Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Thursday, 15 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 23 March 2012. It was answered by Lord Harper (Conservative) on Friday, 23 March 2012 on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Elections: Fraud

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the likely effect on levels of electoral fraud of his proposals to bring forward the annual canvass in autumn 2012.

Answer: The Government take electoral fraud very seriously and the integrity of the ballot is a high priority. That is one of the reasons why, following a recommendation by the Electoral Commission, the Government directed that the annual canvass should be brought forward in those areas which will be holding elections for police and crime commissioners. An earlier canvass will result in a more accurate register being in place before the poll. It will thereby reduce the potential for anyone seeking to commit fraud by misusing polling cards that would otherwise be sent to named people that no longer reside at an address.

Secondary information