I'm sure this information would be available, and if you would like it I'm sure the Electoral Registration Officer at LBH (020 8583 2095) would be happy to oblige.However, the concern is that postal voting is rapidly expanding and its use at the next election will be out of all proportion to that at the last. Until a few years back one needed a valid reason to be allocated a postal vote, e.g. disability, unavailability due to work/holiday and so. One had to sign a declaration to this effect and any abuse was punishable by a fine or imprisonment.Now the rules have changed so that anybody can apply for a postal vote without even having to give a reason. This is a good thing in that it encourages more people to vote, but without adequate scrutiny it is wide open to abuse, and the electoral department at Hounslow (and probably in most other places) simply doesn't have the resources to police it.At the Hounslow South by-election in October 2002 there were less than 200 registered postal voters until a few weeks prior to the election. Then within a week that number increased fivefold. Over 90% of postal votes received were for Labour, even though Labour's overall share of the poll was 38%.I am not suggesting that any illegal business took place, because I knew from an "inside" source how the postal vote was being exploited and it was all done within the law. However, the potential for abuse under such circumstances is obvious. Considered alongside the clear lack of principle demonstrated by some in campaigning methods during recent years, I for one am very concerned indeed.
Phil Andrews ● 7644d