11/07/2001
NEW ID CARDS TO END ELECTORAL FRAUD
THE introduction of a photographic identity card is one of the measures being considered as part of a new drive to combat electoral fraud in Northern Ireland.
The key element of the new Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Bill centres around the introduction of a photographic electoral identity card, for the benefit of the estimated one in three voters who do not possess other photographic identification such as a passport or driving licence.
The ultimate aim is to remove medical cards and other non-photographic documents from the list of approved identification.
The measures are being considered following several major reports on electoral malpractice. They are the result of recommendations by the Northern Ireland Forum, the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee and the NIO Review team, as well as consultation with political parties.
Ulster Unionists have recently called for the Chief Electoral Officer to look into ways to combating electoral fraud, and the SDLP’s Joe Hendron also claimed that voter fraud was widespread. However, Pat McNamee rebutted claims of Sinn Fein’s involvement in voter personation, saying that a Royal Ulster Constabulary investigation had shown “little of substance to provide evidence for a proper inquiry ”
despite the many allegations surrounding his party’s electoral conduct. (CL)
The key element of the new Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Bill centres around the introduction of a photographic electoral identity card, for the benefit of the estimated one in three voters who do not possess other photographic identification such as a passport or driving licence.
The ultimate aim is to remove medical cards and other non-photographic documents from the list of approved identification.
The measures are being considered following several major reports on electoral malpractice. They are the result of recommendations by the Northern Ireland Forum, the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee and the NIO Review team, as well as consultation with political parties.
Ulster Unionists have recently called for the Chief Electoral Officer to look into ways to combating electoral fraud, and the SDLP’s Joe Hendron also claimed that voter fraud was widespread. However, Pat McNamee rebutted claims of Sinn Fein’s involvement in voter personation, saying that a Royal Ulster Constabulary investigation had shown “little of substance to provide evidence for a proper inquiry ”
despite the many allegations surrounding his party’s electoral conduct. (CL)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 July 2001
SDLP seek further measures to combat electoral fraud
The SDLP have called for new measures in the fight to combat electoral fraud at polling station following the recent tabling of a new Electoral Fraud Bill in the House of Commons.
SDLP seek further measures to combat electoral fraud
The SDLP have called for new measures in the fight to combat electoral fraud at polling station following the recent tabling of a new Electoral Fraud Bill in the House of Commons.
13 January 2003
New electoral identity card set for issue
The Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland, Denis Stanley, has today announced the arrangements for the issue of the new electoral identity card. The new card is one way in which voters can provide photographic proof of identity if elections take place as expected in May.
New electoral identity card set for issue
The Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland, Denis Stanley, has today announced the arrangements for the issue of the new electoral identity card. The new card is one way in which voters can provide photographic proof of identity if elections take place as expected in May.
07 May 2002
Electoral Office to receive £1M additional funding
The Northern Ireland Office Minister Des Browne has agreed to give the Electoral Office an additional £1 million in funding to help prevent electoral fraud. The extra money comes just days after the Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Act received Royal Assent on May 1, 2002.
Electoral Office to receive £1M additional funding
The Northern Ireland Office Minister Des Browne has agreed to give the Electoral Office an additional £1 million in funding to help prevent electoral fraud. The extra money comes just days after the Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Act received Royal Assent on May 1, 2002.
10 May 2011
'Review Stormont Count Fiasco' Says Kinahan
A newly returned MLA has suggested a solution after a chorus of condemnation on the Assembly 'election fiasco', which at times, decended into a near chaotic process. Danny Kinahan, a UUP South Antrim MLA (pictured) said last night: "It's only when you see an election count at close quarters that you realise just how complex an operation it can be.
'Review Stormont Count Fiasco' Says Kinahan
A newly returned MLA has suggested a solution after a chorus of condemnation on the Assembly 'election fiasco', which at times, decended into a near chaotic process. Danny Kinahan, a UUP South Antrim MLA (pictured) said last night: "It's only when you see an election count at close quarters that you realise just how complex an operation it can be.
13 October 2009
Top Cop 'Voted' Into Electoral Job
As a general election looms in the New Year, a senior post in NI's Electoral Office has been filled. PSNI Chief Superintendent Graham Shields (pictured) is being appointed as the new Assistant Chief Electoral Officer and will replace June Butler who left at the end of September.
Top Cop 'Voted' Into Electoral Job
As a general election looms in the New Year, a senior post in NI's Electoral Office has been filled. PSNI Chief Superintendent Graham Shields (pictured) is being appointed as the new Assistant Chief Electoral Officer and will replace June Butler who left at the end of September.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.