Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Act 2025

October 30, 2025

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<hcontainer xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" xmlns:ukl="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/legislation" xmlns:uk="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/UK-AKN" xmlns:default="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" name="crossheading" ukl:Name="Pblock" eId="crossheading-absent-vote-applications"><heading>Absent vote applications</heading><section eId="section-1"><num>1</num><heading>Local government elections (Scotland and Wales)</heading><subsection eId="section-1-1"><num>(1)</num><content>Schedule 2 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (provisions which may be contained in regulations as to registration etc) is amended in accordance with subsections <ref href="#section-1-2">(2)</ref> and <ref href="#section-1-3">(3)</ref>.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-2"><num>(2)</num><content>In paragraph 1(5A)(a)(ii), omit the words from “, other” to the end.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-3"><num>(3)</num><content><mod>After paragraph 5ZA, insert—<quotedStructure startQuote="“" endQuote="”" uk:context="schedule" uk:docName="ukpga" ukl:TargetClass="primary" ukl:TargetSubClass="unknown" ukl:Context="schedule" ukl:Format="double"><paragraph class="schProv1"><num>5ZB</num><subparagraph eId="d25e103"><num>(1)</num><content>Provision about the use of the UK digital service in relation to relevant devolved absent voting applications.</content></subparagraph><subparagraph><num>(2)</num><intro>Provision made under <ref href="#d25e103">sub-paragraph (1)</ref> may include provision—</intro><level class="para1"><num>(a)</num><content>conferring functions on a Minister of the Crown to enable relevant devolved absent voting applications to be submitted through the UK digital service;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(b)</num><intro>where such applications are, or are to be, so submitted—</intro><level class="para2"><num>(i)</num><content>authorising a Minister of the Crown, in prescribed circumstances, to complete applications in part for people;</content></level><level class="para2"><num>(ii)</num><content>about how any requirement for an applicant to provide a signature in connection with an application may be satisfied;</content></level></level><level class="para1"><num>(c)</num><content>about the disclosure of prescribed information or evidence through the UK digital service;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(d)</num><content>about the disclosure of prescribed information or evidence in connection with a relevant devolved absent voting application in relation to which the UK digital service is, or is to be, used.</content></level></subparagraph><subparagraph><num>(3)</num><intro>Except as provided by <ref href="#d25e175">sub-paragraph (4)</ref>, the disclosure or other processing of information in accordance with provision made under this paragraph does not breach—</intro><level class="para1"><num>(a)</num><content>any obligation of confidence owed by the person processing the information;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(b)</num><content>any other restriction on the processing of information (however imposed).</content></level></subparagraph><subparagraph eId="d25e175"><num>(4)</num><content>Provision made under this paragraph does not require or authorise the disclosure or other processing of personal data that would contravene the data protection legislation (but in determining whether particular processing of data would do so, take into account the duty imposed or the powers conferred by such provision).</content></subparagraph><subparagraph><num>(5)</num><content>Regulations under this paragraph may, in connection with provision under sub-paragraph (1), include transitional provision under section 201(3) which makes provision for, or in connection with, the expiry of some or all devolved election proxy appointments.</content></subparagraph><subparagraph><num>(6)</num><intro>In this paragraph—</intro><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-the-data-protection-legislation">the data protection legislation</term>” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(9) of that Act);</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-devolved-election-proxy-appointment">devolved election proxy appointment</term>” means the appointment of a person as a proxy to vote for another person at local government elections in Wales or Scotland, where the appointment was made before a date specified in the regulations on an application under paragraph 6(7) of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-personal-data">personal data</term>” and “processing” have the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(2) and (4) of that Act);</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-relevant-devolved-absent-voting-application">relevant devolved absent voting application</term>” means an application (including a partially completed application) under paragraph 3, 4 or 6 of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 in relation to a local government election, or local government elections, in Scotland or Wales;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-the-uk-digital-service">the UK digital service</term>” has the meaning given by paragraph 3ZA(7), and a reference to a relevant devolved absent voting application submitted through the UK digital service is a reference to such an application submitted using that service as an intermediary.</content></hcontainer></subparagraph></paragraph></quotedStructure></mod></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-4"><num>(4)</num><content>Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 (absent voting in Great Britain) is amended in accordance with subsections <ref href="#section-1-5">(5)</ref> and <ref href="#section-1-6">(6)</ref>.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-5"><num>(5)</num><intro>In paragraph 3 (absent vote at elections for a period)—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-a"><num>(a)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (1)(b), omit the words from “and, in the” to the end;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-b"><num>(b)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (1A), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-c"><num>(c)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (4)(aa), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-d"><num>(d)</num><intro>in sub-paragraph (4)(ab)—</intro><level class="para2" eId="section-1-5-d-i"><num>(i)</num><content>omit sub-paragraph (i);</content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-5-d-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content>in the words after sub-paragraph (ii), omit “post or”;</content></level></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-e"><num>(e)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5)(ca), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-f"><num>(f)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5)(d), omit the words from “by post” to “or who applied to vote”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-g"><num>(g)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (7), omit the words from “and, in the” to “the period”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-h"><num>(h)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (7A), omit “in England”.</content></level></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-6"><num>(6)</num><intro>In paragraph 7 (voting as proxy)—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-1-6-a"><num>(a)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5)(c), omit the words from “and, in the” to the end;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-6-b"><num>(b)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5A), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-6-c"><num>(c)</num><intro>in sub-paragraph (6)—</intro><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-c-i"><num>(i)</num><content>in paragraph (aa), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-c-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content>omit paragraph (ab) (but not the “and” at the end);</content></level></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-6-d"><num>(d)</num><intro>in sub-paragraph (9)—</intro><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-d-i"><num>(i)</num><content><mod>at the end of paragraph (c), insert <quotedText>“or”</quotedText>;</mod></content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-d-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content>in paragraph (ca), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-d-iii"><num>(iii)</num><content>omit paragraph (d) and the “or” before it.</content></level></level></subsection></section><section eId="section-2"><num>2</num><heading>Elections to the Scottish Parliament</heading><subsection eId="section-2-1"><num>(1)</num><content>The Scotland Act 1998 is amended as follows.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-2-2"><num>(2)</num><content><mod>After section 12A insert—<quotedStructure startQuote="“" endQuote="”" uk:context="body" uk:docName="ukpga" ukl:TargetClass="primary" ukl:TargetSubClass="unknown" ukl:Context="main" ukl:Format="double"><section><num>12B</num><heading>Power to make provision about the use of the UK digital service for absent voting applications</heading><subsection><num>(1)</num><content>A Minister of the Crown or the Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision about the use of the UK digital service in relation to absent voting applications.</content></subsection><subsection><num>(2)</num><intro>The provision that may be made under <ref href="#section-2-1">subsection (1)</ref> includes, in particular, provision—</intro><level class="para1"><num>(a)</num><content>conferring functions on a Minister of the Crown to enable absent voting applications to be submitted through the UK digital service;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(b)</num><intro>where such applications are, or are to be, so submitted—</intro><level class="para2"><num>(i)</num><content>authorising a Minister of the Crown, in prescribed circumstances, to complete applications in part for people;</content></level><level class="para2"><num>(ii)</num><content>about how any requirement for an applicant to provide a signature in connection with an application may be satisfied;</content></level></level><level class="para1"><num>(c)</num><content>about the disclosure of prescribed information or evidence through the UK digital service;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(d)</num><content>about the disclosure of prescribed information or evidence in connection with an absent voting application in relation to which the UK digital service is, or is to be, used.</content></level></subsection><subsection><num>(3)</num><intro>Subject to <ref href="#d25e469">subsection (4)</ref>, the disclosure or other processing of information in accordance with provision made under this section does not breach—</intro><level class="para1"><num>(a)</num><content>any obligation of confidence owed by the person processing the information;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(b)</num><content>any other restriction on the processing of information (however imposed).</content></level></subsection><subsection eId="d25e469"><num>(4)</num><content>Provision made under this section does not require or authorise the disclosure or other processing of personal data that would contravene the data protection legislation (but in determining whether particular processing of data would do so, take into account the duty imposed or the powers conferred by such provision).</content></subsection><subsection><num>(5)</num><content>The Scottish Ministers may not make regulations under this section without the agreement of a Minister of the Crown.</content></subsection><subsection><num>(6)</num><intro>In this section—</intro><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-absent-voting-application">absent voting application</term>” means an application (including a partially completed application) to vote by post or proxy at an election for membership of the Parliament, or at elections for membership of the Parliament, in accordance with an order under section 12;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-the-data-protection-legislation">the data protection legislation</term>” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(9) of that Act);</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-personal-data">personal data</term>” and “processing” have the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(2) and (4) of that Act);</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-prescribed">prescribed</term>” means prescribed by regulations made under this section;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-the-uk-digital-service">the UK digital service</term>” means a digital service provided by a Minister of the Crown for the registration of electors, and a reference to an absent voting application submitted through the UK digital service is a reference to such an application submitted using that service as an intermediary.</content></hcontainer></subsection></section></quotedStructure></mod></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-2-3"><num>(3)</num><content><mod>In section 113 (subordinate legislation: scope of powers), in subsection (1A), after “12” insert <quotedText>“or regulations under section 12B”</quotedText>.</mod></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-2-4"><num>(4)</num><content><mod>In section 114 (subordinate legislation: particular provisions), in subsection (1), after “sections” insert <quotedText>“12B,”</quotedText>.</mod></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-2-5"><num>(5)</num><content><mod>In Schedule 7 (procedure for subordinate legislation), in paragraph 1(2), in the appropriate place insert—<quotedStructure startQuote="“" endQuote="”" uk:context="schedule" uk:docName="ukpga" ukl:TargetClass="primary" ukl:TargetSubClass="unknown" ukl:Context="schedule" ukl:Format="default"><tblock class="table" ukl:Orientation="portrait"><foreign><default:table xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><default:tbody><default:tr><default:td rowspan="2">Section 12B</default:td><default:td>Where the regulations are made by the Scottish Ministers: Type L</default:td></default:tr><default:tr><default:td>Where the regulations are made by a Minister of the Crown: Type C</default:td></default:tr></default:tbody></default:table></foreign></tblock></quotedStructure><inline name="appendText">.</inline></mod></content></subsection></section><section eId="section-3"><num>3</num><heading>Elections to Senedd Cymru</heading><content><mod>After section 13A of the Government of Wales Act 2006 insert—<quotedStructure startQuote="“" endQuote="”" uk:context="body" uk:docName="ukpga" ukl:TargetClass="primary" ukl:TargetSubClass="unknown" ukl:Context="main" ukl:Format="double"><section><num>13B</num><heading>Power to make provision about the use of the UK digital service for absent voting applications</heading><subsection eId="d25e578"><num>(1)</num><content>A Minister of the Crown or the Welsh Ministers may by regulations make provision about the use of the UK digital service in relation to absent voting applications.</content></subsection><subsection><num>(2)</num><intro>The provision that may be made under <ref href="#d25e578">subsection (1)</ref> includes, in particular, provision—</intro><level class="para1"><num>(a)</num><content>conferring functions on a Minister of the Crown to enable absent voting applications to be submitted through the UK digital service;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(b)</num><intro>where such applications are, or are to be, so submitted—</intro><level class="para2"><num>(i)</num><content>authorising a Minister of the Crown, in prescribed circumstances, to complete applications in part for people;</content></level><level class="para2"><num>(ii)</num><content>about how any requirement for an applicant to provide a signature in connection with an application may be satisfied;</content></level></level><level class="para1"><num>(c)</num><content>about the disclosure of prescribed information or evidence through the UK digital service;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(d)</num><content>about the disclosure of prescribed information or evidence in connection with an absent voting application in relation to which the UK digital service is, or is to be, used.</content></level></subsection><subsection><num>(3)</num><intro>Subject to <ref href="#d25e650">subsection (4)</ref>, the disclosure or other processing of information in accordance with provision made under this section does not breach—</intro><level class="para1"><num>(a)</num><content>any obligation of confidence owed by the person processing the information;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(b)</num><content>any other restriction on the processing of information (however imposed).</content></level></subsection><subsection eId="d25e650"><num>(4)</num><content>Provision made under this section does not require or authorise the disclosure or other processing of personal data that would contravene the data protection legislation (but in determining whether particular processing of data would do so, take into account the duty imposed or the powers conferred by such provision).</content></subsection><subsection><num>(5)</num><content>The Welsh Ministers may not make regulations under this section without the agreement of a Minister of the Crown.</content></subsection><subsection><num>(6)</num><content>No regulations may be made under this section by a Minister of the Crown unless a draft of a statutory instrument containing them has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.</content></subsection><subsection><num>(7)</num><content>No regulations may be made under this section by the Welsh Ministers unless a draft of a statutory instrument containing them has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Senedd.</content></subsection><subsection><num>(8)</num><intro>In this section—</intro><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-absent-voting-application">absent voting application</term>” means an application (including a partially completed application) to vote by post or proxy at an election for membership of the Senedd, or at elections for membership of the Senedd, in accordance with an order under section 13;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-the-data-protection-legislation">the data protection legislation</term>” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(9) of that Act);</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-personal-data">personal data</term>” and “processing” have the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(2) and (4) of that Act);</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-prescribed">prescribed</term>” means prescribed by regulations made under this section;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-the-uk-digital-service">the UK digital service</term>” means a digital service provided by a Minister of the Crown for the registration of electors, and a reference to an absent voting application submitted through the UK digital service is a reference to such an application submitted using that service as an intermediary.</content></hcontainer></subsection></section></quotedStructure></mod></content></section></hcontainer>

<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" xmlns:uk="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/UK-AKN" xmlns:ukl="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/legislation" eId="section-1"><num>1</num><heading>Local government elections (Scotland and Wales)</heading><subsection eId="section-1-1"><num>(1)</num><content>Schedule 2 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (provisions which may be contained in regulations as to registration etc) is amended in accordance with subsections <ref href="#section-1-2">(2)</ref> and <ref href="#section-1-3">(3)</ref>.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-2"><num>(2)</num><content>In paragraph 1(5A)(a)(ii), omit the words from “, other” to the end.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-3"><num>(3)</num><content><mod>After paragraph 5ZA, insert—<quotedStructure startQuote="“" endQuote="”" uk:context="schedule" uk:docName="ukpga" ukl:TargetClass="primary" ukl:TargetSubClass="unknown" ukl:Context="schedule" ukl:Format="double"><paragraph class="schProv1"><num>5ZB</num><subparagraph eId="d25e103"><num>(1)</num><content>Provision about the use of the UK digital service in relation to relevant devolved absent voting applications.</content></subparagraph><subparagraph><num>(2)</num><intro>Provision made under <ref href="#d25e103">sub-paragraph (1)</ref> may include provision—</intro><level class="para1"><num>(a)</num><content>conferring functions on a Minister of the Crown to enable relevant devolved absent voting applications to be submitted through the UK digital service;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(b)</num><intro>where such applications are, or are to be, so submitted—</intro><level class="para2"><num>(i)</num><content>authorising a Minister of the Crown, in prescribed circumstances, to complete applications in part for people;</content></level><level class="para2"><num>(ii)</num><content>about how any requirement for an applicant to provide a signature in connection with an application may be satisfied;</content></level></level><level class="para1"><num>(c)</num><content>about the disclosure of prescribed information or evidence through the UK digital service;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(d)</num><content>about the disclosure of prescribed information or evidence in connection with a relevant devolved absent voting application in relation to which the UK digital service is, or is to be, used.</content></level></subparagraph><subparagraph><num>(3)</num><intro>Except as provided by <ref href="#d25e175">sub-paragraph (4)</ref>, the disclosure or other processing of information in accordance with provision made under this paragraph does not breach—</intro><level class="para1"><num>(a)</num><content>any obligation of confidence owed by the person processing the information;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(b)</num><content>any other restriction on the processing of information (however imposed).</content></level></subparagraph><subparagraph eId="d25e175"><num>(4)</num><content>Provision made under this paragraph does not require or authorise the disclosure or other processing of personal data that would contravene the data protection legislation (but in determining whether particular processing of data would do so, take into account the duty imposed or the powers conferred by such provision).</content></subparagraph><subparagraph><num>(5)</num><content>Regulations under this paragraph may, in connection with provision under sub-paragraph (1), include transitional provision under section 201(3) which makes provision for, or in connection with, the expiry of some or all devolved election proxy appointments.</content></subparagraph><subparagraph><num>(6)</num><intro>In this paragraph—</intro><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-the-data-protection-legislation">the data protection legislation</term>” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(9) of that Act);</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-devolved-election-proxy-appointment">devolved election proxy appointment</term>” means the appointment of a person as a proxy to vote for another person at local government elections in Wales or Scotland, where the appointment was made before a date specified in the regulations on an application under paragraph 6(7) of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-personal-data">personal data</term>” and “processing” have the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(2) and (4) of that Act);</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-relevant-devolved-absent-voting-application">relevant devolved absent voting application</term>” means an application (including a partially completed application) under paragraph 3, 4 or 6 of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 in relation to a local government election, or local government elections, in Scotland or Wales;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-the-uk-digital-service">the UK digital service</term>” has the meaning given by paragraph 3ZA(7), and a reference to a relevant devolved absent voting application submitted through the UK digital service is a reference to such an application submitted using that service as an intermediary.</content></hcontainer></subparagraph></paragraph></quotedStructure></mod></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-4"><num>(4)</num><content>Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 (absent voting in Great Britain) is amended in accordance with subsections <ref href="#section-1-5">(5)</ref> and <ref href="#section-1-6">(6)</ref>.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-5"><num>(5)</num><intro>In paragraph 3 (absent vote at elections for a period)—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-a"><num>(a)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (1)(b), omit the words from “and, in the” to the end;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-b"><num>(b)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (1A), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-c"><num>(c)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (4)(aa), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-d"><num>(d)</num><intro>in sub-paragraph (4)(ab)—</intro><level class="para2" eId="section-1-5-d-i"><num>(i)</num><content>omit sub-paragraph (i);</content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-5-d-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content>in the words after sub-paragraph (ii), omit “post or”;</content></level></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-e"><num>(e)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5)(ca), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-f"><num>(f)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5)(d), omit the words from “by post” to “or who applied to vote”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-g"><num>(g)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (7), omit the words from “and, in the” to “the period”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-h"><num>(h)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (7A), omit “in England”.</content></level></subsection><subsection eId="section-1-6"><num>(6)</num><intro>In paragraph 7 (voting as proxy)—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-1-6-a"><num>(a)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5)(c), omit the words from “and, in the” to the end;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-6-b"><num>(b)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5A), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-6-c"><num>(c)</num><intro>in sub-paragraph (6)—</intro><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-c-i"><num>(i)</num><content>in paragraph (aa), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-c-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content>omit paragraph (ab) (but not the “and” at the end);</content></level></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-6-d"><num>(d)</num><intro>in sub-paragraph (9)—</intro><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-d-i"><num>(i)</num><content><mod>at the end of paragraph (c), insert <quotedText>“or”</quotedText>;</mod></content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-d-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content>in paragraph (ca), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-d-iii"><num>(iii)</num><content>omit paragraph (d) and the “or” before it.</content></level></level></subsection></section>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-1-1"><num>(1)</num><content>Schedule 2 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (provisions which may be contained in regulations as to registration etc) is amended in accordance with subsections <ref href="#section-1-2">(2)</ref> and <ref href="#section-1-3">(3)</ref>.</content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-1-2"><num>(2)</num><content>In paragraph 1(5A)(a)(ii), omit the words from “, other” to the end.</content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" xmlns:uk="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/UK-AKN" xmlns:ukl="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/legislation" eId="section-1-3"><num>(3)</num><content><mod>After paragraph 5ZA, insert—<quotedStructure startQuote="“" endQuote="”" uk:context="schedule" uk:docName="ukpga" ukl:TargetClass="primary" ukl:TargetSubClass="unknown" ukl:Context="schedule" ukl:Format="double"><paragraph class="schProv1"><num>5ZB</num><subparagraph eId="d25e103"><num>(1)</num><content>Provision about the use of the UK digital service in relation to relevant devolved absent voting applications.</content></subparagraph><subparagraph><num>(2)</num><intro>Provision made under <ref href="#d25e103">sub-paragraph (1)</ref> may include provision—</intro><level class="para1"><num>(a)</num><content>conferring functions on a Minister of the Crown to enable relevant devolved absent voting applications to be submitted through the UK digital service;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(b)</num><intro>where such applications are, or are to be, so submitted—</intro><level class="para2"><num>(i)</num><content>authorising a Minister of the Crown, in prescribed circumstances, to complete applications in part for people;</content></level><level class="para2"><num>(ii)</num><content>about how any requirement for an applicant to provide a signature in connection with an application may be satisfied;</content></level></level><level class="para1"><num>(c)</num><content>about the disclosure of prescribed information or evidence through the UK digital service;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(d)</num><content>about the disclosure of prescribed information or evidence in connection with a relevant devolved absent voting application in relation to which the UK digital service is, or is to be, used.</content></level></subparagraph><subparagraph><num>(3)</num><intro>Except as provided by <ref href="#d25e175">sub-paragraph (4)</ref>, the disclosure or other processing of information in accordance with provision made under this paragraph does not breach—</intro><level class="para1"><num>(a)</num><content>any obligation of confidence owed by the person processing the information;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(b)</num><content>any other restriction on the processing of information (however imposed).</content></level></subparagraph><subparagraph eId="d25e175"><num>(4)</num><content>Provision made under this paragraph does not require or authorise the disclosure or other processing of personal data that would contravene the data protection legislation (but in determining whether particular processing of data would do so, take into account the duty imposed or the powers conferred by such provision).</content></subparagraph><subparagraph><num>(5)</num><content>Regulations under this paragraph may, in connection with provision under sub-paragraph (1), include transitional provision under section 201(3) which makes provision for, or in connection with, the expiry of some or all devolved election proxy appointments.</content></subparagraph><subparagraph><num>(6)</num><intro>In this paragraph—</intro><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-the-data-protection-legislation">the data protection legislation</term>” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(9) of that Act);</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-devolved-election-proxy-appointment">devolved election proxy appointment</term>” means the appointment of a person as a proxy to vote for another person at local government elections in Wales or Scotland, where the appointment was made before a date specified in the regulations on an application under paragraph 6(7) of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-personal-data">personal data</term>” and “processing” have the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(2) and (4) of that Act);</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-relevant-devolved-absent-voting-application">relevant devolved absent voting application</term>” means an application (including a partially completed application) under paragraph 3, 4 or 6 of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 in relation to a local government election, or local government elections, in Scotland or Wales;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-the-uk-digital-service">the UK digital service</term>” has the meaning given by paragraph 3ZA(7), and a reference to a relevant devolved absent voting application submitted through the UK digital service is a reference to such an application submitted using that service as an intermediary.</content></hcontainer></subparagraph></paragraph></quotedStructure></mod></content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-1-4"><num>(4)</num><content>Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000 (absent voting in Great Britain) is amended in accordance with subsections <ref href="#section-1-5">(5)</ref> and <ref href="#section-1-6">(6)</ref>.</content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-1-5"><num>(5)</num><intro>In paragraph 3 (absent vote at elections for a period)—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-a"><num>(a)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (1)(b), omit the words from “and, in the” to the end;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-b"><num>(b)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (1A), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-c"><num>(c)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (4)(aa), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-d"><num>(d)</num><intro>in sub-paragraph (4)(ab)—</intro><level class="para2" eId="section-1-5-d-i"><num>(i)</num><content>omit sub-paragraph (i);</content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-5-d-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content>in the words after sub-paragraph (ii), omit “post or”;</content></level></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-e"><num>(e)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5)(ca), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-f"><num>(f)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5)(d), omit the words from “by post” to “or who applied to vote”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-g"><num>(g)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (7), omit the words from “and, in the” to “the period”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-5-h"><num>(h)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (7A), omit “in England”.</content></level></subsection>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-5-a"><num>(a)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (1)(b), omit the words from “and, in the” to the end;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-5-b"><num>(b)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (1A), omit “in England”;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-5-c"><num>(c)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (4)(aa), omit “in England”;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-5-d"><num>(d)</num><intro>in sub-paragraph (4)(ab)—</intro><level class="para2" eId="section-1-5-d-i"><num>(i)</num><content>omit sub-paragraph (i);</content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-5-d-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content>in the words after sub-paragraph (ii), omit “post or”;</content></level></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-5-e"><num>(e)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5)(ca), omit “in England”;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-5-f"><num>(f)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5)(d), omit the words from “by post” to “or who applied to vote”;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-5-g"><num>(g)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (7), omit the words from “and, in the” to “the period”;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-5-h"><num>(h)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (7A), omit “in England”.</content></level>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-1-6"><num>(6)</num><intro>In paragraph 7 (voting as proxy)—</intro><level class="para1" eId="section-1-6-a"><num>(a)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5)(c), omit the words from “and, in the” to the end;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-6-b"><num>(b)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5A), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-6-c"><num>(c)</num><intro>in sub-paragraph (6)—</intro><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-c-i"><num>(i)</num><content>in paragraph (aa), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-c-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content>omit paragraph (ab) (but not the “and” at the end);</content></level></level><level class="para1" eId="section-1-6-d"><num>(d)</num><intro>in sub-paragraph (9)—</intro><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-d-i"><num>(i)</num><content><mod>at the end of paragraph (c), insert <quotedText>“or”</quotedText>;</mod></content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-d-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content>in paragraph (ca), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-d-iii"><num>(iii)</num><content>omit paragraph (d) and the “or” before it.</content></level></level></subsection>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-6-a"><num>(a)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5)(c), omit the words from “and, in the” to the end;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-6-b"><num>(b)</num><content>in sub-paragraph (5A), omit “in England”;</content></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-6-c"><num>(c)</num><intro>in sub-paragraph (6)—</intro><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-c-i"><num>(i)</num><content>in paragraph (aa), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-c-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content>omit paragraph (ab) (but not the “and” at the end);</content></level></level>

<level xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" class="para1" eId="section-1-6-d"><num>(d)</num><intro>in sub-paragraph (9)—</intro><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-d-i"><num>(i)</num><content><mod>at the end of paragraph (c), insert <quotedText>“or”</quotedText>;</mod></content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-d-ii"><num>(ii)</num><content>in paragraph (ca), omit “in England”;</content></level><level class="para2" eId="section-1-6-d-iii"><num>(iii)</num><content>omit paragraph (d) and the “or” before it.</content></level></level>

<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" xmlns:uk="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/UK-AKN" xmlns:ukl="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/legislation" xmlns:default="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" eId="section-2"><num>2</num><heading>Elections to the Scottish Parliament</heading><subsection eId="section-2-1"><num>(1)</num><content>The Scotland Act 1998 is amended as follows.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-2-2"><num>(2)</num><content><mod>After section 12A insert—<quotedStructure startQuote="“" endQuote="”" uk:context="body" uk:docName="ukpga" ukl:TargetClass="primary" ukl:TargetSubClass="unknown" ukl:Context="main" ukl:Format="double"><section><num>12B</num><heading>Power to make provision about the use of the UK digital service for absent voting applications</heading><subsection><num>(1)</num><content>A Minister of the Crown or the Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision about the use of the UK digital service in relation to absent voting applications.</content></subsection><subsection><num>(2)</num><intro>The provision that may be made under <ref href="#section-2-1">subsection (1)</ref> includes, in particular, provision—</intro><level class="para1"><num>(a)</num><content>conferring functions on a Minister of the Crown to enable absent voting applications to be submitted through the UK digital service;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(b)</num><intro>where such applications are, or are to be, so submitted—</intro><level class="para2"><num>(i)</num><content>authorising a Minister of the Crown, in prescribed circumstances, to complete applications in part for people;</content></level><level class="para2"><num>(ii)</num><content>about how any requirement for an applicant to provide a signature in connection with an application may be satisfied;</content></level></level><level class="para1"><num>(c)</num><content>about the disclosure of prescribed information or evidence through the UK digital service;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(d)</num><content>about the disclosure of prescribed information or evidence in connection with an absent voting application in relation to which the UK digital service is, or is to be, used.</content></level></subsection><subsection><num>(3)</num><intro>Subject to <ref href="#d25e469">subsection (4)</ref>, the disclosure or other processing of information in accordance with provision made under this section does not breach—</intro><level class="para1"><num>(a)</num><content>any obligation of confidence owed by the person processing the information;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(b)</num><content>any other restriction on the processing of information (however imposed).</content></level></subsection><subsection eId="d25e469"><num>(4)</num><content>Provision made under this section does not require or authorise the disclosure or other processing of personal data that would contravene the data protection legislation (but in determining whether particular processing of data would do so, take into account the duty imposed or the powers conferred by such provision).</content></subsection><subsection><num>(5)</num><content>The Scottish Ministers may not make regulations under this section without the agreement of a Minister of the Crown.</content></subsection><subsection><num>(6)</num><intro>In this section—</intro><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-absent-voting-application">absent voting application</term>” means an application (including a partially completed application) to vote by post or proxy at an election for membership of the Parliament, or at elections for membership of the Parliament, in accordance with an order under section 12;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-the-data-protection-legislation">the data protection legislation</term>” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(9) of that Act);</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-personal-data">personal data</term>” and “processing” have the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(2) and (4) of that Act);</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-prescribed">prescribed</term>” means prescribed by regulations made under this section;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-the-uk-digital-service">the UK digital service</term>” means a digital service provided by a Minister of the Crown for the registration of electors, and a reference to an absent voting application submitted through the UK digital service is a reference to such an application submitted using that service as an intermediary.</content></hcontainer></subsection></section></quotedStructure></mod></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-2-3"><num>(3)</num><content><mod>In section 113 (subordinate legislation: scope of powers), in subsection (1A), after “12” insert <quotedText>“or regulations under section 12B”</quotedText>.</mod></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-2-4"><num>(4)</num><content><mod>In section 114 (subordinate legislation: particular provisions), in subsection (1), after “sections” insert <quotedText>“12B,”</quotedText>.</mod></content></subsection><subsection eId="section-2-5"><num>(5)</num><content><mod>In Schedule 7 (procedure for subordinate legislation), in paragraph 1(2), in the appropriate place insert—<quotedStructure startQuote="“" endQuote="”" uk:context="schedule" uk:docName="ukpga" ukl:TargetClass="primary" ukl:TargetSubClass="unknown" ukl:Context="schedule" ukl:Format="default"><tblock class="table" ukl:Orientation="portrait"><foreign><default:table xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><default:tbody><default:tr><default:td rowspan="2">Section 12B</default:td><default:td>Where the regulations are made by the Scottish Ministers: Type L</default:td></default:tr><default:tr><default:td>Where the regulations are made by a Minister of the Crown: Type C</default:td></default:tr></default:tbody></default:table></foreign></tblock></quotedStructure><inline name="appendText">.</inline></mod></content></subsection></section>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2-1"><num>(1)</num><content>The Scotland Act 1998 is amended as follows.</content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" xmlns:uk="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/UK-AKN" xmlns:ukl="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/legislation" eId="section-2-2"><num>(2)</num><content><mod>After section 12A insert—<quotedStructure startQuote="“" endQuote="”" uk:context="body" uk:docName="ukpga" ukl:TargetClass="primary" ukl:TargetSubClass="unknown" ukl:Context="main" ukl:Format="double"><section><num>12B</num><heading>Power to make provision about the use of the UK digital service for absent voting applications</heading><subsection><num>(1)</num><content>A Minister of the Crown or the Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision about the use of the UK digital service in relation to absent voting applications.</content></subsection><subsection><num>(2)</num><intro>The provision that may be made under <ref href="#section-2-1">subsection (1)</ref> includes, in particular, provision—</intro><level class="para1"><num>(a)</num><content>conferring functions on a Minister of the Crown to enable absent voting applications to be submitted through the UK digital service;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(b)</num><intro>where such applications are, or are to be, so submitted—</intro><level class="para2"><num>(i)</num><content>authorising a Minister of the Crown, in prescribed circumstances, to complete applications in part for people;</content></level><level class="para2"><num>(ii)</num><content>about how any requirement for an applicant to provide a signature in connection with an application may be satisfied;</content></level></level><level class="para1"><num>(c)</num><content>about the disclosure of prescribed information or evidence through the UK digital service;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(d)</num><content>about the disclosure of prescribed information or evidence in connection with an absent voting application in relation to which the UK digital service is, or is to be, used.</content></level></subsection><subsection><num>(3)</num><intro>Subject to <ref href="#d25e469">subsection (4)</ref>, the disclosure or other processing of information in accordance with provision made under this section does not breach—</intro><level class="para1"><num>(a)</num><content>any obligation of confidence owed by the person processing the information;</content></level><level class="para1"><num>(b)</num><content>any other restriction on the processing of information (however imposed).</content></level></subsection><subsection eId="d25e469"><num>(4)</num><content>Provision made under this section does not require or authorise the disclosure or other processing of personal data that would contravene the data protection legislation (but in determining whether particular processing of data would do so, take into account the duty imposed or the powers conferred by such provision).</content></subsection><subsection><num>(5)</num><content>The Scottish Ministers may not make regulations under this section without the agreement of a Minister of the Crown.</content></subsection><subsection><num>(6)</num><intro>In this section—</intro><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-absent-voting-application">absent voting application</term>” means an application (including a partially completed application) to vote by post or proxy at an election for membership of the Parliament, or at elections for membership of the Parliament, in accordance with an order under section 12;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-the-data-protection-legislation">the data protection legislation</term>” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(9) of that Act);</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-personal-data">personal data</term>” and “processing” have the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3(2) and (4) of that Act);</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-prescribed">prescribed</term>” means prescribed by regulations made under this section;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-the-uk-digital-service">the UK digital service</term>” means a digital service provided by a Minister of the Crown for the registration of electors, and a reference to an absent voting application submitted through the UK digital service is a reference to such an application submitted using that service as an intermediary.</content></hcontainer></subsection></section></quotedStructure></mod></content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2-3"><num>(3)</num><content><mod>In section 113 (subordinate legislation: scope of powers), in subsection (1A), after “12” insert <quotedText>“or regulations under section 12B”</quotedText>.</mod></content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-2-4"><num>(4)</num><content><mod>In section 114 (subordinate legislation: particular provisions), in subsection (1), after “sections” insert <quotedText>“12B,”</quotedText>.</mod></content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" xmlns:uk="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/UK-AKN" xmlns:ukl="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/legislation" xmlns:default="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" eId="section-2-5"><num>(5)</num><content><mod>In Schedule 7 (procedure for subordinate legislation), in paragraph 1(2), in the appropriate place insert—<quotedStructure startQuote="“" endQuote="”" uk:context="schedule" uk:docName="ukpga" ukl:TargetClass="primary" ukl:TargetSubClass="unknown" ukl:Context="schedule" ukl:Format="default"><tblock class="table" ukl:Orientation="portrait"><foreign><default:table xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><default:tbody><default:tr><default:td rowspan="2">Section 12B</default:td><default:td>Where the regulations are made by the Scottish Ministers: Type L</default:td></default:tr><default:tr><default:td>Where the regulations are made by a Minister of the Crown: Type C</default:td></default:tr></default:tbody></default:table></foreign></tblock></quotedStructure><inline name="appendText">.</inline></mod></content></subsection>

<hcontainer xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" xmlns:ukl="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/namespaces/legislation" name="crossheading" ukl:Name="Pblock" eId="crossheading-general"><heading>General</heading><section eId="section-4"><num>4</num><heading>Commencement and transitional provision</heading><subsection eId="section-4-1"><num>(1)</num><content>This Act comes into force on the day on which it is passed, subject to <ref href="#section-4-2">subsection (2)</ref>.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-2"><num>(2)</num><content>Section <ref href="#section-1">1</ref><ref href="#section-1-4">(4)</ref> to <ref href="#section-1-6">(6)</ref> comes into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument appoint.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-3"><num>(3)</num><content>The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument make such transitional or saving provision as the Secretary of State considers appropriate in connection with the coming into force of any provision of this Act.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-4"><num>(4)</num><content>Regulations under <ref href="#section-4-3">subsection (3)</ref> may make provision for, or in connection with, the expiry of some or all devolved election postal vote entitlements.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-5"><num>(5)</num><content>Regulations under <ref href="#section-4-3">subsection (3)</ref> that make provision for, or in connection with, the expiry of the devolved election postal vote entitlement of a person who also has a parliamentary election postal vote entitlement may make provision for the purpose of aligning the expiry of those entitlements (including provision specifying or changing the date on which either or both of those entitlements expire).</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-6"><num>(6)</num><intro>In this section—</intro><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-devolved-election-postal-vote-entitlement" eId="term-devolved-election-postal-vote-entitlement">devolved election postal vote entitlement</term>” means an entitlement to vote by post (whether as elector or proxy) at local government elections in Wales or Scotland, where the entitlement was granted before the specified date on an application under paragraph 3(1) or 7(4)(a) of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-parliamentary-election-postal-vote-entitlement" eId="term-parliamentary-election-postal-vote-entitlement">parliamentary election postal vote entitlement</term>” means an entitlement to vote by post (whether as elector or proxy) at parliamentary elections in England and Wales or Scotland, where the entitlement was granted before the specified date on an application under paragraph 3(1) or 7(4)(a) of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-specified-date" eId="term-specified-date">specified date</term>” means the date specified in the regulations.</content></hcontainer></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-7"><num>(7)</num><content>Regulations under <ref href="#section-4">this section</ref> may make different provision for different purposes or areas.</content></subsection></section><section eId="section-5"><num>5</num><heading>Extent and short title</heading><subsection eId="section-5-1"><num>(1)</num><content>This Act extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-5-2"><num>(2)</num><content>This Act may be cited as the Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Act 2025.</content></subsection></section></hcontainer>

<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4"><num>4</num><heading>Commencement and transitional provision</heading><subsection eId="section-4-1"><num>(1)</num><content>This Act comes into force on the day on which it is passed, subject to <ref href="#section-4-2">subsection (2)</ref>.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-2"><num>(2)</num><content>Section <ref href="#section-1">1</ref><ref href="#section-1-4">(4)</ref> to <ref href="#section-1-6">(6)</ref> comes into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument appoint.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-3"><num>(3)</num><content>The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument make such transitional or saving provision as the Secretary of State considers appropriate in connection with the coming into force of any provision of this Act.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-4"><num>(4)</num><content>Regulations under <ref href="#section-4-3">subsection (3)</ref> may make provision for, or in connection with, the expiry of some or all devolved election postal vote entitlements.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-5"><num>(5)</num><content>Regulations under <ref href="#section-4-3">subsection (3)</ref> that make provision for, or in connection with, the expiry of the devolved election postal vote entitlement of a person who also has a parliamentary election postal vote entitlement may make provision for the purpose of aligning the expiry of those entitlements (including provision specifying or changing the date on which either or both of those entitlements expire).</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-6"><num>(6)</num><intro>In this section—</intro><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-devolved-election-postal-vote-entitlement" eId="term-devolved-election-postal-vote-entitlement">devolved election postal vote entitlement</term>” means an entitlement to vote by post (whether as elector or proxy) at local government elections in Wales or Scotland, where the entitlement was granted before the specified date on an application under paragraph 3(1) or 7(4)(a) of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-parliamentary-election-postal-vote-entitlement" eId="term-parliamentary-election-postal-vote-entitlement">parliamentary election postal vote entitlement</term>” means an entitlement to vote by post (whether as elector or proxy) at parliamentary elections in England and Wales or Scotland, where the entitlement was granted before the specified date on an application under paragraph 3(1) or 7(4)(a) of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-specified-date" eId="term-specified-date">specified date</term>” means the date specified in the regulations.</content></hcontainer></subsection><subsection eId="section-4-7"><num>(7)</num><content>Regulations under <ref href="#section-4">this section</ref> may make different provision for different purposes or areas.</content></subsection></section>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-1"><num>(1)</num><content>This Act comes into force on the day on which it is passed, subject to <ref href="#section-4-2">subsection (2)</ref>.</content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-2"><num>(2)</num><content>Section <ref href="#section-1">1</ref><ref href="#section-1-4">(4)</ref> to <ref href="#section-1-6">(6)</ref> comes into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument appoint.</content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-3"><num>(3)</num><content>The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument make such transitional or saving provision as the Secretary of State considers appropriate in connection with the coming into force of any provision of this Act.</content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-4"><num>(4)</num><content>Regulations under <ref href="#section-4-3">subsection (3)</ref> may make provision for, or in connection with, the expiry of some or all devolved election postal vote entitlements.</content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-5"><num>(5)</num><content>Regulations under <ref href="#section-4-3">subsection (3)</ref> that make provision for, or in connection with, the expiry of the devolved election postal vote entitlement of a person who also has a parliamentary election postal vote entitlement may make provision for the purpose of aligning the expiry of those entitlements (including provision specifying or changing the date on which either or both of those entitlements expire).</content></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-6"><num>(6)</num><intro>In this section—</intro><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-devolved-election-postal-vote-entitlement" eId="term-devolved-election-postal-vote-entitlement">devolved election postal vote entitlement</term>” means an entitlement to vote by post (whether as elector or proxy) at local government elections in Wales or Scotland, where the entitlement was granted before the specified date on an application under paragraph 3(1) or 7(4)(a) of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-parliamentary-election-postal-vote-entitlement" eId="term-parliamentary-election-postal-vote-entitlement">parliamentary election postal vote entitlement</term>” means an entitlement to vote by post (whether as elector or proxy) at parliamentary elections in England and Wales or Scotland, where the entitlement was granted before the specified date on an application under paragraph 3(1) or 7(4)(a) of Schedule 4 to the Representation of the People Act 2000;</content></hcontainer><hcontainer name="definition"><content>“<term refersTo="#term-specified-date" eId="term-specified-date">specified date</term>” means the date specified in the regulations.</content></hcontainer></subsection>

<subsection xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-4-7"><num>(7)</num><content>Regulations under <ref href="#section-4">this section</ref> may make different provision for different purposes or areas.</content></subsection>

<section xmlns="http://docs.oasis-open.org/legaldocml/ns/akn/3.0" eId="section-5"><num>5</num><heading>Extent and short title</heading><subsection eId="section-5-1"><num>(1)</num><content>This Act extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.</content></subsection><subsection eId="section-5-2"><num>(2)</num><content>This Act may be cited as the Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Act 2025.</content></subsection></section>