No proxy votes were recruited during the municipal elections in Bergen op Zoom. This is the conclusion of the Public Prosecution Service (OM) after an investigation.
Mayor Frank Petter had asked justice to investigate the possible tampering with proxy votes. At two polling stations in Bergen op Zoom, the number of such votes was much higher than normal. Namely 19 and 22 percent, while the average is about 10 percent. This gave rise to the suspicion that fraud may have been committed.
With a power of attorney, voters who are unable to vote in person, for example due to illness or vacation, can have someone else vote for them.
Two polling stations
The Public Prosecution Service has checked the ballot papers of the two polling stations in the East district. No ‘irregularities’ were found there. For example, according to the researchers, the permitted number of proxy votes per physical voter is not exceeded.
Witnesses were also heard who had good reason to vote by proxy, the Public Prosecution Service said. For example, people were on vacation or corona prevented them from voting.
Installation
This is the end for the municipality of Bergen op Zoom. The new city council will be installed on March 30, just like in most other municipalities.
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