Clause 6

The rules of a registered trade union relating to the taking of decisions by secret ballot shall ensure that every member thereof has an equal right, and a reasonable opportunity to record his vote freely, that the results of the voting are correctly ascertained and declared, and that the secrecy of the ballot is properly secured.(2) For the purpose of satisfying himself that a secret ballot taken by a registered trade union has been properly conducted, the Registrar may order a person to deliver to him any ballot papers, envelopes, lists or other documents which have been used in connection with or are relevant to the secret ballot and which are in the possession or under the control of that person and may take possession of any such ballot papers, envelopes, lists or other documents and may inspect the same and retain them for such period as is necessary for such purpose; but save as aforesaid or as may be provided in the rules of the trade union, no person shall be allowed to inspect or copy any such paper or document relating to a secret ballot.(3) A registered trade union and every officer of a registered trade union who is able to do so shall, notwithstanding anything contained in the rules of the union, take such steps as are necessary to ensure that all ballot papers, envelopes, lists and other documents used in connection with or relevant to a secret ballot shall be kept at the registered office of the union for a period of six months after the completion of the secret ballot.(4) The results of a secret ballot taken to decide any of the matters set out in paragraph 8 of the Schedule shall be sent to the Registrar within seven days after the holding of the secret ballot by the secretary of the trade union in such form as the Registrar may direct.”.