50.Section 9 provides for the involvement of the Electoral Commission in pilot schemes to test new electoral procedures conducted under section 10 of the Representation of the People Act 2000. Section 10 of the 2000 Act enables local authorities to conduct pilot schemes, with the approval of the Secretary of State, to test alternative procedures as to when, where or how voting at local government elections is to take place, or how the votes cast at such elections are to be counted. Section 9 enables the Commission to co-sponsor particular pilot schemes in conjunction with a local authority. The section also confers on the Commission the functions in relation to pilot schemes and the roll-out of successfully piloted electoral innovations which are set out in sections 10 and 11 of the 2000 Act, as amended by paragraphs 16 and 17 of Schedule 21 to the Act.
Commentary on Sections Commission’s general functions Section 9 : Involvement of Commission in changes in electoral procedures