Husbands who tell wives how to vote could face jail as ‘family voting’ warning issued

Dan McDonald
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:23:52 +0000

The Electoral Commission has warned that spouses who pressure their partners over how to vote in the upcoming local elections could face prison.

The watchdog issued the alert over the “serious crime” of family voting ahead of polling day on May 7.

The illegal practice involves individuals influencing or directing how another person casts their ballot - including instructing a spouse which party to support.

Niki Nixon, the Commission’s director of communications, said: “No matter how you vote, your vote is yours alone.”

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She added: “Your right to vote independently, privately, and free from undue pressure is protected in law.”

“Anyone who tries to induce or compel someone to vote a particular way, or not to vote at all, is committing a serious crime that can result in a prison sentence.”

Ms Nixon also stressed: “Cases of reported fraud in the UK are very low, but we must not be complacent.”

The warning follows Greater Manchester Police (GMP) dropping an investigation into allegations of family voting during February’s Gorton and Denton by-election.

The contest saw the Green Party win what had previously been a safe Labour seat.

Democracy Volunteers, an election observer group, reported “concerningly high levels” of the banned practice in the constituency.

Police launched an inquiry after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the claims raised “serious questions about the integrity of the democratic process in predominantly Muslim areas”.

However, GMP confirmed last month it had closed the case, finding no evidence of any “intent to influence or deter any person from casting a ballot”.

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Mr Farage lambasted the decision as an "establishment whitewash".

He said: “This isn't good enough. We need proper oversight, real accountability and the courage to admit when something isn't right, not another brushed-under-the-carpet report from the usual suspects.”

A specific offence targeting family voting was introduced in 2023.

The law makes it illegal to accompany someone into a polling booth or stand nearby with the intention of influencing their vote.

Lord Hayward, the Conservative peer who introduced the measure, said the system had “gone wrong in a substantial way” in Gorton and Denton.

Mark Hallas, chief executive of Crimestoppers, said tackling the issue also required vigilance from the public.

He said: “Our country has a history of holding elections that are internationally trusted and seen to be fair. This is a tradition we can all play a part in protecting.”

He added: “It's vital that anyone with suspicions of voter fraud speaks up, either to the police or completely anonymously to Crimestoppers.”