Election monitors tasked with identifying illegal practices at polling stations have been instructed to show “sensitivity” towards different cultures and customs, it has emerged. Observers are expected to watch for breaches such as family voting, a practice in which one individual may attempt to influence another voter’s choice. The guidance has drawn attention following allegations of widespread irregularities during the recent Gorton and Denton by-election, which is now under police review.
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Concerns over the integrity of the ballot were raised after accredited observers reported a high number of suspected family voting incidents. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage referred the matter to the authorities and called for an investigation into the validity of the result, arguing that coercion undermines the principle of the secret ballot. The by-election saw the Green Party secure victory, with Reform finishing second and Labour third in what had previously been a stronghold.
The Electoral Commission’s code of conduct for observers, published in 2018, requires volunteers to respect the United Kingdom’s cultures and customs while maintaining professional behaviour. Observers, who are independent of local authority election staff, are permitted to report suspected irregularities but cannot intervene directly and must avoid disrupting the voting process. A specific offence targeting family voting was introduced in 2023, giving presiding officers the power to remove individuals attempting to influence voters.
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Criticism has followed claims that the law was not adequately enforced during the by-election. Lord Hayward, who introduced the legislation, said the system had failed and warned of similar problems at future elections if action is not taken. Greater Manchester Police confirmed they are assessing the allegations, while the Electoral Commission said it is working closely with officials and police, stressing that any attempt to pressure voters is a criminal offence and will be treated seriously.
