An elections watchdog has been accused of a "whitewash" after its report on recent elections concluded there were "very low levels of proven electoral fraud," despite acknowledging that the issue "concerns some voters." The Electoral Commission's findings have drawn criticism for not referencing evidence of alleged family voting and attempts to influence voters, some of which were first revealed by the Daily Mail.
Evidence gathered from presiding officers at 50 polling stations in Birmingham alone indicated attempts to influence voters, including one report of a man using "Islamic gestures, blinking eyes, hand signals." This information is currently under examination by West Midlands Police. The Electoral Commission stated it has been in contact with West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council regarding this matter and, as police are reviewing it, declined further comment.
Concerns about family voting, where relatives enter a polling booth together to coordinate votes, were also raised during the Gorton and Denton by-election in Greater Manchester in February. The commission's report noted these allegations were "fully investigated," and a probe by Greater Manchester Police "found no evidence of any intent to influence or stop any person from voting." The commission maintained that polling station staff are trained to intervene to protect ballot secrecy when necessary.
However, critics argue the commission's report overlooks significant allegations. Tory peer Lord Hayward, who sponsored the 2023 Ballot Secrecy Act, stated that the commission appears to be adopting a "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" approach and urged it to acknowledge the problem. Katie Lam, a Tory local government spokesman, expressed deep concern that the report seems to dismiss serious allegations of family voting, emphasizing that the secrecy of the ballot is a fundamental democratic safeguard that must be enforced.
The report also highlighted that 55 percent of candidates experienced harassment or abuse during the elections, ranging from online trolling to verbal abuse and physical attacks. Reform UK candidates reported the highest percentage of such incidents at 59 percent, followed by Labour at 54 percent and the Green Party at 43 percent.
The Electoral Commission also stated that electoral fraud remains a concern for some voters and that the commission collaborates with police, local authorities, and the electoral community to prevent and address electoral fraud to ensure secure voting.