New campaign launched to stop electoral fraud

Polling stations are being prepared for the local elections

The anti-crime charity Crimestoppers has teamed up with the Electoral Commission to raise awareness of electoral fraud among voters. The initiative, which is being launched today comes in the run up to the local elections on Thursday 5th May.

Returning Officers across Surrey have been given posters to display at polling stations across the region. There will also be an online social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook.

The project follows a recent report from the Electoral Commission which revealed that the police recorded 481 cases of alleged electoral fraud in the UK last year.

Electoral fraud offences include:

  • · 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.

  • · Influencing voters through intimidation or threats

  • · Influencing voters through bribery or 'treating' with gifts

  • · Failing to mark election material with the details of the printer and party candidate responsible

  • · Making false statements about candidates

  • · Allegations against Returning Officers and staff.