Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
My account: log in/register

Electoral fraud

How can I report electoral fraud?

What is electoral fraud?

Electoral fraud is when someone deliberately interferes with an election to achieve a desired outcome. For example, this could be increasing the vote share of a favoured candidate or by decreasing the vote share of rival candidates through intimidation, bribery, or impersonation.

Electoral fraud is a serious issue which undermines the democratic process. 

Some acts that could be considered electoral fraud are:

  • Making false statements about the personal character of a candidate
  • Offering an incentive to someone to get them to vote, vote a certain way, or to stop them from voting
  • Interfering with postal votes
  • Including false statements or signatures on a candidate’s nomination forms
  • Registering to vote under a false name, or without someone’s consent
  • Influencing someone to vote against their will
  • Pretending to be somebody else and using their vote

More information on recognising electoral fraud can be found on the Electoral Commission website: Report electoral fraud (electoralcommission.org.uk)

How can I protect my vote?

There are a few ways to protect your vote, and prevent electoral fraud:

  • Keep your poll cards safe at home and dispose of them securely
  • If you arrive to vote at the polling station and somebody has voted in your name, immediately notify the polling staff
  • When you complete your postal vote, do not allow anyone else to see your choice or cast it on your behalf
  • Complete and seal your postal vote yourself
  • If anyone tries to help you against your will or forces you to give them your postal vote, contact the police

How do I report electoral fraud?

If you are unsure whether certain behaviour is allowed, or could be classed as electoral fraud, you should contact Electoral Services using the details in this page. 

You can also report electoral fraud directly to the police by:

Advice to candidates and agents

The Electoral Commission provides guidance to candidates and agents in the Code of Conduct for Campaigners at elections. This is also offered to candidates as part of their nomination packs.

The most up-to-date guidance can be found on the Electoral commission website: candidates and agents guidance pages (electoralcommission.org.uk)

Last updated: 15/05/2025 15:04