identifier information
13 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Offences
14 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Absent voting at Assembly elections: miscellaneous
15 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Combination of polls at Assembly and local government elections
16 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Combination of polls at Assembly and police and crime commissioner elections
16A. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rules for Assembly elections
17 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Returning officers
18 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Officers of councils to be placed at disposal of returning officers
19 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Returning officers: discharge of functions
20 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Returning officers: correction of procedural errors
21 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Returning officers: general
22 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments by and to returning officer
23 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inadequate performance of returning officer: reduction of charges
23A. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Detailed assessment of returning officer’s account
24 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loan of equipment for Assembly elections
25 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of registers
26 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of misdescription
27 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discharge of registration duties
28 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payment of expenses of registration
29 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personation
30 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other voting offences
31 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breach of official duty
32 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tampering with nomination papers, ballot papers etc
33 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
False statements in nomination papers etc
34 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Requirement of secrecy
35 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prohibition on publication of exit polls
36 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 3 The election campaign
Appointment of election agent
37 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nomination of sub-agent
38 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Office of election agent and sub-agent
39 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of default in election agent’s appointment
40 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of donations to constituency and individual candidates
41 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expenses of constituency candidate
42 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constituency and individual candidates: payment of expenses by or through election agent
43 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expenses which may be paid otherwise than by election agent
44 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expenses incurred otherwise than for election purposes
45 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constituency and individual candidates: prohibition of expenses not authorised by election agent etc
46 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constituency and individual candidates: limitation of election expenses
47 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power to vary provisions concerning election expenses
48 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time for sending in and paying claims
49 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disputed claims
50 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Election agent’s claim
51 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constituency and individual candidates: return as to election expenses
52 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constituency and individual candidates: declaration as to election expenses
53 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Party list candidates: declarations as to election expenses
54 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circumstances in which no return or declaration is required
55 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Penalty for failure as respects return or declarations
56 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Penalty for sitting or voting where no return and declarations are delivered etc
57 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Authorised excuses for failures as to return and declarations
58 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Court’s power to require information from election agent or sub-agent
59 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Duty of appropriate returning officer to forward returns and declarations to the Commission
60 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publication of time and place of inspection of returns and declarations
61 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constituency and individual candidates: inspection of returns and declarations
62 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Meaning of “election expenses”
63 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property, goods, services etc. provided free of charge or at a discount
64 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Right to send election address post free
65 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Broadcasting from outside United Kingdom
66 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Broadcasting of local items during election period.
67 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Imitation poll cards
68 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Schools and rooms for Assembly election meetings
69 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disturbances at Assembly election meetings
70 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Officials not to act for candidates
71 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illegal canvassing by police officers
72 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
False statements as to candidates
73 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corrupt withdrawal from candidature
74 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments for exhibition of election notices
75 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer’s name and address on election publications
76 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prohibition of paid canvassers
77 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Providing money for illegal purposes
78 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bribery
79 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treating
80 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Undue influence
81 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rights of creditors
82 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Savings as to Assembly elections
83 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interpretation of Part 3
84 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Computation of time for purposes of Part 3
85 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 4 Legal proceedings
Method of questioning Assembly election
86 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Presentation and service of Assembly election petition
87 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time for presentation or amendment of Assembly election petition
88 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constitution of election court and place of trial
89 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Judges' expenses and reception
90 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attendance of shorthand writer
91 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security for costs
92 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petition at issue
93 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
List of petitions
94 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trial of petition
95 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Witnesses
96 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Duty to answer relevant questions
97 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expenses of witnesses
98 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conclusion of trial of Assembly election petition
99 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Election court determination in respect of a constituency election etc
100 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Regional election determined to be void by election court
101 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special case for determination of High Court
102 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Withdrawal of petition
103 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs of petition
104 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Neglect or refusal to pay costs
105 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Further provision as to costs
106 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appeals and jurisdiction
107 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Report as to candidate guilty of a corrupt or illegal practice
108 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Candidate reported guilty of corrupt or illegal practice
109 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Persons reported personally guilty of corrupt or illegal practices
110 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Persons reported personally guilty of corrupt or illegal practices at parliamentary elections or local government elections
111 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Persons reported personally guilty of corrupt or illegal practices at European parliamentary elections
112 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Justice of the peace
113 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Members of legal and certain other professions
114 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Holder of licence or certificate under Licensing Acts
115 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoidance of election for general corruption etc
116 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoidance of election for employing corrupt agent
117 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Votes to be struck off for corrupt or illegal practices
118 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Application for relief
119 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prosecutions for corrupt practices
120 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prosecutions for illegal practices
121 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conviction of illegal practice on charge of corrupt practice etc
122 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Incapacities on conviction of corrupt or illegal practice
123 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Incapacities on conviction of corrupt or illegal practice at parliamentary or local government elections
124 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Incapacities on conviction of corrupt or illegal practice at European parliamentary elections
125 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mitigation and remission etc
126 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illegal payments etc
127 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time limit for prosecutions
128 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prosecution of offences committed outside the United Kingdom
129 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Offences by associations
130 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Evidence by certificate of holding of Assembly elections
131 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Evidence by certificate of electoral registration
132 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Director of Public Prosecutions
133 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rules of procedure
134 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs
135 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service of notices
136 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interpretation of Part 4
137 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Computation of time for purposes of Part 4
138 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 5 Miscellaneous and supplemental
Advertisements
139 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assembly constituencies not wholly within a county or county borough
140 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Translations etc. of certain documents
141 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forms: general
142 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Public notices, and declarations
143 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sending of applications and notices; electronic signatures and related certificates
144 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publication of documents
145 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interference with notices etc
146 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Premises used for election purposes
147 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dissolution of the Assembly
148 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saving and transitional provision as to incapacities in respect of Assembly elections
149 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCHEDULE 1
Absent voting at Assembly elections
Article 15(2)
General requirements for applications
1 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The personal identifiers record
2 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notification of rejected postal voting statement
2A. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional requirements for applications for appointment of a proxy
3 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional requirements for applications on grounds of severe sight-impairment or other disability
4 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional requirements for applications for a proxy vote based on occupation, service, employment or attendance on a course
5 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional requirements for applications to vote by proxy in respect of a particular Assembly election
6 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional requirements for application for an emergency proxy vote in respect of a particular election
6A. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Closing dates for applications
7 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grant or refusal of applications
8 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notice of appeal
9 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cancellation of proxy appointment
10 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inquiries by registration officer
11 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Requirement to provide fresh signatures at five yearly intervals
12 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Requirement to provide fresh signatures following rejection of postal voting statement
12A. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Records and lists kept under articles 8, 10 and 12
13 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conditions on the use, supply and inspection of absent voter records or lists
14 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Protection of information about persons aged under 16
14A. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marked register for polling stations
15 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certificate of employment at an Assembly election
16 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notification by registration officer
17 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCHEDULE 2
Absent voting (transitional provisions)
Article 15(3)
Requiring personal identifiers from existing absent voters
1 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Required information to be provided to existing absent voters
2 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional steps and determination by registration officer
3 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removal from absent voting records
4 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pending applications
5 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCHEDULE 3
Issue and receipt of postal ballot papers
Article 15(4)
Interpretation
1 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issue of postal ballot papers
Combination of polls
2 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Form of postal voting statement
3 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Regional elections
4 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Persons entitled to be present at proceedings on issue of postal ballot papers.
5 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Persons entitled to be present at proceedings on receipt of postal ballot papers
6 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notification of requirement of secrecy
7 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time when postal ballot papers are to be issued
8 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Procedure on issue of postal ballot paper
9 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refusal to issue postal ballot papers
10 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Envelopes
11 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sealing up of completed corresponding number lists and security of special lists
12 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delivery of postal ballot papers
13 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spoilt postal ballot paper
14 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lost postal ballot papers
15 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cancellation of postal ballot papers
15A. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receipt of postal ballot papers
Notice of opening of postal ballot paper envelopes
16 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Postal ballot boxes and receptacles
17 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receipt of covering envelope
18 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Opening of postal voters' ballot box
19 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Opening of covering envelopes
20 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Confirming receipt of postal voting statements
21 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Procedure in relation to postal voting statements
22 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Procedure in relation to postal voting statements: personal identifier verification
23 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Postal voting statements: additional personal identifier verification
24 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Opening of ballot paper envelopes
25 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retrieval of cancelled postal ballot papers
26 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lists of rejected postal ballot papers
27 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking of lists kept under paragraph 27
28 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sealing of receptacles
29 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Abandoned poll
30 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forwarding of documents
31 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCHEDULE 4
Combination of polls : Assembly elections and local government elections 
Article 16(7)
PART 1 General
Returning officers and polling stations
1 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Functions at combined polls
2 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modification of provisions about expenses in this Order and the 1983 Act
3 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 2 Modifications to Schedule 5 to apply where the poll at an Assembly election is taken together with a poll at a local government election under Article 16 (1) or (2)
Modifications to Schedule 5: general provision
4 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 28 of Schedule 5 (colour of ballot papers)
5 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 32 of Schedule 5 (notice of poll)
6 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 36 of Schedule 5 (issue of official poll cards)
7 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 37 of Schedule 5 (equipment of polling stations)
8 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 38 of Schedule 5 (appointment of polling and counting agents)
9 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 41 of Schedule 5 (admission to polling station)
10 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 44 of Schedule 5 (questions to be put to voters)
11 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 46 of Schedule 5 (voting procedure)
12 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 47 of Schedule 5 (votes marked by presiding officer)
13 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 48 of Schedule 5 (voting by persons with disabilities)
14 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 49 of Schedule 5 (tendered ballot papers)
15 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 51 of Schedule 5 (correction of errors on the day of poll)
16 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 52 of Schedule 5 (adjournment of poll in case of riot)
17 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 53 of Schedule 5 (procedure on close of poll)
18 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 54 of Schedule 5 (time of, and attendance at, counting of votes)
19 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 55 of Schedule 5 (the count)
20 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 67 of Schedule 5 (delivery of documents to relevant registration officer)
21 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 70 of Schedule 5 (constituency election: death of independent candidate)
22 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 73 of Schedule 5 (constituency election: death of party candidate)
23 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 76 of Schedule 5 (abandoned poll)
24 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Schedule 10 (appendix of forms)(form CP)
25 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Schedule 10 (appendix of forms) (form CQ)
26 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 3 Application of the Local Elections (Principal Areas) (Wales) Rules 2021 where the poll at an election of councillors to a county or county borough council is taken together with the poll at a Senedd Cymru election under article 16(1) or (2)
27. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 4 Application of the Local Elections (Communities) (Wales) Rules 2021 where the poll at an election of councillors to a community council is taken together with the poll at a Senedd Cymru election under article 16(1) or (2)
31. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCHEDULE 4A
Combination of polls: Assembly elections and police and crime commissioner elections
Article 16A
Application and modification of Schedule 4 to combined Assembly and police and crime commissioner elections
1. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCHEDULE 5
Assembly election rules
Article 17(1)
PART 1 Provision as to time
Timetable
1 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Computation of time
2 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 2 Stages common to contested and uncontested elections
Notice of election
Notice of election: constituency election and regional election
3 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nomination
Nomination of candidates at a constituency election
4 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constituency nomination paper: name or description of registered political party
5 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nomination of individual candidates at a regional election
6 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nomination of parties and party list candidates at a regional election
7 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Party nomination paper: name or description of registered political party
8 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consent to nomination
9 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deposit
10 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Place for delivery of nomination papers
11 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Right to attend nomination
12 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Decisions as to validity of individual and constituency nomination papers
13 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Decisions as to validity of party nomination papers
14 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Withdrawal of candidates
15 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constituency election: publication of statement of persons nominated
16 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Regional election: publication of statement of parties and other persons nominated
17 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correction of minor errors
18 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disqualification by Representation of the People Act 1981
19 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjournment of nomination proceedings in the case of riot
20 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Method of election at a constituency election
21 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Method of election at a regional election
22 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 3 Contested elections
General provisions
Poll to be taken by ballot
23 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The ballot paper at a constituency election
24 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The ballot paper at a regional election
25 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Polls with two ballot papers
26 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corresponding number list
27 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Colour of ballot papers
28 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The official mark
29 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prohibition of disclosure of vote
30 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use of schools and public rooms
31 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Action to be taken before the poll
Notice of poll
32 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Postal ballot papers
33 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision of polling stations
34 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appointment of presiding officers and clerks
35 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issue of official poll cards
36 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment of polling stations
37 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appointment of polling and counting agents
38 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notification of requirement of secrecy
39 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Return of postal ballot papers
40 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The poll
Admission to polling station
41 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keeping of order in the polling station
42 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sealing of ballot boxes
43 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Questions to be put to voters
44 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Challenge of voter
45 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voting procedure
46 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Votes marked by presiding officer
47 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voting by persons with disabilities
48 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tendered ballot papers
49 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spoilt ballot papers
50 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correction of errors on the day of poll
51 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjournment of poll in case of riot
52 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Procedure on close of poll
53 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Counting of votes
Time of, and attendance at, counting of votes
54 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The count
55 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Re-count at a constituency election
56 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Re-count of electoral region votes in an Assembly constituency
57 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rejected ballot papers
58 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Decisions on ballot papers
59 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equality of votes at a constituency election
60 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Regional election: conveying results of count etc. to regional returning officer
61 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 4 Final proceedings in contested and uncontested elections
Declaration of result at a constituency election
62 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ascertainment of results at a contested regional election
63 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Declaration of results at a regional election
64 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Return or forfeiture of deposit
65 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 5 Disposal of documents
Sealing up of ballot papers
66 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delivery of documents to relevant registration officer
67 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Order for production of documents
68 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retention and public inspection of documents
69 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 6 Death of candidate
Constituency election: death of independent candidate
70 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constituency election: deceased independent candidate wins
71 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constituency election: deceased independent candidate with equality of votes
72 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Constituency election: death of party candidate
73 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Regional election: effect of countermand or abandonment of constituency poll
74 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Regional election: death of candidate
75 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Abandoned poll
76 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 7 Miscellaneous
Vacancies: Assembly constituency seats
77 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vacancies: return of electoral region members
78 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Return of Assembly members and record of returns etc
79 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Registered political parties
80 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Party’s registered nominating officer: discharge of functions
81 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCHEDULE 6
Control of donations to candidates
Article 41(4)
PART 1 General
Interpretation
1 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Donations: general rules
2 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sponsorship
3 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments etc. not to be regarded as donations
4 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Value of donations
5 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 2 Controls on donations
Prohibition on accepting donations from impermissible donors
6 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acceptance or return of donations
7 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer of donations received by candidate to election agent
8 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Evasion of restrictions on donations
9 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 3 Reporting of donations
Statement of relevant donations
10 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Donations from permissible donors
11 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Donations from impermissible donors
12 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCHEDULE 7
Election expenses
Article 63(7)
PART 1 List of matters
1 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 2 General exclusions
7 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13A. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13B. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 3 Supplemental
Guidance by the Commission
14. 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCHEDULE 8
Use for Assembly election meetings of rooms in school premises and of meeting rooms
Article 69(6)
Use of rooms in school premises
1 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lists of rooms in school premises
2 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lists of meeting rooms
3 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lists to be kept by registration officer etc
4 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection etc. of lists
5 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCHEDULE 9
Modification of Election Petition Rules 1960
Article 134(3)
Assembly election petition: modification of the Election Petition Rules 1960
1 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 2(2) of the 1960 Rules (definitions)
2 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 2(3) of the 1960 Rules (prescribed officer)
3 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 4(1) of the 1960 Rules (form of petition)
4 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 9(3) of the 1960 Rules (display etc. of notice of time and place of trial)
5 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rule 10(1) of the 1960 Rules (identifying votes at issue)
6 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
References to “election” in the 1960 Rules
7 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Form of election petition in the 1960 Rules
8 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
References to the 1983 Act
9 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCHEDULE 10
Appendix of forms

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
