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15/04/2005
Concerns rise over potential postal vote fraud
Concerns are rising that a dramatic increase in postal voting applications could lead to fraud in the next general election.
A Guardian survey of twenty key marginal constituencies indicated that postal voting was “soaring”, with applications in some areas increasing by more than 300% since the last general election in 2001.
There have also been accusations that all three main parties are requesting voters send their votes direct to them before they are sent to returning officers, contrary to Electoral Commission guidelines.
Fears of postal voting fraud have risen dramatically in the wake of two fraud cases uncovered in Birmingham and Blackburn.
In Birmingham, six Labour councillors were found guilty of fraud, while in Blackburn; a Labour activist was sentenced to three years and seven months in jail for committing fraud. Postal vote applications in both areas had risen substantially – from 16,000 to 53,000 in Birmingham and from 7,603 to 20,351.
It has been revealed that Labour have invited international observers to monitor this general election campaign.
Conservative leader Michael Howard has blamed Tony Blair for the growing problem of electoral fraud. Mr Howard accused him of “ignoring” an earlier call from experts to introduce tougher measures to protect the voting system from fraud. He said: “I think it is a scandal, and Mr Blair should be thoroughly ashamed of what he has done with our democracy. If we had had our way, the recommendations of the Electoral Commission would have been accepted and implemented, and we would not have a voting system fit for a banana republic, which is what a High Court judge said is the present position."
Mr Howard also stressed that the Conservatives were observing the Commission’s recommendations, saying “We are completely within the rules in every respect. If anybody can offer me an example in which a Conservative candidate is not complying with the rules, let me know and I will take action to deal with it.”
A spokesperson for Labour was reported to have said the Electoral Commission’s guidelines had been drawn up following consultation with all of the parties.
(KMcA/GB)
A Guardian survey of twenty key marginal constituencies indicated that postal voting was “soaring”, with applications in some areas increasing by more than 300% since the last general election in 2001.
There have also been accusations that all three main parties are requesting voters send their votes direct to them before they are sent to returning officers, contrary to Electoral Commission guidelines.
Fears of postal voting fraud have risen dramatically in the wake of two fraud cases uncovered in Birmingham and Blackburn.
In Birmingham, six Labour councillors were found guilty of fraud, while in Blackburn; a Labour activist was sentenced to three years and seven months in jail for committing fraud. Postal vote applications in both areas had risen substantially – from 16,000 to 53,000 in Birmingham and from 7,603 to 20,351.
It has been revealed that Labour have invited international observers to monitor this general election campaign.
Conservative leader Michael Howard has blamed Tony Blair for the growing problem of electoral fraud. Mr Howard accused him of “ignoring” an earlier call from experts to introduce tougher measures to protect the voting system from fraud. He said: “I think it is a scandal, and Mr Blair should be thoroughly ashamed of what he has done with our democracy. If we had had our way, the recommendations of the Electoral Commission would have been accepted and implemented, and we would not have a voting system fit for a banana republic, which is what a High Court judge said is the present position."
Mr Howard also stressed that the Conservatives were observing the Commission’s recommendations, saying “We are completely within the rules in every respect. If anybody can offer me an example in which a Conservative candidate is not complying with the rules, let me know and I will take action to deal with it.”
A spokesperson for Labour was reported to have said the Electoral Commission’s guidelines had been drawn up following consultation with all of the parties.
(KMcA/GB)
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04 May 2010
Could Postal Vote Fraud Swing Election?
Police have launched criminal investigations into fraudulent postal votes. 50 criminal inquiries have been started nationwide amid widespread cases of electoral rolls being packed with 'bogus' voters. Officials report a flood of postal vote applications in marginal seats.
Could Postal Vote Fraud Swing Election?
Police have launched criminal investigations into fraudulent postal votes. 50 criminal inquiries have been started nationwide amid widespread cases of electoral rolls being packed with 'bogus' voters. Officials report a flood of postal vote applications in marginal seats.
27 February 2006
Government announces plans to tackle electoral fraud
The government has announced plans to introduce new laws aimed at preventing postal vote fraud into the House of Commons this week. The new laws will be part of a package of 14 new measures which are being launched today by Elections Minister Harriet Harman.
Government announces plans to tackle electoral fraud
The government has announced plans to introduce new laws aimed at preventing postal vote fraud into the House of Commons this week. The new laws will be part of a package of 14 new measures which are being launched today by Elections Minister Harriet Harman.
14 June 2004
Labour slam Tories despite receiving worst vote since 1918
Despite putting in its worst electoral performance since 1918, the Labour Party has claimed that the European elections represented a "disaster for the Tories". The Tories achieved a 27.4% share of the vote and 25 seats in the European Parliament – they also attracted 36% of the local election voters. Labour won 17 MEPs seats with 22.
Labour slam Tories despite receiving worst vote since 1918
Despite putting in its worst electoral performance since 1918, the Labour Party has claimed that the European elections represented a "disaster for the Tories". The Tories achieved a 27.4% share of the vote and 25 seats in the European Parliament – they also attracted 36% of the local election voters. Labour won 17 MEPs seats with 22.
26 April 2005
Veteran labour MP defects to Lib Dems
Veteran Labour MP Brian Sedgemore has announced his defection to the Liberal Democrats. Mr Sedgemore, who was Labour’s MP for Luton West from 1974 – 1979 and for Hackney South & Shoreditch from 1983, described New Labour as “dead” and urged voters to give Prime Minister Tony Blair “a bloody nose” at the election by voting for the Liberal Democrats.
Veteran labour MP defects to Lib Dems
Veteran Labour MP Brian Sedgemore has announced his defection to the Liberal Democrats. Mr Sedgemore, who was Labour’s MP for Luton West from 1974 – 1979 and for Hackney South & Shoreditch from 1983, described New Labour as “dead” and urged voters to give Prime Minister Tony Blair “a bloody nose” at the election by voting for the Liberal Democrats.
28 October 2009
Further Postal Strikes 'Less Likely'
While more than 30 million items of mail were delayed during last week's strikes, it has emerged today that union leaders are having second thoughts about an escalation. They are to decide today whether or not a new wave of postal strikes will go ahead this week as planned.
Further Postal Strikes 'Less Likely'
While more than 30 million items of mail were delayed during last week's strikes, it has emerged today that union leaders are having second thoughts about an escalation. They are to decide today whether or not a new wave of postal strikes will go ahead this week as planned.
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