Concerns have been raised regarding potential irregularities in the Gorton and Denton by-election, held on February 26, 2026. Election observers reported witnessing what they described as “concerningly high levels” of family voting at polling stations throughout the constituency.
Allegations of Family Voting
Family voting, which involves a voter being accompanied in the polling booth by someone attempting to influence their vote, is an offense under electoral law. The law is designed to protect the secrecy of the ballot.
Democracy Volunteers monitored 22 of the 45 polling stations in Gorton and Denton, spending between 30 and 45 minutes at each location. The group reported observing family voting in 15 of those 22 stations.
Out of a sample of 545 voters observed, Democracy Volunteers recorded 32 instances of family voting, including nine cases at a single polling station. John Ault, director of Democracy Volunteers, stated that the levels observed represent the highest in the organization’s decade of monitoring UK elections.
The group rarely issues reports on election night, but felt compelled to do so given the data collected. In comparison, the recent by-election in Runcorn and Helsby saw family voting in 12% of polling stations, affecting 1% of voters. In Gorton and Denton, observers noted family voting in 68% of polling stations, impacting 12% of voters observed.
The result of the Gorton and Denton by-election is expected in the early hours of Friday morning, with a close race anticipated between Labour, Reform UK, and the Green Party.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is family voting?
Family voting is an offence that occurs when a person casting a ballot in an election is joined in a polling booth by someone who intends to influence how they vote.
How many polling stations were observed?
Democracy Volunteers attended 22 of the 45 polling stations in the Gorton and Denton constituency.
How does the level of family voting in Gorton and Denton compare to other recent by-elections?
In Gorton and Denton, Democracy Volunteers observed family voting in 68% of polling stations, affecting 12% of voters observed. In the recent Runcorn and Helsby by-election, family voting was observed in 12% of polling stations, affecting 1% of voters.
What impact might these observations have on the final result and public confidence in the election?
