Electoral fraud campaigner interviewed by police

4:00pm Thursday 8th November 2012 in Local News By David Trayner

Terry Davis with the five voting cards Terry Davis with the five voting cards

A MAN who registered five fake voters at his two-bedroom flat to expose holes in the electoral system has been interviewed by police.

Terry Davis, 58, of Leighton Avenue, who received five polling cards without facing checks from Southend Council, said he was offered a caution to deal with the matter on Monday, but wants to take the matter to court.

The retired market trader said: “I’d like to see the council being questioned in the dock over how incompetent they are and how they try to bully people into keeping quiet.

“I’m someone who won’t be quiet. I’m from a generation that won’t be intimidated by bullies.”

Mr Davis praised the polite officers as “absolutely wonderful”.

The campaigner, who has suffered abuse in the street over his actions, revealed he has now received a mirror in the post with a message telling him to look at himself.

The Crown Prosecution Service will decide whether to take Mr Davis to court, based on whether the evidence police gather is likely to secure a conviction and a prosecution is in the public interest.

Mr Davis had no intention of using the voting cards to vote illegally and handed them over to the Echo.

If convicted, he would face a fine of up to £5,000 and up to six months in prison.

Comments (13)

4:13pm Thu 8 Nov 12

firedog says...

What exactly is he trying to prove?
What exactly is he trying to prove? firedog

4:57pm Thu 8 Nov 12

AndyBSG says...

firedog wrote:
What exactly is he trying to prove?
That he has too much spare time on his hands!
[quote][p][bold]firedog[/bold] wrote: What exactly is he trying to prove?[/p][/quote]That he has too much spare time on his hands! AndyBSG

5:00pm Thu 8 Nov 12

reptile says...

Good for him, perhaps he could also find out why the police won't enforce the law on cyclist's riding on the pavement.
Good for him, perhaps he could also find out why the police won't enforce the law on cyclist's riding on the pavement. reptile

5:51pm Thu 8 Nov 12

Nebs says...

Interviewed by police. To find out how he did it, so as they can all get some extra cards and vote for the Police and Crime Commissioner of their choice.
Interviewed by police. To find out how he did it, so as they can all get some extra cards and vote for the Police and Crime Commissioner of their choice. Nebs

6:20pm Thu 8 Nov 12

Connie Lingers says...

I think the point has been made. I don't blame Mr. Davis for refusing a caution. I doubt the case will make it to court. I suspect it fails to pass the public interest test.
I think the point has been made. I don't blame Mr. Davis for refusing a caution. I doubt the case will make it to court. I suspect it fails to pass the public interest test. Connie Lingers

6:51pm Thu 8 Nov 12

ShrimperSS0 says...

At least he's got his cards! Am on the electoral list and not got mine yet. Am not worried... votes are only being cast in SIX days time!
At least he's got his cards! Am on the electoral list and not got mine yet. Am not worried... votes are only being cast in SIX days time! ShrimperSS0

8:08am Fri 9 Nov 12

Barry Bas says...

ShrimperSS0 wrote:
At least he's got his cards! Am on the electoral list and not got mine yet. Am not worried... votes are only being cast in SIX days time!
As long as you are on the electorial list you don't need the card to vote. It says so on the bottom of the one I have.
[quote][p][bold]ShrimperSS0[/bold] wrote: At least he's got his cards! Am on the electoral list and not got mine yet. Am not worried... votes are only being cast in SIX days time![/p][/quote]As long as you are on the electorial list you don't need the card to vote. It says so on the bottom of the one I have. Barry Bas

12:19pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Jodaius says...

Connie Lingers wrote:
I think the point has been made. I don't blame Mr. Davis for refusing a caution. I doubt the case will make it to court. I suspect it fails to pass the public interest test.
I wouldn't be so sure. If they take no action, it's possible that the case will encourage others in other areas to try the same thing (either for similar reasons or more malicious ones), and this could undermine the electoral system. In my opinion, despite his good intentions he has put himself in a bad position and I wouldn't be surprised to see him made an example of. If he was concerned about the registration process, there are other, legitimate ways in which he could have raised his concerns.
[quote][p][bold]Connie Lingers[/bold] wrote: I think the point has been made. I don't blame Mr. Davis for refusing a caution. I doubt the case will make it to court. I suspect it fails to pass the public interest test.[/p][/quote]I wouldn't be so sure. If they take no action, it's possible that the case will encourage others in other areas to try the same thing (either for similar reasons or more malicious ones), and this could undermine the electoral system. In my opinion, despite his good intentions he has put himself in a bad position and I wouldn't be surprised to see him made an example of. If he was concerned about the registration process, there are other, legitimate ways in which he could have raised his concerns. Jodaius

12:30pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Brunning999 says...

Nebs wrote:
Interviewed by police. To find out how he did it, so as they can all get some extra cards and vote for the Police and Crime Commissioner of their choice.
That is an excellent idea because I fear. The idiotic Conservative guy getting power in fact any political party having complete control of the Police and then being able to hire and fire the chief constable in the biggest threat to our country of a Political party having someone in charge in every Police area selecting policies that are going to win them votes !!! And not policies that are needed.

Scary !!

Either do not vote OR vote independent for someone that has knowledge of Policing.
[quote][p][bold]Nebs[/bold] wrote: Interviewed by police. To find out how he did it, so as they can all get some extra cards and vote for the Police and Crime Commissioner of their choice.[/p][/quote]That is an excellent idea because I fear. The idiotic Conservative guy getting power in fact any political party having complete control of the Police and then being able to hire and fire the chief constable in the biggest threat to our country of a Political party having someone in charge in every Police area selecting policies that are going to win them votes !!! And not policies that are needed. Scary !! Either do not vote OR vote independent for someone that has knowledge of Policing. Brunning999

1:47pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Nebs says...

Brunning999 wrote:
Nebs wrote:
Interviewed by police. To find out how he did it, so as they can all get some extra cards and vote for the Police and Crime Commissioner of their choice.
That is an excellent idea because I fear. The idiotic Conservative guy getting power in fact any political party having complete control of the Police and then being able to hire and fire the chief constable in the biggest threat to our country of a Political party having someone in charge in every Police area selecting policies that are going to win them votes !!! And not policies that are needed.

Scary !!

Either do not vote OR vote independent for someone that has knowledge of Policing.
When you consider the resources they have available and the crooks, drunks, druggies, and scumbags they have to deal with, the police do a pretty good job. Personally I'd rather be able to vote for a local judge, as they are the ones who seem to be letting the side down.
[quote][p][bold]Brunning999[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Nebs[/bold] wrote: Interviewed by police. To find out how he did it, so as they can all get some extra cards and vote for the Police and Crime Commissioner of their choice.[/p][/quote]That is an excellent idea because I fear. The idiotic Conservative guy getting power in fact any political party having complete control of the Police and then being able to hire and fire the chief constable in the biggest threat to our country of a Political party having someone in charge in every Police area selecting policies that are going to win them votes !!! And not policies that are needed. Scary !! Either do not vote OR vote independent for someone that has knowledge of Policing.[/p][/quote]When you consider the resources they have available and the crooks, drunks, druggies, and scumbags they have to deal with, the police do a pretty good job. Personally I'd rather be able to vote for a local judge, as they are the ones who seem to be letting the side down. Nebs

3:24pm Fri 9 Nov 12

perini says...

Nebs wrote:
Brunning999 wrote:
Nebs wrote: Interviewed by police. To find out how he did it, so as they can all get some extra cards and vote for the Police and Crime Commissioner of their choice.
That is an excellent idea because I fear. The idiotic Conservative guy getting power in fact any political party having complete control of the Police and then being able to hire and fire the chief constable in the biggest threat to our country of a Political party having someone in charge in every Police area selecting policies that are going to win them votes !!! And not policies that are needed. Scary !! Either do not vote OR vote independent for someone that has knowledge of Policing.
When you consider the resources they have available and the crooks, drunks, druggies, and scumbags they have to deal with, the police do a pretty good job. Personally I'd rather be able to vote for a local judge, as they are the ones who seem to be letting the side down.
Have to agree with that sentiment Nebs - the Police do what they can and then get let down by the judiciary awarding a slap on the wrist and a stern telling off to the scumbag involved! Making them (Judges) accountable - and providing them with a job - would certainly concentrate their minds better!
[quote][p][bold]Nebs[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Brunning999[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Nebs[/bold] wrote: Interviewed by police. To find out how he did it, so as they can all get some extra cards and vote for the Police and Crime Commissioner of their choice.[/p][/quote]That is an excellent idea because I fear. The idiotic Conservative guy getting power in fact any political party having complete control of the Police and then being able to hire and fire the chief constable in the biggest threat to our country of a Political party having someone in charge in every Police area selecting policies that are going to win them votes !!! And not policies that are needed. Scary !! Either do not vote OR vote independent for someone that has knowledge of Policing.[/p][/quote]When you consider the resources they have available and the crooks, drunks, druggies, and scumbags they have to deal with, the police do a pretty good job. Personally I'd rather be able to vote for a local judge, as they are the ones who seem to be letting the side down.[/p][/quote]Have to agree with that sentiment Nebs - the Police do what they can and then get let down by the judiciary awarding a slap on the wrist and a stern telling off to the scumbag involved! Making them (Judges) accountable - and providing them with a job - would certainly concentrate their minds better! perini

5:02pm Fri 9 Nov 12

firedog says...

How can "honest"Mick Thwaits,afford a full page advert in the local paper? He is indipendant,or does he have a rich interested backer.
How can "honest"Mick Thwaits,afford a full page advert in the local paper? He is indipendant,or does he have a rich interested backer. firedog

5:06pm Fri 9 Nov 12

Connie Lingers says...

Jodaius wrote:
Connie Lingers wrote:
I think the point has been made. I don't blame Mr. Davis for refusing a caution. I doubt the case will make it to court. I suspect it fails to pass the public interest test.
I wouldn't be so sure. If they take no action, it's possible that the case will encourage others in other areas to try the same thing (either for similar reasons or more malicious ones), and this could undermine the electoral system. In my opinion, despite his good intentions he has put himself in a bad position and I wouldn't be surprised to see him made an example of. If he was concerned about the registration process, there are other, legitimate ways in which he could have raised his concerns.
That was something that had crossed my mind and it is a very fair point. I do think that on this occasion, given the fact that the matter would likely have gone unnoticed had the alleged offender not sought publicity, there is a balance towards 'not in public interest' but, as I say, you make a fair point.
[quote][p][bold]Jodaius[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Connie Lingers[/bold] wrote: I think the point has been made. I don't blame Mr. Davis for refusing a caution. I doubt the case will make it to court. I suspect it fails to pass the public interest test.[/p][/quote]I wouldn't be so sure. If they take no action, it's possible that the case will encourage others in other areas to try the same thing (either for similar reasons or more malicious ones), and this could undermine the electoral system. In my opinion, despite his good intentions he has put himself in a bad position and I wouldn't be surprised to see him made an example of. If he was concerned about the registration process, there are other, legitimate ways in which he could have raised his concerns.[/p][/quote]That was something that had crossed my mind and it is a very fair point. I do think that on this occasion, given the fact that the matter would likely have gone unnoticed had the alleged offender not sought publicity, there is a balance towards 'not in public interest' but, as I say, you make a fair point. Connie Lingers

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