Code aims to address postal vote fraud

31 Mar 05
New guidelines governing postal voting were published by the Electoral Commission this week as fears about possible ballot fraud grew.

01 April 2005

New guidelines governing postal voting were published by the Electoral Commission this week as fears about possible ballot fraud grew.

The commission published a new code of conduct for political parties, candidates and canvassers 'aimed at strengthening the integrity' of the postal vote system.

Measures proposed included advising canvassers not to 'handle or help' voters complete their ballots, and encouraging voters to post papers themselves.

Papers must also be completed in private and sealed by the voter, the watchdog said.

Although the code of conduct provides only a self-regulatory framework for the political parties, the commission warned that if that did not work, it might call for legislation in the future.

All the parties represented at Westminster from England, Scotland and Wales have signed up to the code. Northern Ireland has a separate commission.

As many as 15% of voters could use a postal ballot in the upcoming council and general elections.

Lord Chris Rennard, chief executive of the Liberal Democrats, said his party would do everything possible to ensure votes were cast fairly but added there should be 'a proper review' of electoral laws because of abuses in the past.

Postal voting is seen as a way of boosting turnout, which slumped to 59% at the 2001 general election.

However, where postal votes have been used, they have been hit by delays and allegations of fraud, especially during last summer's European and local elections.

Last week a report from two Commons committees – the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Department for Constitutional Affairs – claimed the growth of postal voting meant there was a need to tighten up against possible fraud.

ODPM committee chair Andrew Bennett said individual voter registration, as opposed to the current registration by household, should be introduced as this could 'dramatically reduce the chances of fraud'.

The report came as it was confirmed that international observers would monitor the expected general election in May.

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