SURREY, B.C. — Mounties in a Vancouver suburb say they found 67 fraudulent applications to vote by mail ahead of general civic elections in British Columbia next week.
Surrey RCMP news release says 69 of 73 people whose personal information was used to complete applications have been interviewed and their investigation found 67 of those were not completed by the voter listed.
Police say the investigation team has found no evidence to link any civic election candidate or party to the fake applications.
No ballots were sent to individuals or residences and police say the process to apply for a mail-in ballot was changed by Surrey's chief elections officer on Oct. 1.
Police say they have identified and interviewed two people of interest, however further investigation is needed to determine if criminal charges or charges under the Local Government Act are warranted.
The RCMP says it doesn't routinely release details of on-going investigations, but the update was provided to reassure the public and allow for transparency in the election.
"It is important for the public to recognize that measures were taken by the chief elections officer to amend the application process to preserve the integrity of the election process," the release says.
Mounties say they were also made aware of third-hand information about international students giving their personal details in exchange for money.
Police say they've found no evidence to substantiate those claims nor has anyone come forward to complain.
