As ballot papers for the forthcoming local elections are being delivered across West Yorkshire, voters have been reminded by the police that a rigorous approach will be taken to all allegations of postal vote fraud. A change in the law since the last elections now means that it is easier for the police to detect and prosecute election-related offences.Previously people were arrested under the offence of Personation, which applied where someone had voted as another person. New legislation however means that it is now also an offence to falsely apply to vote by post or in person where the intention is to deprive another person of a vote or to gain a vote, money or property to which a person is not entitled.
West Yorkshire Police and the Acting and Returning Officers will work in close liaison throughout the forthcoming weeks to ensure the local elections run smoothly and safely and are properly conducted.
"Unlawful or fraudulent voting activity is extremely serious and as has been previously demonstrated, allegations will be thoroughly investigated. West Yorkshire Police and the Acting Returning Officers for each district are committed to sharing information and records at their disposal in order to identify where suspicious activity may be taking place," said Assistant Chief Constable David Crompton. "Voting fraud is an extremely serious offences and I want anyone who is aware of any suspicious activity, or who feels someone is attempting to influence them to contact their local Acting Returning officer."
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A word about evidence. Most of what people think is material evidence of a criminal offence is in fact either hearsay evidence (asserted, but without any proof) or circumstantial evidence (suggests guilt but does not prove it). For an introduction to the subject of evidence, try: