Linthwaite man says political parties should not get involved with postal votes

Mar 19 2010 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

CONCERNS have been raised about political parties sending out request forms for postal votes.

Linthwaite man Markham Weavill received the Form PV1 through his letterbox which was sent by the Liberal Democrats.

The form allows a person to request a postal vote.

The Liberal Democrats have acted within the recommendations of the Electoral Commission’s Code of Conduct, but Mr Weavill believes political parties should not be allowed to get involved with postal votes.

Mr Weavill, 61, said: “I find it worrying that an envelope dropped through my letter box containing the Form PV1 – a request for a postal vote.

“I did not request this form and will not be completing it and returning it to the Liberal Democrats.

“I strongly object to the current system of postal voting believing it to be wide open to abuse both by individuals and political parties.

“The only postal votes allowed should be for those who are too ill or infirm to attend a polling station on election day.

“Any other postal vote should only be given where the Returning Office is satisfied that the voter cannot reasonable attend the polling station on election day.”

Clr Nicola Turner, who is standing for election in the Colne Valley for the Liberal Democrats, said the form was verified by the electoral office.

She said: “We are sending out the forms to a lot of people to remind them to get their vote.

“They are under no obligation to fill it in whatsoever. It’s just to encourage people to sign up for a postal vote.”

Asked if she believed all political parties were sending the forms out, she replied: “I believe they are, yes.