A CAMPAIGN has launched to help more people understand the different types of electoral fraud.

'Your vote is yours alone' is run by the Electoral Commission in partnership with the Cabinet Office and Crimestoppers, ahead of the local elections in May.

Elections are taking place in 249 local authorities across England on Thursday, May 2, including in Dorset where candidates will be selected for the new Dorset Council.

Local authorities have been provided with resources – including videos, posters and a leaflet – which they can use in their local areas. Anyone with any concerns about possible fraud should tell Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form which can be found at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Bob Posner, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission said: “Whether you are voting in person at a polling station on 2 May or completing your postal vote at home, your vote is yours alone. No one should feel pressured to vote a certain way. Anyone who attempts to do this can be committing a serious crime, which may result in a prison sentence. We know that voters can sometimes be unsure what electoral fraud is. Our campaign empowers voters to protect their vote. We encourage anyone with concerns to talk them through with Crimestoppers. This can be done anonymously.”

What constitutes electoral fraud is not always well understood. For example, some people may not think that interfering with a relative’s vote can result in a criminal conviction. Research shows that language barriers and a lack of awareness or understanding of how the UK’s electoral system works can make people more vulnerable to electoral fraud.