text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill - Schedule 1 - Further provisions about the referendum
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  @MP voted no not to include a specific provision in the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill to expressly allow Chief Counting Officers to give directions in relation to voters with disabilities. Officers already have a duty to ensure ballot papers and polling stations are accessible to all.  
  @MP voted aye to include a specific provision in the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill to expressly allow Chief Counting Officers to give directions in relation to voters with disabilities. 
  
  The majority of MPs voted against including a specific provision in the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill[1] expressly permitting Chief Counting Officers to give Regional Counting Officers or counting officers responsible for running the referendum directions about the discharge of their functions specifically in relation to voters with disabilities. 
  
  Mark Harper MP (Parliamentary Secretary (Political and Constitutional Reform), Cabinet Office explained during the debate[2]:
  :Ensuring that ballot papers and polling stations are accessible to all is already a duty that counting officers and returning officers have.
  
  Alun Michael proposed an amendment to the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill which was being voted on. The section being amended, Schedule One, 3(5)[3] originally read:
  
  :The Chief Counting Officer may give Regional Counting Officers or counting officersâ
  	
  :(a)   directions about the discharge of their functions;
  :(b)   directions requiring them to provide the Chief Counting Officer with information that they have or are entitled to have.
  
  The amendment, proposed adding a further item to the above list:
  :'(aa) directions about the discharge of their functions specifically in relation to voters with disabilities;'.
  
  
  * [1] [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmbills/063/11063.i-ii.html Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill as introduced] 
  * [2] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2010-10-18a.661.0 Mark Harper MP, House of Commons, 18th October 2010]
  * [3] [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmbills/063/11063.13-19.html Section of Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill as introduced containing p.15]
  
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  