Moved by
Lord Holmes of Richmond
27: Clause 9, page 12, line 22, after “37” insert “(including in relation to voting secretly)”
Member’s explanatory statement
See the explanatory statement relating to the amendment in Lord Holmes’ name at page 12, line 21.
28: Clause 9, page 12, line 24, leave out “paragraph (3A)(b)” and insert “this paragraph”
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment is consequential on the amendment in Lord Holmes’ name at page 12, line 28.
29: Clause 9, page 12, line 28, at end insert—
“(c) after paragraph (7) insert—
“(8) The Electoral Commission must give guidance to returning officers in relation to the duty imposed by paragraph (3A)(b).
(9) Before giving guidance under paragraph (8), the Commission must consult such persons, including bodies representing the interests of relevant persons, as they consider appropriate.
(10) In performing the duty imposed by paragraph (3A)(b), a returning officer must have regard to guidance given under paragraph (8).””
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment requires the Electoral Commission to give guidance about the duty of returning officers to provide equipment to enable or facilitate voting by people with a disability, and to consult appropriate persons before giving that guidance. It also requires returning officers to have regard to such guidance.
30: Clause 9, page 12, line 37, at end insert—
“(5) In section 5 of PPERA (reports on elections etc), after subsection (2A) insert—
“(2AA) Subsection (2AB) applies where a report under this section relates to—
(a) a parliamentary general election,
(b) a parliamentary by-election,
(c) an ordinary election of police and crime commissioners,
(d) an election held under section 51 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (election to fill vacancy in office of police and crime commissioner), or
(e) a Northern Ireland Assembly general election.
(2AB) The report must include a description of the steps taken by returning officers to assist relevant persons (within the meaning of rule 29 of Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983) to vote at the election.””
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment requires a report under section 5 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, in relation to a parliamentary election, an election of a police and crime commissioner or a Northern Ireland Assembly general election, to describe the steps taken by returning officers to assist blind, partially sighted and other disabled persons to vote.