33Security of ballot papers

33 Security of ballot papers

33 Security of ballot papers

(1) The returning officer must do the following in relation to each package of ballot papers prepared by the returning officer—

(a) label the package with the contents of the package and the closing date of the ballot,

(b) sign and seal the package,

(c) allow a scrutineer who wishes to label and sign the package, if any, to add a label and signature,

(d) give the package to the ballot manager.

(2) The ballot manager must ensure the packages are kept securely until the latest of the following—

(a) the expiry of 6 months after the close of the ballot,

(b) if proceedings in a court or tribunal relating to the ballot have commenced within the 6-month period—the proceedings have been finally determined,

(c) if the ballot manager has consented to the use of the ballot papers for research or analysis—the research or analysis has concluded.

(3) The ballot manager may destroy the packages on the expiry of the latest of the periods described in subsection (2).

s 33: Ins 2025 (622), Sch 1[2].