West Midlands Police have stated they will examine allegations of illegal "family voting" and attempts to influence voters during recent local elections. The review will involve collaboration with the Electoral Commission and Birmingham City Council.
The decision comes after the Daily Mail reported that staff at 50 polling stations across Birmingham recorded concerns about attempts to breach the secrecy of the ballot. Reports from presiding officers indicated that voters were repeatedly reminded of the law prohibiting entering a booth with another person or dictating their choice.
Incidents detailed in the reports include one man allegedly "trying continuously" to influence voters and another accused of attempting to sway choices through "Islamic gestures, blinking eyes, hand signals." Some voters reportedly became aggressive or rude when instructed not to converse within polling booths.
Lord Hayward, a Conservative peer who sponsored legislation in 2023 making it a criminal offense to attempt to influence voting in polling booths, suggested that other local authorities should also scrutinize recent election behavior. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the secrecy of the vote and stated that local councils should have already reviewed presiding officers' reports.
"Although it is right that the police should investigate extreme cases or where polling station officials were intimidated, the responsibility falls heavily with the local councils and the Electoral Commission," Lord Hayward commented. He also suggested that authorities in Manchester and other areas, including those with recent by-elections, should identify and review similar reports.
The Electoral Commission confirmed it would provide support if requested but declined further comment as the police are currently reviewing the matter.