Guidance on preventing and detecting electoral fraud February 2014 This version updates the January 2014 version in respect of the Police pocket guide at Appendix I, which now refers to s.149 of the Equality Act 2010. Translations and other formats For information on obtaining this publication in another language or in a large- print or Braille version please contact the Electoral Commission: Tel: 020 7271 0500 Email:
[email protected] © The Electoral Commission 2014 Contents 1 Prevention rather than prosecution 1 2014 elections and referendums 2 Electoral fraud 2 Scope of guidance 4 Contacts 6 2 Elections and referendums – an overview 8 Roles 9 Types of election and referendum 11 Responding to allegations of electoral malpractice – roles and responsibilities 13 Election and referendum expenses 14 3 Electoral offences – key offences and penalties 16 Corrupt practices 17 Illegal practices 19 Other electoral offences 19 Other general offences 20 Additional guidance to the police 21 4 Preparation, planning and partnership work 22 Threat assessment and control strategy 23 Risk assessment guide for elections and referendums 27 Police SPOC meeting with named local authority contact 29 5 Action in response to allegations of electoral malpractice 36 Where malpractice is suspected or alleged 36 Contacts 38 Appendices Appendix A – Schedule of election and referendum-related crimes and 41 penalties Appendix B – The election and referendum process 66 Electoral registration 66 Poll cards 68 Absent voting 69 Proxy voting 70 Postal