Guidance for Returning Officers administering a Senedd election

The following documentation is not available for public inspection, except by court order:1

• ballot papers
• completed corresponding number lists
• certificates of employment on duty on polling day

These documents can only be accessed if the High Court or a county court is satisfied by evidence on oath that access is required for one of the following reasons:2

• for instituting or maintaining a prosecution for an offence in relation to ballot papers
• for the purpose of an election petition

Any appeal to any decision on access by a county court can be made to the High Court.3

Applications do not have to be made in open court; they can be made by a judge from the relevant court either in open court or otherwise.

You will retain the nomination papers and the home address forms and will not forward these to the EROs after the election. These documents are not open for inspection after the election.4