(1) Before conducting a poll, the research body must determine a cut - off date, and a return date, for the poll.
(2) The cut - off date must be at least 8 weeks before the return date.
(3) If it becomes apparent that 1 or more eligible entities will be unable to return their ballot papers to the research body by the return date for a poll, because of circumstances that:
(a) were not foreseen when the return date was determined under subregulation (1); and
(b) are outside the control of the entity or entities;
the research body may vary the return date to allow a reasonable amount of time for all eligible entities to return their ballot - papers to the research body before the return date.
(4) If the research body varies the return date for a poll under subregulation (3), the research body must:
(a) tell every eligible entity who has not already returned its ballot - paper, in writing, the new return date for the poll; or
(b) publish a notice, stating the new return date for the poll,
in 1 or more newspapers that have circulation generally in areas where there
are eligible entities.