Police have found no evidence of illegal “family voting” in the Gorton and Denton by-election following a complaint by Reform UK.
Greater Manchester Police said their investigation concluded there was no indication of voters being influenced or coerced, which is required to prove an offence under electoral law.
The inquiry began after Reform UK reported claims made by election observer group Democracy Volunteers, which said it had witnessed “concerningly high levels” of family voting at polling stations.
Family voting refers to an illegal practice where voters confer, collude or direct each other when casting their ballots.
Officers spoke to the four observers involved and reviewed their accounts, which included instances of multiple voters entering booths together or looking over each other’s shoulders.
However, police said the observers did not report any verbal instructions or physical behaviour indicating one person directed another on how to vote.
The force also requested further details, including descriptions of individuals involved and timings of the alleged incidents, but said this information was not recorded or provided.
CCTV footage was obtained from three polling stations visited by observers, but officers said it did not show any evidence of coercion or influence.
Police added that most polling stations did not have CCTV active, as this could compromise ballot secrecy.
The investigation found no evidence of intent to influence or prevent voting, as required under the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023.
The by-election, held on 26 February, was won by Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer with 40.7% of the vote. Reform UK’s candidate Matt Goodwin came second with 28.7%.
Greater Manchester Police said no further criminal reports had been received and confirmed the case has now been closed.