337ASpecial provisions about scrutineers for COVID-19 pandemic

337A Special provisions about scrutineers for COVID-19 pandemic

337A Special provisions about scrutineers for COVID-19 pandemic

(1) Despite section 337, the election manager may direct that—

(a) scrutineers are prohibited from being physically present at a relevant place, or

(b) there is a maximum number of scrutineers that may be present at a relevant place.

(2) The direction must be published on the election manager’s website.

(3) A direction under subsection (1) may be made only if the election manager is satisfied—

(a) there are alternative scrutiny arrangements for each relevant place, and

(b) the direction is necessary—

(i) to comply with a public health order that is in force at the time of the election or counting of votes, or

(ii) to reduce the risk of infection from COVID-19 to a scrutineer or another person present at a relevant place.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), an alternative scrutiny arrangement, in relation to a place at which votes are counted, includes an arrangement that an employee of the election manager film the counting of the votes.

(5) A direction given under this section has effect despite section 333I.

(6) (Repealed)

(7) In this section—

relevant place means a place at which nominations of candidates are made, polling is carried out, ballot-papers are scrutinised or votes are counted.

s 337A: Am 2021 (617), Sch 1[8] [9].