INDEPENDENT charity Crimestoppers and the Electoral Commission are calling on the public to be aware of the threat of electoral fraud, as the UK goes to the polls today to vote in the General Election.

Launched last Thursday, the three-week campaign seeks to highlight the tell-tale signs of electoral fraud, including intimidating or bribing voters, stealing postal or proxy votes, voting as someone else, tampering with ballot papers or postal ballot packs, or asking someone to reveal their marked ballot paper.

During last year, police forces across the UK recorded 260 alleged electoral fraud allegations. This resulted in two convictions and six people being cautioned.

Mark Hallas, chief executive of Crimestoppers, said: “Electoral fraud damages the UK’s tradition of free and fair elections, which is respected across the world. Incidents of people trying to unduly or illegally influence or rig the outcome of a ballot – or simply not playing by the rules – undermines the public’s trust and is a crime, which is why our independent charity is here to take information on electoral fraud anonymously.

“To ensure the election is conducted to the highest standards, Crimestoppers is working closely with the Electoral Commission and police who take voting offences extremely seriously. Anyone with information can contact us anonymously on 0800 555111 or use our non-traceable online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.”

Crimestoppers and the Electoral Commission have been working together since 2015 when they joined forces to raise public awareness and encourage people to report their suspicions at the General Election.

Tom Hawthorn, head of policy for the Electoral Commission, said: “It is important that when voters go to the polls on June 8, they are confident the police and prosecuting authorities take allegations of electoral fraud seriously. Significant sentences will be imposed when electoral law is broken, and those responsible for electoral fraud can face jail. We are pleased to be working in partnership with Crimestoppers to raise public awareness of this.

“Voters should be confident that they can report any concerns about electoral fraud. Anyone who has evidence that an electoral offence has been committed should contact the police immediately or report it anonymously through Crimestoppers.”

People can also report electoral fraud to the police by calling 101 or speaking to their local authority’s returning officer (in this case East Hampshire District Council).