This guidance is based on, and should be read in accordance with, the requirements set out in the following legislation (as amended):
Representation of the People Acts 1983, 1985 and 2000
Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001
Representation of the People (Scotland) Regulations 2001
Parliamentary Constituencies (Scotland) Order 2005
Electoral Administration Act 2006
Parliamentary Constituencies and Assembly Electoral Regions (Wales) Order 2006
Returning Officers (Parliamentary Constituencies) (England and Wales) Order 2023
Political Parties and Elections Act 2009
Fixed Term Parliament Act 2011
Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013
Elections Act 2022
The Voter Identification Regulations 2022
The Assistance with Voting for Persons with Disabilities (Amendments) Regulations 2022
Representation of the People (Postal and Proxy Voting etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2023
The list above includes only the legislation that makes provision in areas that this guidance relates to and that is currently in force.
Data protection legislation applies to the processing of all personal data. (A)ROs are personally responsible for ensuring that they comply with the requirements of data protection legislation. We have published guidance to support you in meeting your obligations under data protection legislation as it relates to your electoral administration responsibilities.
You are also required to have regard to the public sector equality duty contained in Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 when carrying out your duties.
(A)ROs in Wales must also have regard to the Welsh Language Act 1993 and the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011, which require services in Wales to be delivered equally in English and in Welsh.