Commentary on Sections Assistance for voters etc. Section 37 Assistance for certain postal voters
236.This section amends the Parliamentary Elections Rules (contained in Schedule 1 to the 1983 Act), by substituting a new rule 24 (postal ballot papers). This rule specifies the materials that should be issued by the returning officer to those entitled to vote by post. It clarifies that he can include information about how to access translations and graphical representations of the guidance.
237.The new rule 24(1) provides, in Great Britain, for a “postal voting statement”, replacing the current declaration of identity, to be issued with the postal ballot paper. The form of the postal voting statement may be prescribed in secondary legislation. In Northern Ireland the current position is retained.
238.Rule 24(2) makes provision for returning officers to provide information which alerts voters to the availability the directions and guidance on how to vote by post that have been translated, converted into Braille format, include graphical representations or have been provided in any other appropriate form (including an audible form). This might take the form of an internet address to a web page containing foreign language or audio versions of the instructions, or a phone number for contacting the local electoral services department.
239.Rule 24(3) provides that the prescribed form (i.e. the new postal voting statement and, in Northern Ireland, the declaration of identity) accompanying the postal ballot paper shall include provision for it to be signed by the elector. Other requirements may be prescribed.
240.Rule 24(4) provides that in the case of a ballot paper issued to a person resident in the United Kingdom the returning officer must ensure that the return of the ballot paper and postal voting statement or declaration of identity is free of charge to the voter.
241.Rule 24(5) provides that in any other case - i.e. postal voters resident outside the UK - regulations may provide that the returning officer must ensure the return of the items listed in rule 24(4) is free of charge to the voter. As such, it will still be open for the Secretary of State to prescribe that the cost of postage from overseas should either be free.