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)