THOUSANDS of ballot papers are being sent out again because some people have failed to fill the forms in properly.

Sorting centres across the region have reported up to five per cent of more than 350,000 votes cast so far have been invalid, and have given people a second chance to vote.

Even in areas where the electorate has already taken part in postal voting during local elections last May, mistakes have been made.

In Wear Valley, County Durham, between 300 and 400 invalid ballots out of 12,755 cast so far, from a possible 47,949, have had to be sent back.

The most common mistake is that witness declarations are not being completed clearly with a name, signature or address. Forms are also invalid if the voter does not sign.

Terry Richardson, senior administrative officer with Wear Valley District Council, said: "Our postal vote in May and for a recent by-election were both very successful, with turnout increasing from 32.5 per cent to 50 per cent.

"But this time, there is a witness declaration, which is causing some problems, but figures are already better than the last European Parliamentary elections."

The Government's decision to trial postal voting in four regions, including in the North-East, has been criticised over printing delays and accusations that the system was less confidential.

Fears also emerged in a Sunday newspaper yesterday that taxpayers could face legal bills if candidates challenge the results because of late ballots.

Independent candidate Neil Herron said "It is not fair that someone could win by a narrow margin which could have been reversed if the ballot forms were easier to complete and had all been sent in good time."

The deadline for votes to be returned to the counting centres is 10pm on Thursday.