Deputy Leader of Hounslow Conservatives Councillor Sam Hearn of Chiswick Riverside ward, says he welcomes the recommendations made by Sir Eric Pickles MP in a recent report examining electoral reform.
The report called “Securing the Ballot” looks into strengthening local democracy and electoral processes i.e. voter identification and registration. In the wake of the Tower Hamlets 2014 Mayoral election something had to be done. The result of that election was subsequently declared null and void because of a catalogue of “corrupt and illegal practices”.
Speaking about the report Councillor Hearn said,
“I welcome the recommendations found in the report and thank Sir Eric Pickles MP for his sterling work. Key problems include preventing potentially fraudulent and intimidating behaviour at polling stations and ensuring that when fraud is suspected that it is properly investigated.
Thankfully, among the recommendations is the suggestion that Police and Returning Officers be given more powers to “take action to address unwanted behaviour in and around polling stations”. This will include powers of dispersal and police cordons.
Similarly, it is proposed that there should be a more joined up approach to electoral fraud by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, the College of Policing, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the National Crime Agency “to ensure that electoral fraud is seen as a significant issue”. This is most welcome.”
Councillor Hearn added that controversially the report “also recommends that electors should produce some form of ID before being allowed to cast their vote at polling stations. Producing some form of ID is now the norm when opening a bank account, buying a car or even booking a holiday. In some countries e.g. the Netherlands, Canada and Brazil, photo ID must be presented before you can vote. Whilst acknowledging the administrative difficulties of making such changes, if we are serious about tackling electoral fraud then an ID checking schemes must piloted as soon as possible.”
The report makes further recommendations relating to postal voting. Individual arrangements should be reviewed every three years and no one should have the right to a “postal vote for life”.
To see the Report’s recommendations online, please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sir-eric-pickles-publishes-report-into-tackling-electoral-fraud