Campaign to help voters understand electoral fraud

The Electoral Commission has launched its annual ‘Your vote is yours alone’ campaign in partnership with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Crimestoppers.

The ‘Your vote is yours alone’ campaign aims to help voters understand the different types of electoral fraud offences that can take place in a polling station or when completing a postal vote, and to empower people to protect their vote.

On 7 May, elections are taking place in 172 local authorities across England, as well as elections for the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Senedd. 

Elections in the UK are well run, and there are very low levels of proven electoral fraud. The ‘Your vote is yours alone’ exists to ensure this continues. 

Niki Nixon, Director of Communications and External Affairs at the Electoral Commission, said: “No matter how you vote, your vote is yours alone. Your right to vote independently, privately, and free from undue pressure is protected in law. Anyone who tries to induce or compel someone to vote a particular way, or not to vote at all, is committing a serious crime that can result in a prison sentence. 

“Cases of reported fraud in the UK are very low, but we must not be complacent. Anyone concerned about fraud should report it to the police. If you see something that might be electoral fraud and want to pass on what you know anonymously, you can contact Crimestoppers. Their team will pass on the details to the relevant police force.”

Mark Hallas, Chief Executive of the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Our country has a history of holding elections that are internationally trusted and seen to be fair. This is a tradition we can all play a part in protecting.

“It’s vital that anyone with suspicions of voter fraud speaks up, either to the police or completely anonymously to Crimestoppers.

“You can pass on what you know directly to one of our UK contact centre staff, 24/7, by calling 0800 555 111 or by completing an online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. What you share could make all the difference and you will stay 100% anonymous.”