INDEPENDENT charity Crimestoppers and the Electoral Commission are calling on the public to be aware of the threat of electoral fraud in the run-up to the General Election.
A three-week campaign has started which highlights the tell-tale signs of electoral fraud.
This includes intimidating or bribing voters, stealing postal or proxy votes, voting as someone else, tampering with ballot papers or postal ballot packs, or asking someone to reveal their marked ballot paper.
Last year, police forces across the UK recorded a total of 260 alleged electoral fraud allegations. This resulted in two convictions and six people being cautioned.
Crimestoppers chief Mark Hallas said: “Electoral fraud damages the UK’s tradition of free and fair elections, which is respected across the world. Incidents of people trying to unduly or illegally influence or rig the outcome of a ballot – or simply not playing by the rules – undermines the public’s trust and is a crime, which is why our independent charity is here to take information on electoral fraud anonymously.
“To ensure the election is conducted to the highest standards, Crimestoppers is working closely with the Electoral Commission and police who take voting offences extremely seriously. Anyone with information can contact us 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use our non-traceable online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org”
Electoral fraud offences include:
*Influencing voters through intimidation or threats
*Influencing voters through bribery or ‘treating’ with gifts
*Pretending to be someone else to use their vote (personation)
*False application to register to vote
*False application for proxy or postal vote
*Tampering with ballot papers or postal ballot packs.
*Failing to mark election material with the details of the printer and party candidate responsible
*Making false statements about candidates
Tom Hawthorn, head of policy for the Electoral Commission, said: “It is important that when voters go to the polls on June 8, they are confident the police and prosecuting authorities take allegations of electoral fraud seriously. Significant sentences will be imposed when electoral law is broken, and those responsible for electoral fraud can face jail. We are pleased to be working in partnership with Crimestoppers to raise public awareness of this.
“Voters should be confident that they can report any concerns about electoral fraud. Anyone who has evidence that an electoral offence has been committed should contact the police immediately or report it anonymously through the Crimestoppers website or 0800 555 111”
