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Voters urged to be on alert to the risk of
electoral fraud
THE Independent charity Crimestoppers and the Electoral Commission are
calling on the public to be aware of the threat of electoral fraud, as the UK
prepares for a General Election, on Thursday, 8 June 2017.
The 3 week campaign, 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.
During 2016, Police Forces across the UK recorded a total of 260 alleged
electoral fraud allegations. This resulted in 2 convictions and 6 people being
cautioned.
Mark Hallas, CEO of charity Crimestoppers, 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% 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.
Crimestoppers and the Electoral Commission have been working together since 2015
when they joined forces to raise public awareness and encourage people to report
their suspicions at the General Election.
Tom Hawthorn, Head of Policy for the Electoral Commission, said:- "It is
important that when voters go to the polls, on 8 June 2017, 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 call:- 0800 555 111"
The campaign includes a schedule of posts on Facebook and Twitter designed to
improve the public's understanding of what constitutes electoral fraud and offer
available options in terms of reporting any concerns. Returning Officers across
the United Kingdom will also be provided with campaign posters to be positioned
in Polling Station on the day of the election.
Electoral fraud can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers through the
charity's:- 0800 555 111 number or Anonymous Online
Form.
Members of the public can also report to their local Police by calling:- 101 or
they can speak to their Local Council's Returning Officer.
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