Postal voting is under fire after ‘fraud’ claim

Jan 21 2010 by William Green, The Journal

His comments came as it emerged returning officers in more than half the 650 constituencies had indicated that they would be starting their count when polls closed, with 52 down for daytime the next day.

Lib Dem local government spokesman Lord Greaves warned of challenges in major cities with the general and local elections likely to occur on the same day.

Party colleague Lord Tyler highlighted Nick Brown’s comments, adding: “Is that Government policy?”

Lord Bach said it was more exciting to have Thursday night counts.

On election fraud, he said the Election Commission and police had reported less fraud with many safeguards in place, but everyone must remain vigilant.

Jeff Reid, Lib Dem leader of Northumberland Council, said: “If postal voting increases real participation, as long as we have the safeguards in there, people should be allowed to choose that.”

Mr Reid, Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate in Blyth Valley, said he had never seen any “measurable” fraud in 30 years.

The election could seen as fraudulent without “fair” votes, he added.