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Representation of the People Act 1983

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Representation of the People Act 1983, Cross Heading: Entitlement to registration is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 27 April 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

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Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.

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Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Act associated Parts and Chapters:

  • Act Representation of the People Acts amended by 1985 c. 50 Sch. 1 para. 24
  • Act power to amend conferred by 2009 c. 12 s. 34(3)(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l))
  • Blanket amendment words substituted by S.I. 2011/1043 art. 3 4

Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):

  • s. 9(2A) inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(2)
  • s. 9E(1A) inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(4)
  • s. 9ZA inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(3)
  • s. 10(4C) (4D) inserted by 2009 c. 12 s. 33(3)(e) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l))
  • s. 10A(1C) (1D) inserted by 2009 c. 12 s. 33(5)(d) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l))
  • s. 10ZE(2A) inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(5)(a)
  • s. 10ZE(4A) inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(5)(c)
  • s. 10ZE(5A)-(5C) inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(5)(d)
  • s. 13A(1)(zc) inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(6)
  • s. 13A(2C) (2D) inserted by 2009 c. 12 s. 33(6)(d) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l))
  • s. 16(1)(e) words substituted by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 1(5)
  • s. 16(1)(e) words substituted by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 1(6)
  • s. 49(5)(b)(iiia) inserted by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 1(8)(a)
  • s. 56(1)(azaa) inserted by 2021 asc 1 s. 18(9)
  • s. 62C applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2012/2031, Sch. 4 Pt. 1 Table 1 (as amended) by S.I. 2023/1141 reg. 7(2)(a)
  • s. 62C applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2012/2031, Sch. 8 Table 1 (as amended) by S.I. 2023/1141 reg. 7(3)(a)
  • s. 62C applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2012/323, Sch. 4 Table 1 (as amended) by S.I. 2023/1141 reg. 5(a)
  • s. 62C applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2012/444, Sch. 4 Table 1 (as amended) by S.I. 2023/1141 reg. 6(a)
  • s. 62C inserted by 2023 c. 12 s. 1
  • s. 63(3)(ba) inserted by 2006 c. 22 s. 7 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. S. 7 repealed (2.4.2013) without ever being in force by 2013 c. 6, s. 23; S.I. 2013/702, art. 3(e))
  • s. 81(4A) (4B) inserted by 2006 asp 14 s. 19(2)
  • s. 113(7)(b)(c) inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 15(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • s. 114(4) inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 16 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • s. 115(3) inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 17 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • s. 139(6A) inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 19(2) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • s. 165(3A) inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 20 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • s. 201(2B) inserted by 2009 c. 12 s. 33(9) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l))
  • s. 203A applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2001/2599, Sch. 1 table (as amended) by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 11(3)
  • s. 203A 203B applied by 1989 c. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (as amended) by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 9(4)
  • s. 203B applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2001/2599, Sch. 1 table (as amended) by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 11(3)
  • Sch. 1 rule 37A inserted by 2011 c. 1 s. 9(1) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. S. 9 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(a))
  • Sch. 1 rule 45A 45B inserted by 2011 c. 1 s. 9(2) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. S. 9 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(a))
  • Sch. 1 rule 46(3) inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 5(3) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 47(3A)(3B) inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(4) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 40(1B)(a) repealed by 2006 c. 22 Sch. 2
  • Sch. 1 rule 18 substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 2 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 47(4)(d) substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(5)(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 61(2)(c) substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 10(3) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 62 substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 11(1) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 47(1)(aa)(b) substituted for Sch. 1 rule 47(1)(b) by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(2)(a) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 47(2)-(2E) substituted for Sch. 1 rule 47(2) by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(3) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 47(4)(aa)(b) substituted for Sch. 1 rule 47(4)(b) by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(5)(a) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 49 49A substituted for Sch. 1 rule 49 by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 7 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 50(1)(a)(aa)(ab)(b)(c) substituted for Sch. 1 rule 50(1)(a)-(c) by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 8 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 61(2)(a)(aa) substituted for Sch. 1 rule 61(2)(a) by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 10(2) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 46(1)(1A) substituted for rule 46(1) by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 5(1) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 46(2) words inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 5(2) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 47 heading words inserted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(1) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 29(5) words substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 3 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 44(5) words substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 4 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 47(1) words substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(2)(c) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 47(1)(d) words substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 6(2)(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 53(4) words substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 9 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 1 rule 61(1) words substituted by 2011 c. 1 Sch. 10 para. 10(1) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Sch. 10 repealed (8.7.2011) without ever being in force by S.I. 2011/1702, arts. 1, 2(b))
  • Sch. 2 para. 1(4ZA)-(4ZC) inserted by 2009 c. 12 s. 33(10)(a) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l))
  • Sch. 2 para. 1(6A) inserted by 2009 c. 12 s. 33(10)(e) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Ss. 30-34 repealed (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(b) (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l))
  • Sch. 2 para. 5C inserted by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 4 para. 5
  • Sch. 6A applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2001/2599, Sch. 1 table (as inserted) by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 11(4)
  • Sch. 6A applied by 1989 c. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (as amended) by 2022 c. 37 Sch. 8 para. 9(4)

[F1 Entitlement to registration]U.K.

Textual Amendments

F1S. 4 and preceding cross-heading substituted for s. 4 (29.1.2001 for specified purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 1(2); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

[F24 Entitlement to be registered as parliamentary or local government elector.E+W+N.I.

(1)A person is entitled to be registered in the register of parliamentary electors for any constituency or part of a constituency if on the relevant date he—

(a)is resident in the constituency or that part of it;

(b)is not subject to any legal incapacity to vote (age apart);

(c)is either a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland; and

(d)is of voting age.

F3(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3)A person is entitled to be registered in the register of local government electors for any electoral area if on the relevant date he—

(a)is resident in that area;

(b)is not subject to any legal incapacity to vote (age apart);

(c)is a qualifying Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland [F4, a relevant citizen of the Union or (in relation to a local government election in Wales) a qualifying foreign citizen];

(d)is of voting age F5....

F6(3A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)The preceding provisions have effect—

(a)subject to—

(i)any enactment imposing a disqualification for registration as a parliamentary, or (as the case may be) local government, elector; and

(ii)compliance with any prescribed requirements; and

(b)(as respects registration as a parliamentary elector) without prejudice to [F7section 1B(1)] of the Representation of the People Act 1985 M1 (registration of British citizens overseas).

(5)A person otherwise qualified is (despite subsection (1)(d) or (3)(d), as the case may be) entitled to be registered in a register of parliamentary electors or local government electors if he will attain voting age before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the 1st December next following the relevant date, but—

(a)his entry in the register shall give the date on which he will attain that age; and

(b)until the date given in the entry he shall not by virtue of the entry be treated as an elector for any purposes other than those of an election the date of the poll for which is the date so given or any later date.

[F8(5A)If a person entitled to be registered by virtue of subsection (5) above has an anonymous entry in the register, the references in paragraphs (a) and (b) of that subsection to his entry in the register are to be read as references to his entry in the record of anonymous entries prepared in pursuance of paragraph 8A of Schedule 2 below.]

F9(5B). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6)In this section—

  • qualifying Commonwealth citizen” means a Commonwealth citizen who either—

    (a)

    is not a person who requires leave under the M2Immigration Act 1971 to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, or

    (b)

    is such a person but for the time being has (or is, by virtue of any enactment, to be treated as having) any description of such leave;

  • the relevant date”, in relation to a person, means—

    (a)

    the date on which an application for registration is made (or, by virtue of section 10A(2) below, is treated as having been made) by him;

    (b)

    in the case of a person applying for registration in pursuance of a declaration of local connection or a service declaration, the date on which the declaration was made.]

Textual Amendments

F2S. 4 and preceding cross-heading substituted for s. 4 (29.1.2001 for specified purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 1(2); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

F4Words in s. 4(3)(c) substituted (E.W.) (20.3.2021) by Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), ss. 2(3)(a)(i), 175(3)(b) (with s. 3)

F5Words in s. 4(3)(d) omitted (E.W.) (20.3.2021) by virtue of Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), ss. 2(3)(a)(ii), 175(3)(b) (with s. 3)

F6S. 4(3A) omitted (E.W.) (20.3.2021) by virtue of Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), ss. 2(3)(b), 175(3)(b) (with s. 3)

F8S. 4(5A) inserted (E.W.S.) (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 10, 77, Sch. 1 para. 3; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 1, 12(a) (subject to transitional provisions and savings in art. 6, Sch. 2) (amendment extended to N.I. (15.9.2014) by The Anonymous Registration (Northern Ireland) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1116), arts. 1(1), 2(2))

F9S. 4(5B) omitted (E.W.) (20.3.2021) by virtue of Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (asc 1), ss. 2(3)(c), 175(3)(b) (with s. 3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Marginal Citations

[F384 Entitlement to be registered as parliamentary or local government elector.S

(1)A person is entitled to be registered in the register of parliamentary electors for any constituency or part of a constituency if on the relevant date he—

(a)is resident in the constituency or that part of it;

(b)is not subject to any legal incapacity to vote (age apart);

(c)is either a qualifying Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland; and

(d)is of voting age.

F39(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3)A person is entitled to be registered in the register of local government electors for any electoral area if on the relevant date he—

(a)is resident in that area;

(b)is not subject to any legal incapacity to vote (age apart);

(c)is a qualifying Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland or [F40

(i)except in relation to a local government election in Scotland,] a relevant citizen of the Union;

[F41(ii)in relation to a local government election in Scotland, a qualifying foreign national,] and

(d)is of voting age.

(4)The preceding provisions have effect—

(a)subject to—

(i)any enactment imposing a disqualification for registration as a parliamentary, or (as the case may be) local government, elector; and

(ii)compliance with any prescribed requirements; and

(b)(as respects registration as a parliamentary elector) without prejudice to [F7section 1B(1)] of the Representation of the People Act 1985 M9 (registration of British citizens overseas).

(5)A person otherwise qualified is (despite subsection (1)(d) or (3)(d), as the case may be) entitled to be registered in a register of parliamentary electors or local government electors [F42, other than a register of local government electors in Scotland (see subsection (5B)),] if he will attain voting age before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the 1st December next following the relevant date, but—

(a)his entry in the register shall give the date on which he will attain that age; and

(b)until the date given in the entry he shall not by virtue of the entry be treated as an elector for any purposes other than those of an election the date of the poll for which is the date so given or any later date.

[F43(5A)If a person entitled to be registered by virtue of subsection (5) above has an anonymous entry in the register, the references in paragraphs (a) and (b) of that subsection to his entry in the register are to be read as references to his entry in the record of anonymous entries prepared in pursuance of paragraph 8A of Schedule 2 below.]

[F44(5B)A person otherwise qualified is (despite subsection (3)(d)) entitled to be registered in a register of local government electors in Scotland if the person is 14 years of age or over, but—

(a)the person's entry in the register must give the date on which the person will attain voting age, and

(b)until the date given in the entry the person shall not by virtue of the entry be treated as an elector for any purposes other than those of an election the date of the poll for which is the date so given or any later date.

(5C)If a person entitled to be registered by virtue of subsection (5B) has an anonymous entry in the register, the references in paragraphs (a) and (b) of that subsection to the person's entry in the register are to be read as references to the person's entry in the record of anonymous entries prepared in pursuance of paragraph 8A of schedule 2.]

(6)In this section—

  • qualifying Commonwealth citizen” means a Commonwealth citizen who either—

    (a)

    is not a person who requires leave under the M10Immigration Act 1971 to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, or

    (b)

    is such a person but for the time being has (or is, by virtue of any enactment, to be treated as having) any description of such leave;

  • the relevant date”, in relation to a person, means—

    (a)

    the date on which an application for registration is made (or, by virtue of section 10A(2) below, is treated as having been made) by him;

    (b)

    in the case of a person applying for registration in pursuance of a declaration of local connection or a service declaration, the date on which the declaration was made.]

Textual Amendments

F38S. 4 and preceding cross-heading substituted for s. 4 (29.1.2001 for specified purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 1(2); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

F42Words in s. 4(5) inserted (S.) (1.10.2020) by Scottish Elections (Reform) Act 2020 (asp 12), ss. 8(2), 35; S.S.I. 2020/278, reg. 2, sch.

F43S. 4(5A) inserted (E.W.S.) (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 10, 77, Sch. 1 para. 3; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 paras. 1, 12(a) (subject to transitional provisions and savings in art. 6, Sch. 2) (amendment extended to N.I. (15.9.2014) by The Anonymous Registration (Northern Ireland) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/1116), arts. 1(1), 2(2))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Marginal Citations

[F105 Residence: general.U.K.

(1)This section applies where the question whether a person is resident at a particular address on the relevant date for the purposes of section 4 above falls to be determined for the purposes of that section.

(2)Regard shall be had, in particular, to the purpose and other circumstances, as well as to the fact, of his presence at, or absence from, the address on that date.

For example, where at a particular time a person is staying at any place otherwise than on a permanent basis, he may in all the circumstances be taken to be at that time—

(a)resident there if he has no home elsewhere, or

(b)not resident there if he does have a home elsewhere.

(3)For the purpose of determining whether a person is resident in a dwelling on the relevant date for the purposes of section 4 above, his residence in the dwelling shall not be taken to have been interrupted by reason of his absence in the performance of any duty arising from or incidental to any office, service or employment held or undertaken by him if—

(a)he intends to resume actual residence within six months of giving up such residence, and will not be prevented from doing so by the performance of that duty; or

(b)the dwelling serves as a permanent place of residence (whether for himself or for himself and other persons) and he would be in actual residence there but for his absence in the performance of that duty.

(4)For the purposes of subsection (3) above any temporary period of unemployment shall be disregarded.

(5)Subsection (3) above shall apply in relation to a person’s absence by reason of his attendance on a course provided by an educational institution as it applies in relation to a person’s absence in the performance of any duty such as is mentioned in that subsection.

(6)Subject to sections 7 [F11and 7A][F11, 7A and 7B (in so far as it relates to a declaration made for the purposes only of the registration of local government electors in Scotland)] below, a person who is detained at any place in legal custody shall not, by reason of his presence there, be treated for the purposes of section 4 above as resident there.]

Textual Amendments

F10S. 5 substituted (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 3; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12S. 5 extended (N.I.) (with modifications) (16.2.2001) by 1989 c. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. I (as amended (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 8, Sch. 3 para. 3(4): S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (with art. 2(4)))

C13S. 5 applied (with modifications) (9.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1184, reg. 9, Sch. Pt. I (as substituted (17.3.2009) by S.I. 2009/726, regs. 1(1), 2(3)(4), Sch.)

C14S. 5 applied (with modifications) (S.) (8.8.2013) by Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Act 2013 (asp 13), ss. 6, 13(1), sch. 1 Pts. 1, 2 (with s. 13(2))

6 Residence: merchant seamen.U.K.

At any time when a merchant seaman is not resident in the United Kingdom and would have been resident there but for the nature of his occupation, he shall be entitled to be treated for the purposes of [F12section 4 above]as resident—

(a) at any place at which he would have been resident but for the nature of his occupation; or

(b)at any hostel or club providing accommodation for merchant seamen at which he commonly stays in the course of his occupation.

For this purpose “merchant seaman” means any person not having a service qualification whose employment or the greater part of it is carried out on board seagoing ships, and includes any such person while temporarily without employment.

Textual Amendments

F12Words in s. 6 substituted (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 8(a), Sch. 1 para. 2; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15Ss. 5, 6, 7(1) applied by Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50, SIF 42) , s. 27(2)

C16Ss. 5–7 extended (N.I.) (with modifications) by Elected Authorities (Northern Ireland) Act 1989 (c. 3, SIF 42), ss. 2, 13(5)(6), Sch. 1 Pt. I (as amended (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 8, Sch. 3 para. 3(4); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (with art. 2(4)))

C17Ss. 5, 6, 7(1) applied (17.2.1994) by S.I. 1994/342, regs. 1(2)(3), 2(2), 7(4)

C18S. 6 applied (with modifications) (9.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1184, reg. 9, Sch. Pt. I (as substituted (17.3.2009) by S.I. 2009/726, regs. 1(1), 2(3)(4), Sch.)

C19S. 6 applied (with modifications) (S.) (8.8.2013) by Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Act 2013 (asp 13), ss. 6, 13(1), sch. 1 Pts. 1, 2 (with s. 13(2))

[F137 Residence: patients in mental hospitals who are not detained offenders or on remand.U.K.

(1)This section applies to a person who—

(a)is a patient in a mental hospital (whether or not he is liable to be detained there), but

(b)is not a person to whom section 3A above or section 7A below applies.

(2)A person to whom this section applies shall (subject to subsection (5) below) be regarded for the purposes of section 4 above as resident at the mental hospital in question if the length of the period which he is likely to spend at the hospital is sufficient for him to be regarded as being resident there for the purposes of electoral registration.

(3)A person registered in a register of electors in pursuance of an application for registration made by virtue of subsection (2) above is entitled to remain so registered until—

(a)the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the date when the entry in the register first takes effect, or

[F14(aa)the registration officer determines in accordance with regulations that the person was not entitled to be registered, or]

[F15(ab)the registration officer determines in accordance with regulations that the person was registered as the result of an application under section 10ZC made by some other person or that the person's entry has been altered as the result of an application under section 10ZD made by some other person, or]

(b)another entry made in respect of him in any register of electors takes effect (whether or not in pursuance of an application made by virtue of subsection (2)),

whichever first occurs.

(4)Where the entitlement of such a person to remain so registered terminates by virtue of subsection (3) above, the registration officer concerned shall remove that person’s entry from the register, unless he is entitled to remain registered in pursuance of a further application made by virtue of subsection (2).

(5)Subsection (2) above shall not be taken as precluding the registration of a person to whom this section applies—

(a)by virtue of his residence at some place other than the mental hospital in which he is a patient, or

(b)in pursuance of a declaration of local connection.

(6)In this section “mental hospital” means any establishment (or part of an establishment) maintained wholly or mainly for the reception and treatment of persons suffering from any form of mental disorder; and for this purpose “mental disorder”—

(a)in relation to England or Wales, has the same meaning as in the M3Mental Health Act 1983,

(b)in relation to Scotland, has the same meaning as in the [F16Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003] , and

(c)in relation to Northern Ireland, has the same meaning as in the M4Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.]

Textual Amendments

F13S. 7 substituted (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 4; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

F14S. 7(3)(aa) inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 14.5.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 12(1), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(a) (subject to transitional provisions and savings in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 3

F15S. 7(3)(ab) inserted (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 2 (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20S. 7 extended (N.I.) (with modifications) (16.2.2001) by 1989 c. 3, Sch. 1 (as amended by 2000 c. 2, s. 8, Sch. 3 paras. 3(4), 4(2))

C21S. 7 applied (with modifications) (9.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1184, reg. 9, Sch. Pt. I (as substituted (17.3.2009) by S.I. 2009/726, regs. 1(1), 2(3)(4), Sch.)

C22S. 7 applied (with modifications) (S.) (8.8.2013) by Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Act 2013 (asp 13), ss. 6, 13(1), sch. 1 Pts. 1, 2 (with s. 13(2))

Marginal Citations

[F177A Residence: persons remanded in custody etc.U.K.

(1)This section applies to a person who is detained at any place pursuant to a relevant order or direction and is so detained otherwise than after—

(a)being convicted of any offence, or

(b)a finding in criminal proceedings that he did the act or made the omission charged.

(2)A person to whom this section applies shall (subject to subsection (5) below) be regarded for the purposes of section 4 above as resident at the place at which he is detained if the length of the period which he is likely to spend at that place is sufficient for him to be regarded as being resident there for the purposes of electoral registration.

(3)A person registered in a register of electors in pursuance of an application for registration made by virtue of subsection (2) above is entitled to remain so registered until—

(a)the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the date when the entry in the register first takes effect, or

[F18(aa)the registration officer determines in accordance with regulations that the person was not entitled to be registered, or]

[F19(ab)the registration officer determines in accordance with regulations that the person was registered as the result of an application under section 10ZC made by some other person or that the person's entry has been altered as the result of an application under section 10ZD made by some other person, or]

(b)another entry made in respect of him in any register of electors takes effect (whether or not in pursuance of an application made by virtue of subsection (2)),

whichever first occurs.

(4)Where the entitlement of such a person to remain so registered terminates by virtue of subsection (3) above, the registration officer concerned shall remove that person’s entry from the register, unless he is entitled to remain registered in pursuance of a further application made by virtue of subsection (2).

(5)Subsection (2) above shall not be taken as precluding the registration of a person to whom this section applies—

(a)by virtue of his residence at some place other than the place at which he is detained, or

(b)in pursuance of a declaration of local connection.

(6)In this section “a relevant order or direction” means—

(a)a remand or committal in custody;

(b)a remand to a hospital under section 35 or 36 of the M5Mental Health Act 1983 or Article 42 or 43 of the M6Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986;

(c)a direction for removal to a hospital under section 48 of that Act or Article 54 of that Order;

(d)[F20an assessment order under section 52D or a treatment order under section 52M] of the M7Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995; or

[F21(e)a transfer for treatment direction under section 136 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 made in respect of a person to whom that section applies by virtue of article 13 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2005]]

Textual Amendments

F17S. 7A inserted (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 5; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

F18S. 7A(3)(aa) inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 14.5.2008 for N.I) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 12(2), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(a) (subject to transitional provisions and savings in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 3

F19S. 7A(3)(ab) inserted (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 3 (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C23Ss. 7-7C extended (N.I.) (with modifications) by Elected Authorities (Northern Ireland) Act 1989 (c. 3, SIF 42), ss. 2, 13(6), Sch. 1 Pt. I (as amended (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 8, Sch. 3 paras. 3(4), 4(2); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (with art. 2(3)-(5)))

C24S. 7A applied (with modifications) (9.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1184, reg. 9, Sch. Pt. I (as substituted (17.3.2009) by S.I. 2009/726, regs. 1(1), 2(3)(4), Sch.)

C25S. 7A applied (with modifications) (S.) (8.8.2013) by Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Act 2013 (asp 13), ss. 6, 13(1), sch. 1 Pts. 1, 2 (with s. 13(2))

Marginal Citations

[F227AA Residence: convicted person to whom section 3(1A) appliesS

(1)This section applies to a convicted person to whom section 3(1A) applies.

(2)In determining whether the convicted person is resident in a dwelling on the relevant date for the purpose of section 4(3)(a), the convicted person's residence is not to be taken to have been interrupted by reason of the convicted person's detention in a penal institution if—

(a)the convicted person—

(i)intends to resume actual residence when released from the penal institution (other than on temporary release), and

(ii)will not be prevented from doing so by an order of any court, or

(b)the dwelling serves as a permanent place of residence (whether for the convicted person alone or with other persons) and the convicted person would be in actual residence there but for the convicted person's detention.]

Textual Amendments

[F237B Notional residence: declarations of local connection.E+W+N.I.

(1)A declaration under this section (“a declaration of local connection”)—

(a)may be made only by a person to whom this section applies, but

(b)may be made by such a person despite the fact that by reason of his age he is not entitled to vote.

(2)This section applies to any person who on the date when he makes such a declaration is—

(a)a person to whom section 7 above applies and who would not be entitled to be registered by virtue of residence at any place other than the mental hospital (within the meaning of that section) at which he is a patient, or

(b)a person to whom section 7A applies and who would not be entitled to be registered by virtue of residence at any place other than the place at which he is detained as mentioned in subsection (1) of that section, or

(c)a person who does not fall within paragraph (a) or (b) above (and is not otherwise in legal custody) and who is not, for the purposes of section 4 above, resident at any address in the United Kingdom (a “homeless person”).

[F24(2A)In relation to the registration of local government electors in Wales, this section also applies to a person who, on the date on which the person makes a declaration under subsection (1)—

F25(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)does not fall within any of the paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (2), and

(c)meets any of the requirements specified in subsection (2B).

[F26(2B)The requirements are that the person—

(a)is under 18 years of age and is, or has been, a child who is looked after by a local authority, or

(b)is being kept in secure accommodation.]

F27(2C). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2D)In subsection (2B)—

(a)the reference to a child who is looked after by a local authority has the same meaning as in the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (anaw 1) (see section 74);

(b)secure accommodation” means accommodation [F28in the United Kingdom provided for the purpose of lawfully restricting the liberty of persons under the age of 18, other than a penal institution within the meaning given in section 3(2)(b)]].

(3)A declaration of local connection shall state—

(a)the name of the declarant and either—

(i)an address to which correspondence for him from either the registration officer concerned or the returning officer can be delivered, or

(ii)that he is willing to collect such correspondence periodically from the registration officer’s office;

(b)the date of the declaration;

(c)that on the date of the declaration the declarant falls into one of the categories of persons to whom this section applies, specifying—

(i)the category in question, and

(ii)(in the case of a person falling within subsection (2)(a) or (b) above) the name and address of the mental hospital at which he is a patient or (as the case may be) of the place at which he is detained;

(d)the required address (as defined by subsection (4) below);

(e)that on the date of the declaration the declarant is a Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland or (if the declaration is made for the purposes only of local government elections ) a relevant citizen of the Union [F29or (if the declaration is made for the purposes only of the registration of local government electors in Wales) a qualifying foreign citizen];

(f)whether the declarant has on the date of the declaration attained the age of 18 years, and, if he has not, the date of his birth.

(4)For the purposes of this section “the required address” is—

(a)in the case of a person falling within subsection (2)(a) or (b) above—

(i)the address in the United Kingdom where he would be residing if he were not such a patient, or detained, as mentioned in that provision, or

(ii)if he cannot give such an address, an address in the United Kingdom at which he has resided;

(b)in the case of a homeless person, the address of, or which is nearest to, a place in the United Kingdom where he commonly spends a substantial part of his time (whether during the day or at night);

[F30(c)in the case of a person falling within subsection (2A), any of the following—

(i)an address in Wales at which the person has previously been resident, or

(ii)an address used by a council of a county or county borough in Wales in which the person has previously been resident.]

F31(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6)Where a declaration of local connection made by a homeless person is delivered to the registration officer concerned during the period—

(a)beginning with the date when a vacancy occurs—

(i)in the seat for the parliamentary constituency within which the required address falls, or

(ii)in the seat for any Scottish Parliament constituency or National Assembly for Wales constituency within which it falls, and

(b)ending on the final nomination day (within the meaning of section 13B below) for the parliamentary by-election, or (as the case may be) the election under section 9 of the M8Scotland Act 1998 or [F32section 10 of the Government of Wales Act 2006], held in respect of that vacancy,

the declaration must state that, during the period of three months ending on the date of the declaration, the declarant has commonly been spending a substantial part of his time (whether during the day or at night) at, or near, the required address.

(7)No declaration of local connection shall be specially made by a person for the purposes of local government elections, and any such declaration made for the purposes of parliamentary elections shall have effect also for the purposes of local government elections; but—

(a)a declaration of local connection may be made for the purposes only of local government elections by a person who is as a peer subject to a legal incapacity to vote at parliamentary elections or by a relevant citizen of the Union; and

(b)where so made, shall be marked to show that it is available for local government elections only, but shall in all other respects be the same as other declarations of local connection.

[F33(7A)Despite anything in subsection (7), in relation to Wales, a relevant declaration made by a person has effect only for the person's registration as a local government elector.

(7B)In subsection (7A) a “relevant declaration” means—

(a)a declaration of local connection made by virtue of subsection (2A);

(b)a declaration of local connection made by a qualifying foreign citizen;

(c)any other declaration of local connection made by a person who, on the date on which the declaration is made, is—

(i)under the age of 17, and

(ii)not entitled to be registered in the register of parliamentary electors.

(7C)A relevant declaration referred to in subsection (7A) must be marked to show that it is available only for the purposes of registration as a local government elector, but otherwise is to be the same as other declarations of local connection.]

(8)If a person—

(a)makes a declaration of local connection stating more than one address under subsection (3)(d) above, or

(b)makes more than one declaration of local connection bearing the same date and stating different addresses under that provision,

the declaration or declarations shall be void.

(9)A declaration of local connection may be cancelled at any time by the declarant.

(10)A declaration of local connection shall be of no effect unless it is received by the registration officer concerned within the period of three months beginning with the date of the declaration.]

Extent Information

E1This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only

Textual Amendments

F23Ss. 7B, 7C inserted (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 6; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

F24S. 7B(2A)-(2D) inserted (E.W.) (1.6.2020) by Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020 (anaw 1), ss. 19(2), 42(3)(a)

F29Words in s. 7B(3)(e) inserted (E.W.) (1.6.2020) by Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020 (anaw 1), ss. 19(3), 42(3)(a)

F30S. 7B(4)(c) inserted (E.W.) (1.6.2020) by Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020 (anaw 1), ss. 19(4), 42(3)(a)

F32Words in s. 7B(6)(b) substituted (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Government of Wales Act 2006 (Consequential Modifications and Transitional Provisions) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1388), arts. 1, 3, Sch. 1 para. 17

F33S. 7B(7A)-(7C) inserted (E.W.) (1.6.2020) by Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020 (anaw 1), ss. 19(5), 42(3)(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C26S. 7B applied (with modifications) (9.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1184, reg. 9, Sch. Pt. I (as substituted (17.3.2009) by S.I. 2009/726, regs. 1(1), 2(3)(4), Sch.)

C27Ss. 7-7C extended (N.I.) (with modifications) by Elected Authorities (Northern Ireland) Act 1989 (c. 3 SIF 42), ss. 2, 13(6), Sch. 1 Pt. I (as amended (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 8, Sch. 3 paras. 3(4), 4(2); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1) (with art. 2(3)-(5)))

Marginal Citations

[F457B Notional residence: declarations of local connection.S

(1)A declaration under this section (“a declaration of local connection”)—

(a)may be made only by a person to whom this section applies, but

(b)may be made by such a person despite the fact that by reason of his age he is not entitled to vote.

(2)This section applies to any person who on the date when he makes such a declaration is—

(a)a person to whom section 7 above applies and who would not be entitled to be registered by virtue of residence at any place other than the mental hospital (within the meaning of that section) at which he is a patient, or

(b)a person to whom section 7A applies and who would not be entitled to be registered by virtue of residence at any place other than the place at which he is detained as mentioned in subsection (1) of that section, or

(c)a person who does not fall within paragraph (a) or (b) above (and is not otherwise in legal custody) and who is not, for the purposes of section 4 above, resident at any address in the United Kingdom (a “homeless person”).

[F46(2A)In relation to the registration of local government electors in Scotland, this section also applies to a person who, on the date on which the person makes a declaration under subsection (1)—

(a)is under the age of 16,

(b)does not fall within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (2), and

(c)meets either of the requirements specified in subsection (2B).

(2B)The requirements are that—

(a)the person is, or has been, a child looked after by a local authority, or

(b)the person is being kept in secure accommodation.

(2C)For the purposes of subsection (2B)—

(a)the reference to a child looked after by a local authority is to be construed in accordance with section 17(6) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (duty of local authorities in relation to looked after children), and

(b)secure accommodation” means accommodation provided, for the purpose of restricting the liberty of children, in an establishment in Scotland (whether managed by a local authority, a voluntary organisation or any other person) that—

(i)provides residential accommodation for children for the purposes of the Children's Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011, the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 or the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, and

(ii)is approved in accordance with regulations made under section 78(2) of the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (regulations in relation to care services).]

[F47(2D)In relation to the registration of local government electors in Scotland, this section also applies to a person who, on the date on which the person makes a declaration under subsection (1)—

(a)is a convicted person to whom section 3(1A) applies, and

(b)would not be entitled to be registered by virtue of residence at any place other than the penal institution in which the convicted person is detained.]

(3)A declaration of local connection shall state—

(a)the name of the declarant and either—

(i)an address to which correspondence for him from either the registration officer concerned or the returning officer can be delivered, or

(ii)that he is willing to collect such correspondence periodically from the registration officer’s office;

(b)the date of the declaration;

(c)that on the date of the declaration the declarant falls into one of the categories of persons to whom this section applies, specifying—

(i)the category in question, and

(ii)(in the case of a person falling within subsection (2)(a) or (b) above) the name and address of the mental hospital at which he is a patient or (as the case may be) of the place at which he is detained;

(d)the required address (as defined by subsection (4) below);

(e)that on the date of the declaration the declarant is a Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland or (if the declaration is made for the purposes only of local government elections [F48other than in Scotland]) a relevant citizen of the Union [F49or (if the declaration is made for the purposes only of the registration of local government electors in Scotland) a qualifying foreign national];

(f)whether the declarant has on the date of the declaration attained the age of 18 years, and, if he has not, the date of his birth.

(4)For the purposes of this section “the required address” is—

(a)in the case of a person falling within subsection (2)(a) or (b) above—

(i)the address in the United Kingdom where he would be residing if he were not such a patient, or detained, as mentioned in that provision, or

(ii)if he cannot give such an address, an address in the United Kingdom at which he has resided;

(b)in the case of a homeless person, the address of, or which is nearest to, a place in the United Kingdom where he commonly spends a substantial part of his time (whether during the day or at night);

[F50(c)in the case of a person falling within subsection (2A), any address in Scotland at which the person has previously been resident.]

[F51(d)in the case of a convicted person falling within subsection (2D)—

(i)the address in Scotland where the convicted person would be residing but for the person's detention,

(ii)if the convicted person cannot give an address under sub-paragraph (i), the address in Scotland at which the person was resident immediately before the person's detention (but not the address of a penal institution) or, if the person was homeless at that time, the address of, or which is nearest to, a place in Scotland where the person commonly spent a substantial part of the person's time (whether during the day or at night), or

(iii)if the convicted person cannot give an address under sub-paragraph (i) or (ii) (or can only give an address at which the person would be prevented from residing because of an order of any court), the address of the penal institution at which the convicted person is detained unless the person has a home outwith Scotland or would otherwise not be resident in Scotland but for the person's detention.]

F52(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6)Where a declaration of local connection made by a homeless person is delivered to the registration officer concerned during the period—

(a)beginning with the date when a vacancy occurs—

(i)in the seat for the parliamentary constituency within which the required address falls, or

(ii)in the seat for any Scottish Parliament constituency or National Assembly for Wales constituency within which it falls, and

(b)ending on the final nomination day (within the meaning of section 13B below) for the parliamentary by-election, or (as the case may be) the election under section 9 of the M11Scotland Act 1998 or [F53section 10 of the Government of Wales Act 2006], held in respect of that vacancy,

the declaration must state that, during the period of three months ending on the date of the declaration, the declarant has commonly been spending a substantial part of his time (whether during the day or at night) at, or near, the required address.

(7)No declaration of local connection shall be specially made by a person for the purposes of local government elections, and any such declaration made for the purposes of parliamentary elections shall have effect also for the purposes of local government elections; but—

(a)a declaration of local connection may be made for the purposes only of local government elections by a person who is as a peer subject to a legal incapacity to vote at parliamentary elections or by a relevant citizen of the Union; and

(b)where so made, shall be marked to show that it is available for local government elections only, but shall in all other respects be the same as other declarations of local connection.

[F54(7A)Despite anything in subsection (7), in relation to Scotland, a relevant declaration made by a person has effect only for the purposes of the person's registration as a local government elector.

(7B)In subsection (7A), “relevant declaration” means—

(a)a declaration of local connection made by virtue of subsection (2A),

[F55(aa)a declaration of local connection made by virtue of subsection (2D),]

[F56(ab)a declaration of local connection made by a qualifying foreign national,]

(b)any other declaration of local connection made by a person who, on the date on which the declaration is made, is—

(i)under the age of 17, and

(ii)not entitled to be registered in the register of parliamentary electors.

(7C)A relevant declaration referred to in subsection (7A) must be marked to show that it is available only for the purposes of registration as a local government elector, but otherwise is to be the same as other declarations of local connection.]

(8)If a person—

(a)makes a declaration of local connection stating more than one address under subsection (3)(d) above, or

(b)makes more than one declaration of local connection bearing the same date and stating different addresses under that provision,

the declaration or declarations shall be void.

(9)A declaration of local connection may be cancelled at any time by the declarant.

(10)A declaration of local connection shall be of no effect unless it is received by the registration officer concerned within the period of three months beginning with the date of the declaration.]

Extent Information

E2This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

F45Ss. 7B, 7C inserted (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 6; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

F53Words in s. 7B(6)(b) substituted (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Government of Wales Act 2006 (Consequential Modifications and Transitional Provisions) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1388), arts. 1, 3, Sch. 1 para. 17

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C33S. 7B applied (with modifications) (9.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1184, reg. 9, Sch. Pt. I (as substituted (17.3.2009) by S.I. 2009/726, regs. 1(1), 2(3)(4), Sch.)

C35S. 7B applied (with modifications) (S.) (8.8.2013) by Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Act 2013 (asp 13), ss. 6, 13(1), sch. 1 Pts. 1, 2 (with s. 13(2))

Marginal Citations

F347C Effect of declaration of local connection.U.K.

(1)Where a person’s declaration of local connection is in force when he applies for registration, he shall be regarded for the purposes of section 4 above as—

(a)resident on the date of the declaration at the address stated in it in accordance with section 7B(3)(d) above; F35...

F35(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2)A person registered in a register of electors in pursuance of a declaration of local connection is entitled to remain so registered until—

(a)the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the date when the entry in the register first takes effect,

[F36(aa)the registration officer determines in accordance with regulations that the person was not entitled to be registered,]

[F37(ab)the registration officer determines in accordance with regulations that the person was registered as the result of an application under section 10ZC made by some other person or that the person's entry has been altered as the result of an application under section 10ZD made by some other person,]

(b)the declaration is cancelled under section 7B(9) above, or

(c)another entry made in respect of him in any register of electors takes effect (whether or not in pursuance of a declaration of local connection),

whichever first occurs.

(3)Where the entitlement of such a person to remain so registered terminates by virtue of subsection (2) above, the registration officer concerned shall remove that person’s entry from the register, unless he is entitled to remain registered in pursuance of a further declaration of local connection.

(4)This section shall not be taken as precluding the registration of a person falling within section 7B(2)(a) or (b) above in pursuance of an application made by virtue of section 7(2) or 7A(2) above.

Textual Amendments

F34Ss. 7B, 7C inserted (29.1.2001 for certain purposes and 16.2.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 2, s. 6; S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1)(2) (with art. 2(4))

F36S. 7C(2)(aa) inserted (1.1.2007 for E.W.S. and 14.5.2008 for N.I.) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 12(3), 77; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 14(a) (subject to transitional provisions and savings in art. 6, Sch. 2); S.I. 2008/1316, arts. 2, 3

F37S. 7C(2)(ab) inserted (10.6.2014 for E.W., 15.9.2014 for N.I., 19.9.2014 for S.) by Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (c. 6), s. 27(1), Sch. 4 para. 4 (with Sch. 5); S.I. 2014/414, art. 5(m); S.I. 2014/2439, art. 2(l)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C29S. 7C extended (N.I.) (with modifications) by Elected Authorities (Northern Ireland) Act 1989 (c. 3), ss. 2, 13(6), Sch. 1 Pt. I (as amended (16.2.2001) by 2000 c. 2, s. 8, Sch. 3 para. 3(4); S.I. 2001/116, art. 2(1), (with art. 2(3)-(5)))

S. 7C applied (with modifications) (9.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1184, reg. 9, Sch. Pt. I (as substituted (17.3.2009) by S.I. 2009/726, regs. 1(1), 2(3)(4), Sch.)

C30S. 7C applied (with modifications) (S.) (8.8.2013) by Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Act 2013 (asp 13), ss. 6, 13(1), sch. 1 Pts. 1, 2 (with s. 13(2))

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