A whistleblower has sent photos to Auckland Council and the Serious Fraud Office alleging bundles of ballot papers were stolen from letterboxes during last year’s Manurewa Local Board election.
The papers were then taken to an office, filled out for certain candidates, resealed and posted to the electoral officer. Police and Election Services have been alerted to the allegations, and the council is seeking police advice.
Manurewa Local Board member Raewyn Bhana has called for a full investigation and perhaps a fresh election. In March, an election in neighbouring Papatoetoe was corrupted by votes fraudulently cast on stolen ballot papers. Read more at Scoop.co.nz, NZ Herald (paywalled) and Stuff.
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Aaah – the joys of multiculturalism.