We have important responsibilities in relation to referendums in the UK. In summary we:
- publish our views as to the intelligibility of the referendum question proposed by the Government
- register organisations wishing to campaign in the referendum as permitted participants
- monitor spending on referendum campaigning in line with the referendum expenditure limits imposed by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
- consider appointing lead campaign groups known as designated organisations on either side of the campaign
- ensure that designated organisations (if appointed) have access to certain assistance
In addition the Chair of the Commission will be the Chief Counting Officer (or will appoint someone else to carry out this role). He will appoint a Counting Officer for each local authority area within the referendum area. The Chief Counting Officer will ensure the accuracy of the overall result and announce it.
