VOTERS in May 3's local elections have been urged to report cases of electoral fraud.

In 2016 Burnley, Pendle, Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn were among 18 boroughs in England identified in a report as vulnerable to poll cheating.

Now independent charity Crimestoppers and the Electoral Commission are urging the public to protect their right to vote by reporting suspected electoral fraud.

The 'Your vote is yours alone’ campaign asks residents to tell Crimestoppers if they suspect someone is breaking electoral law.

This includes cases of: 'personation' (people pretending to be someone else to vote); bribery; intimidation more than one person using a polling booth at the same time; and someone other than the elector completing a postal vote.

Mark Hallas, chief executive of the Crimestoppers, said: “Whilst electoral fraud is quite rare, it’s important for us all to be aware and work together to stop people jeopardising our tradition of fair and free elections."

Plans in 2016 to require voters to show proof of ID at polling stations in Burnley, Pendle, Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn have been dropped. Rossendale and Chorley are also going to the polls next month but Ribble Valley is not.

Craig Westwood, Director of Communications and Research at the Electoral Commission, said: “Electoral fraud is a serious crime. Anyone who suspects fraud should contact Crimestoppers as soon as possible.”