AN URGENT review has been launched after a couple were each sent TWO voting packs for the Euro election.

Retired postman John Smith fears the blunder that left him seeing double could be the tip of a wider problem.

Mr Smith, 73, of Wheldrake, said: "My concern is that if my wife and I got two, how many others are floating around in the area?"

The pensioner said he was surprised to be told by his wife, Pauline, that they had both been sent two packs, four in total.

Two packs had Mr Smith's names and address details on; the other two contained details about his wife.

The Yorkshire and Humberside region is taking part in the all-postal trial vote for the June 10 ballot.

But already complaints have been made about election material not being delivered on time by the Royal Mail.

Mr Smith, who was not blaming Royal Mail, said: "At first I thought one was for the European election and the other was for local elections. But there aren't any local elections in York this year.

"I'd read about people not getting election material in time - that's certainly not the case with me!"

He said the mix-up did not fill him with confidence.

"We could have had four votes between us," said Mr Smith, of The Cranbrooks. "Everybody's not as honest as I am. It's one person, one vote - how many more are in the system? I don't understand how it can happen."

Elizabeth Ellis, City of York Council electoral and civic services manager, said: "I can't comment on this particular case until we've looked into it, but people are legally allowed to vote only once.

"If anyone has a problem with their electoral packs I would ask them to contact the council's

electoral services team as soon as possible on 01904 551050 or 551072."

Have you experienced problems with the postal vote process?

If so, phone Dan Jones on 01904 653051 ext 309 and tell your story.

Updated: 10:25 Monday, May 31, 2004