Police recorded a total of 260 cases of
alleged electoral fraud in 2016, leading to
the conviction of a Tory councillor and a
man who voted twice in the EU referendum.
A report by the Electoral Commission found
there was an increase in the number of
people trying to vote while claiming to be
someone else - up from 21 cases in 2014, 26
in 2015 and 44 in 2016.
They called for an "accessible" proof of
identity scheme to be introduced at polling
stations.
Among the incidents they investigated, 40
cases remain under investigation, five are
awaiting advice for prosecution and six
people accepted cautions.
A general view of a ballot box at a polling
station. Credit: PA
The study highlighted the conviction of
Richard Smalley - a Tory candidate who was
elected to Derby City Council in the May
2016 local elections after submitting a false
address.
He pleaded guilty three months later and
was sentenced to two months in prison. Mr
Smalley was also banned from standing in
elections for five years.
Another case saw a man, who has not been
identified, vote in the EU referendum in East
Ayrshire using his friend's name.
He then appeared later at the same polling
station to cast another vote using his own
name.
A general view of a polling station. Credit: PA
Suspicions were raised as he was "very tall
and wore distinctive clothing".
The man pleaded guilty in court and
received a 300-hour community payback
order as well as a five-year ban on standing
for office.
It is important that voters are confident
that the police and prosecuting authorities
take allegations of electoral fraud
seriously. The findings from our report
show that significant sentences will be
imposed when electoral law is broken, and
that those responsible for electoral fraud
can face jail.
– AILSA IRVINE, ELECTORAL COMMISSION
This government is focused on protecting
the right of everyone to have their say and
participate in our democracy. That is why
we recently announced new measures... to
combat electoral fraud and protect anyone
who is at risk of being bullied, undermined
or tricked out of their vote - and their
democratic right.
Vote