Justice written question – answered at on 28 April 2008.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will increase the period of time given to UK citizens residing abroad to (a) receive and (b) return completed postal ballot papers during (i) local elections in England and (ii) general elections; and if he will make a statement.
There are practical issues including uncertainty in the declaration of the results and outcomes of elections should any change be made to the timing of the postal ballots to overseas voters. Any change would also need to take into account the need to ensure that candidates continue to have reasonable time to put forward their nominations.
Returning officers are aware of the need to put the Electoral Commission's guidance on issuing postal votes into effect. The guidance (i) stipulates that postal votes should be issued to all who have applied, including long-term postal voters as soon as practicable after the deadline for new applications for postal votes which is 11 working days before the election and (ii) communicates that consideration may also be given to prioritising the issuing of ballot papers that are going outside the UK.
Yes1 person thinks so
No0 people think not
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