Torbay Today News

POSTAL VOTING RULES 'WILL HIT CONSERVATIVES'
Changes to the postal voting system could hit one of Torbay's political parties, it is being claimed.

The Government has brought in new anti-fraud voting rules ahead of the May council elections as a result of the Electoral Administration Act 2006.Bay Conservatives fear the change may cause a slump in their support if voters fail to register.

Under the old system the vote had to be independently witnessed, now voters have to send in their signature and date of birth, which will be checked when they vote.

Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate, Marcus Wood, said: "How can this be right just a few weeks before an election?

"The Government is making up the rules as it is going along.

"It is not helpful to us as a party in Torbay as we have a higher percentage of postal voters than any of the other parties. Those who are already registered as postal voters may not remember to send back the forms and if that happens we will lose support."

He said there was no consultation or announcement.

"When we are planning our local election campaign we have to cover all eventualities, especially if we are likely to see a low turnout, and the Government should be encouraging more people to vote," he said.

"It seems to me the Government is doing the opposite with this.

"The old system was wide open to abuse, but to do this with just a few weeks before an election is deeply suspicious."

Bay Lib Dem MP Adrian Sanders said: "Every postal voter is being asked to supply a copy of their signature and give their date of birth.

"If the voter has the vote sent to a different address than where they are registered, they are being asked for the reason why.

"I think anything which can reduce the likelihood of postal voting fraud is to be welcomed."

Torbay Council says costs, including postage and printing, are being funded by Government's Department of Constitutional Affairs.

A spokesman said: "The costs have not yet been confirmed, but we will have to send out 10,000 existing postal votes and 7,000 new applications for postal votes."

In Teignbridge, 12,500 postal voters are involved, and in South Hams 6,300 who have already registered, and another 3,000 have asked for a postal vote, are included.

Voters will need to respond within 42 days.