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Police Investigate Postal Vote Interference in Bedford & Kempston
Bedfordshire Police have confirmed that they are investigating possible electoral fraud in Bedford & Kempston following reports that several individuals had offered to deliver the postal votes of local voters. The accusations suggest that voters in at least two areas in Bedford have handed over their postal votes to others, who claimed they could deliver them on their behalf.
New Rules and Regulations
Even if those votes have been delivered without interference, new rules have made this activity illegal in all but a few circumstances. Under the rules introduced on 2 May earlier this year, voters are only able to hand in their own postal vote and the postal votes of up to five other people at a polling station.
Campaigners representing political parties face similar restrictions, being limited to handing in their own postal vote and the postal votes for up to five other individuals, provided these individuals are close relatives or persons for whom they regularly provide care.
These regulations apply to local elections in England, Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales, and UK Parliament elections. Given their heightened direct contact with voters during an election period, all political parties and their campaign teams in Bedford & Kempston have been made aware of the new rules.
Democratic Process and Electoral Fraud
Interfering in postal votes is classified as electoral fraud and is against the law, prompting the current investigation by Bedfordshire Police. According to a statement from the Electoral Commission, "Your vote belongs to you. It doesn’t belong to anyone who intimidates you, tries to bribe you, or anyone pretending to be you."
The statement further emphasises that election fraud undermines the democratic process, describing it as a serious issue that can lead to prison sentences for offenders.
A spokesperson from Bedfordshire Police said: "We have received a report relating to alleged election interference in Bedford. Officers are currently reviewing the report and carrying out initial enquiries. We would like to encourage people to report any concerns related to the election. Officers are continuing to monitor intelligence and online activity to identify community tensions or issues, and are putting plans in place to ensure that polling day and electoral counts run safely and as smoothly as possible."
How to Report Electoral Fraud
If you believe you have been a victim of electoral fraud or have information about electoral fraud occurring in the area, you are urged to report this to Bedfordshire Police by calling 101 or using their online reporting tool. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers either online or by calling 0800 555 111.
If you are unsure whether certain behavior is permissible, you should contact the Returning Officer for the local area. They are responsible for running local elections or referendums and have plans in place to identify suspicious activities.
In Bedford & Kempston, Bedford Borough Council can be contacted through various channels, details of which can be found on their contact us page. Additionally, the Electoral Commission is another resource for queries regarding electoral conduct.
