Postal voting is under fire after ‘fraud’ claim

Jan 21 2010 by William Green, The Journal

THE “vast proportion” of postal votes cast have been fraudulent, a top Tory has suggested.

Shadow Justice Minister Lord Henley spoke out as peers discussed fears raised by North East Minister Nick Brown that leaving counts until the day after polls shut meant the fraud risk was “obvious”.

He questioned if Lib Dem-run Newcastle council could be trusted with ballots overnight, provoking an angry rebuttal.

Justice Minister Lord Bach said postal voting had been successful and was popular.

“The turnout of postal voters across Britain at the 2005 UK Parliamentary election was 76.6% compared to 59.4% in polling stations,” he said.

Lord Henley said: “What is the point of having 76.6% turnout if a vast proportion of that percentage is fraudulently voting?”

Lord Bach said he was “gobsmacked”, adding: “Is he really suggesting that a large proportion of those who vote by post are voting fraudulently?”

And the Government was delighted turnout was increased thanks to making postal voting easier.