Commentary on Sections Part 1 Electoral Administration and Registration Chapter 1: Co-Ordination of Electoral Administration Section 20B – Directions to returning officers
17.Section 20B provides the Commission with a power to issue written directions to returning officers with regards to carrying out their functions in relation to Welsh elections and referendums. An example of directions that could be issued could be to establish a consistent date across Wales for the issue of postal ballot papers.
18.Directions issued by the Commission under this section do not have to be followed if they are inconsistent with any legal duty imposed on the officer or relate to the officer’s function relating to a combined poll.