CONCERNS have been raised over the risk of second home owners in Dorset voting twice.

Dorset Council say several people have raised the issue with them.

In some parts of the county as many as 25 per cent of properties are second, or holiday let homes.

But elections returning officer and Dorset Council chief executive, Matt Prosser, said that anyone who does vote twice could find themselves open to prosecution.

“We have received a number of enquiries about this, it’s not an issue that’s localised to Dorset.

“If you are a second home-owner or a student you can be registered to vote in two places for local elections.

“At national elections, like a general election, you can only vote in one place, but you can choose which place you vote in.

“Voting in more than one place at a national election or referendum is a criminal offence.”

The council did not respond to what checks, if any, were in place to prevent double voting for those who have two, or more, homes.