Six men were today sentenced to a total of over 13 years in prison by Reading Crown Court for offences relating to the May 2007 election in Slough Central ward. Commenting on the sentencing, the Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, Peter Wardle, said:
The sentences handed down today show the seriousness with which the police, courts and prosecuting authorities take electoral fraud. This is a clear message to anyone tempted to break the rules that they face serious consequences.
Although it is important to stress that electoral fraud is relatively rare, we want every voter to be confident that their vote is secure. The Electoral Commission will continue to work with the police and others to prevent and deal with fraud.
Elections are now more secure. New checks have been introduced for postal votes, electoral registration officers now have more powers to check entries on the register and the Commission and the Association of Chief Police Officers have established an electoral fraud contact in every single police force in Great Britain to co-ordinate activity. Planned changes to the registration process will also help.
But we remain vigilant. Electoral fraud is a serious crime and if anyone suspects it, they should report it.
The Commission today also published a report on the extent and nature of electoral malpractice at the 2008 elections in England and Wales.
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Notes to editors
1. The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Our aim is integrity and public confidence in the UKs democratic process. We regulate party and election finance and set standards for well-run elections.
2. Copies of the report Allegations of electoral malpractice at the May 2008 elections in England and Wales ¬ and the accompanying press release, are available on the Electoral Commissions website.
3. The report was a joint project by the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Police National Information and Co-ordination Centre and the Electoral Commission.
