ELECTION fraudsters have been warned they will come under the gaze of the law as voters across North Yorkshire prepare to go to the polls.

Police in the region, together with councils, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Electoral Commission, have vowed to crack down on criminals aiming to interfere with next month’s local elections.

They are looking to prevent any voter fraud offences ahead of the May 5 poll, such as illegal registration, intimidation at polling stations and improper counting, which are designed to illegally influence the result.

A referendum on whether the UK should have a new system of electing MPs is to be held on the same day, and Detective Inspector Ian Wills of North Yorkshire Police said: “We take the matter of election fraud extremely seriously and will vigorously investigate anybody suspected of electoral malpractice. We have been working closely with our partners to ensure we are fully prepared to combat any attempts to undermine the voting system.

“I would urge anybody who has been approached by somebody attempting to influence them, or who is aware of any suspicious activity surrounding voting or polling stations, to contact the police with information.”

Ballot papers for the local elections and the referendum are being sent out across York and North and East Yorkshire this week, and voters are being reminded they should fill in their own papers and, where possible, ensure they are delivered or posted themselves. They should also beware anybody offering to collect their ballot papers.

A spokeswoman for City of York Council said: “Being able to vote freely and having your vote recognised is an inherent part of our democratic right. Election fraud will not be tolerated and we are working closely with North Yorkshire Police to ensure the forthcoming local elections and referendum are run according to the legislation.”