CONSPIRACY theories claiming that the independence referendum was rigged were sparked in part by a lack of public understanding of how ballots are run, a comprehensive report on the vote has found.
Following the referendum, 100,000 people signed an online petition demanding a re-run on the grounds that there had been "countless evidences of fraud", while the Electoral Commission, police and local councils were swamped with complaints.
An independent ICM poll carried out after the referendum, the results of which have been included in the report, showed that 34 per cent of voters polled believed fraud had taken place, a higher figure than at any previous post-election survey. More than one in ten believed there had been "a lot" of fraud, with Yes voters twice as likely to believe that fraud had been committed compared to No voters.
In reality however, the referendum was "well run" and should serve as an example for future polls, including a possible vote on the EU, the Electoral Commission said. Meanwhile, Police Scotland is investigating only 11 potential personation offences, out of more than 3.6 million votes cast.
Some voters initially raised concern that they had been given pencils rather than pens in the polling stations, and contacted authorities with concerns that their votes could have been altered using a rubber.
Later, widespread claims that 'blank' ballot papers which did not have unique identifying numbers on the back had been issued rose to prominence, despite no concerns over the issue being raised on the day. Videos purporting to show evidence of fraud were also circulated, despite explanations being available.
A series of recommendations were made by the Electoral Commission, in an attempt to prevent unfounded conspiracy theories taking hold in future votes.
They include that the steps are taken to ensure the public is made "more aware of count procedures" and that polling station staff are reminded how the ballots should be folded and presented.
Voters also contacted the Electoral Commission to say they were unhappy that they had returned postal votes before 'the vow' of further powers for Scotland was offered by the Better Together parties.
An Electoral Commission spokeswoman said: "In the days following the referendum a number of voters raised concerns about the count process arising from videos which were circulating on social media.
"All counts across Scotland were subject to an unprecedented level of scrutiny from agents appointed by campaigners, international observers and the police, none of whom reported any concerns with the process. The Commission is satisfied that the counts were properly conducted.
"Nonetheless, the Commission and others need to consider how we make the public more aware of counting procedures in order to provide more reassurance to voters that safeguards are in place to protect the integrity of the process."
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