Reform UK Reports 'Family Voting' Claims to Police and Electoral Commission
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has announced that his party has formally reported allegations of illegal "family voting" during the Gorton and Denton by-election to both the police and the Electoral Commission. The claims emerged after election observer group Democracy Volunteers warned of "concerning high levels" of this practice, which violates the 2023 Ballot Secrecy Act.
What Is 'Family Voting' and Why Is It Illegal?
Family voting refers to an illegal practice where two voters use a single polling booth and potentially direct or collude with each other on their voting choices. This can involve members of the same family or household entering the voting booth together, compromising the secrecy and integrity of the ballot.
Democracy Volunteers, an impartial observer group permitted in polling stations, reported witnessing family voting in 15 out of the 22 polling stations they monitored across the constituency. The organization stated that this by-election exhibited the "highest levels of family voting at any election in our 10-year history of observing elections in the UK," with 32 instances identified overall, including nine cases at one polling station alone.
Farage's Strong Condemnation and Allegations
In a statement, Nigel Farage expressed deep concern over the integrity of the democratic process in predominantly Muslim areas, stating, "What was witnessed yesterday is deeply concerning and raises serious questions about the integrity of the democratic process. If this is what was happening at polling stations, just imagine the potential for coercion with postal votes."
Farage earlier claimed the by-election result represented a "victory for sectarian voting and cheating," following Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin's second-place finish behind Green Party winner Hannah Spencer, who secured victory by more than 4,400 votes.
Responses from Authorities and Political Parties
Manchester City Council responded to the allegations by stating that no issues had been reported during the election and expressed disappointment that Democracy Volunteers waited until after polls closed to raise concerns. A Green Party spokesman dismissed Farage's accusations, asserting, "The scale of our victory shows that the Green Party has picked up substantial support in all parts of the constituency, among all people. It was a victory for unity over division."
The Electoral Commission confirmed receipt of Farage's letter but clarified that it "does not have a direct role in investigating allegations of electoral fraud, which is a matter for the police." Greater Manchester Police acknowledged receiving a report and stated they are reviewing it, promising further updates in due course.
Broader Implications for Electoral Integrity
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about electoral integrity and the enforcement of voting laws. Farage warned, "If action isn't taken now, then we will ensure it is after the next general election," emphasizing the potential for broader implications if such practices are not addressed.
The controversy underscores the critical role of election observers and the importance of maintaining ballot secrecy to uphold democratic principles. As investigations proceed, the outcome may influence future electoral procedures and monitoring efforts across the UK.
