There are laws governing the conduct of elections, and what might appear to be a straightforward procedure can have very serious implications. This text systematically deals with relevant legislation and case law that apply to elections today.

There are laws governing the conduct of elections, and what might appear to be a straightforward procedure can have very serious implications. This text uses jargon-free language to provide comprehensive coverage of the role, duties and responsibilities of the Returning Officer, the Election Agent, the candidate and the organizations supporting the candidate. It systematically deals with relevant legislation and case law that apply to elections today. Topics new to this edition or featuring expanded and updated information include: parliamentary elections; local elections; European Parliamentary elections; the registration of electors; combined polls; and legislation and cases.

Elections and electoral areas
franchise
registration of electors
the Returning Officer, his staff and expenses
the candidate
the election agent
organizations supporting the candidate
elections expenses
publicity
public meetings
proceedings up to the notice of election and computation of time
nomination of candidates
proceedings between nominations and poll
absent voting
the poll
combination of polls
the count
miscellaneous functions after declaration of result
election petitions
bribery, treating and undue influence
penalties, incapacities and prosecutions
relief. Appendices: relevant statutes
subordinate legislation
specimen forms
relevant extracts from Home Office circulars
the 1983 Act, the 1985 Act and the 1986 Regulations as applied by the European Parliamentary Elections Regulations 1986.