Undue Influence and intimidation of voters
Undue influence
The term ‘undue influence’ now defines
- the use or threatening to use violence against a person, or
- damaging their property or reputation, or
- any activity designed to intimidate a person as types of illegal behaviour that can be used to unfairly influence someone’s vote.
The full definition of undue influence can be found in the Electoral Commission’s
The changes are designed to act as a deterrent against intimidation. It is intended to make it simpler for the police to act when allegations of undue influence are made.
The new rules apply to all campaign activity, including printed materials, and extend to anyone who seeks to intimidate a voter either inside or outside a polling station.
Campaigners should follow the when campaigning outside polling places.
Any allegations of undue influence should be reported as soon as possible.
Influencing voters at polling booths
It is now an offence for a person to be with an elector at or near a polling booth and attempt to influence them to vote in a particular way.
Disqualification order
Anyone convicted of an intimidatory criminal offence motivated by hostility towards a candidate or campaigner will be disqualified from standing or being elected for five years.