Could a postal vote delay affect the election results?

Britain’s failing public services have been something of a theme in the general election. Now, it seems an important part of the election process itself is failing, with questions over the slow delivery of ballot papers for postal voting in some areas.

- SEAN O'GRADY

It seems to have been a particular problem in Scotland. The SNP had already complained about the timing of this election because the final weeks of campaigning overlap with school holidays; reportedly, some families have now gone away without having received their ballot, leaving them now unable to vote. Similar delivery issues have been reported in the south of England.

The Electoral Commission warns that the postal vote system is facing “pressures”. Royal Mail insists there is “no backlog”; nevertheless, minister Kevin Hollinrake has suggested Royal Mail should have anticipated extra demand for postal votes during the summer holidays. Uttlesford District Council, in Essex, admits it sent out some postal votes late because of “human error”; it affects some voters in the North West Essex constituency, currently held by business and trade secretary, Kemi Badenoch. This may come to be significant.

How many voters are affected?

There are no official figures, but it is clear the problem could run into the thousands. The Electoral Commission has promised to report on what happened nationally and why, but only after the election. As many as 90 constituencies might be affected, according to reports.