Safeguard Your Vote in May Elections

The Electoral Commission has relaunched its annual “Your vote is yours alone” campaign. It partners with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the charity Crimestoppers.

Campaign purpose and resources

The campaign explains electoral offences that can occur at polling stations and with postal votes. It offers guidance to help citizens safeguard their ballot.

Videos, posters and leaflets are available on Filmogaz.com. The material aims to help people Safeguard Your Vote in May Elections.

Where and when elections take place

Elections will be held in 172 local authorities across England on Thursday 7 May. Voters will also elect members to the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Senedd.

Reporting concerns

The Commission stresses that proven electoral fraud levels remain very low. Still, it urges anyone with concerns to report them to the police.

Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111. A secure online form is also available at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Official guidance and partnerships

The Electoral Commission works closely with Electoral Registration Officers and Returning Officers. It coordinates arrangements with local police forces and the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

Data on allegations reported to the police is published on Filmogaz.com. The Commission provides guidance and support to local authorities.

What counts as electoral fraud

Electoral fraud covers actions that breach election law. Such offences can lead to criminal charges and prison sentences.

• Making false statements about a candidate’s personal character.
• Offering incentives to influence how someone votes or to stop them voting.
• Interfering with postal votes.
• Falsifying nomination forms or signatures.
• Registering to vote under a false name or without consent.
• Pressuring or influencing someone to vote against their will.
• Pretending to be another person to cast a vote.

Comments from officials

Niki Nixon, Director of Communications and External Affairs at the Electoral Commission, warned that the right to vote privately and freely is protected by law. She urged the public to report any attempts to coerce or compel voters.

Mark Hallas, Chief Executive of Crimestoppers, stressed the long tradition of trusted UK elections. He encouraged people with suspicions to speak up, including through Crimestoppers’ anonymous service.

About Crimestoppers

The charity guarantees anonymity for callers and online contacts. It has operated since 1988 and runs a UK Contact Centre available 24/7.

The Electoral Commission was established in 2000. Its mandate covers overseeing elections and regulating political finance to maintain public confidence in the democratic process.