Elections: Crackdown on fraud
Police chiefs warned they are ready to crack down on electoral fraud at the forthcoming general election.
A report by the Electoral Commission reveals there was only one reported case of electoral fraud in Scotland at last year's European elections.
These were the first elections where the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) worked with their English counterparts and the Electoral Commission to collate information on allegations of malpractice.
Assistant Chief Constable Mick McCormick, of ACPOS, said: "This marked a decisive step forward in monitoring reports of electoral malpractice in Scotland and we will continue to develop systems for future elections.
"There is little evidence of fraud on a major scale but by promoting best practice and learning from previous experience we can further reduce the opportunities for fraud.
"We remain vigilant and prepared to investigate where evidence of wrongdoing emerges."
The only reported case of fraud in Scotland was in Lothian and Borders and related to the Representation of the People Act.
This could include cases where someone gives false information about themselves on the electoral register. It is still being looked into.
John McCormick, Electoral Commissioner for Scotland, said: "Electoral fraud is a crime, and we congratulate the police for continuing to address it seriously.
"Their vigilance is essential for people to have confidence in the democratic process.
"As political parties themselves start to gear up for the next UK general election they can help by ensuring their staff and volunteers follow the commission's guidance."
They should not complete postal vote applications or ballots for voters, Mr McCormick said.
He added: "We are pleased that Scottish returning officers checked 100% of postal ballots and believe the Scotland Office should make this mandatory and provide the funding needed to make it possible."
