As voting in the general election 2019 gets underway, people up and down the country are heading out to their local polling station.
But do you know what you can and can't do while casting your vote?
Obviously you can exercise your democratic right while at a polling station but there are a number of things you're not allowed to do that could get you in trouble and potentially even land you with some jail time if caught.
But don't panic, it's very easy to follow the rules avoid doing anything wrong.
Here's a look at what you need to know about polling stations in the UK.
Can you take a selfie at a polling station?
We live in an age of social media influencers and celebrity, where people spend the vast majority of their time snapping photos of their daily activities and sharing them online.
But if you were thinking of taking a selfie while at your local polling station, you should definitely think twice.
Although there's technically nothing to stop you from taking a picture in the polling station, you could get in a lot of trouble if you happen to capture anyone else's ballot paper in the snap and then share that photo online.
Additionally you're also not allowed to share photos of your own ballot paper.
Doing either of these things could break secrecy requirements under Section 66 of the Representation of the People Act 1983.
Those found in breach of this act, even if it's accidental, could be fined up to £5,000 of face jail time.
The Electoral Commission recommends waiting and taking a photo or selfie outside the polling station as a way to encourage others to vote.
Can I take a pen to a polling station?
As well as wondering whether you can take a selfie at your local polling station, you might also be wondering if you can take a pen along with you to vote.
This is a debate that rages on each time there's an election - whether to use a pen or a pencil when filling out the ballot paper.
Many people are provided pencils at polling stations, but not everyone trusts that their vote is safe if they use this tool.
If you're concerned about voting with a pencil, then don't panic, you can use a pen.
The Electoral Commission explains: "Pencils are generally used to mark ballot papers for practical reasons: ink may dry or spill, or could smudge and transfer when the ballot paper is folded, which could lead to your ballot paper being rejected.
"But this is not mandatory - you can use your own pen if you prefer."
Avoid writing anything other than an 'X' on ballot papers
When you go to cast your vote, you should only be completing the ballot paper in line with the instructions.
You need to mark a single 'X' in the box next to the candidate you wish to represent your constituency.
Don't write anything else on the paper, including signatures and messages to politicians, as your vote might not be counted.
However, if you do make a mistake don't put your paper in the ballot box, simply ask polling station staff to help you with a replacement paper.
Don't air your political views inside the polling station
According to the Electoral Commission, political discussion is not allowed inside and immediately around polling stations - meaning you can't tell people who you voted for, or ask who they voted for.
Staff will ask to you to stop talking if they catch you doing so in these areas, to ensure there's no risk of you influencing other people.
You can freely debate your vote away from the polling station and are welcome to air your own views on social media.
However, it is a criminal offence to reveal someone else's vote or influence them to do so if they don't want to.
Can I take a pet to a polling station?
Each election the hashtag #DogsAtPollingStations begins trending on Twitter as people turn up to vote with their pooches.
You are allowed to take your dog with you to vote, but they must be secured outside so as not to disrupt voters.
The only exception to this rule is assistant dogs.
Some voters have even been known in previous years to turn up at a polling station on a horse, leaving it outside while they mark their ballot paper.
Can I bring my child with me to vote?
Yes, children are welcome to come along and watch how the voting process works.
You can take them into the polling booth with you, but they are not allowed to mark the ballot paper for you.
Other adults are not allowed to accompany you in the booth, unless you have a disability.
Am I allowed to wear political clothing?
People who turn up at polling stations in party T-shirts will not be allowed to enter as they can be seen as intimidating for other voters.
The same goes for wearing large rosettes that contain candidate names or party slogans.
Can you vote if you've been drinking?
Yes. Polling station staff are not able to refuse a voter because they are under the influence of drink or drugs.
You will only be asked to leave if you are disruptive to other people.
If this happens, you will be able to return once you've sobered up.
Can I play music?
You can listen to music on headphones while casting your vote, as long as you don't disrupt other people.
You'll need to remove the headphones while talking to polling station staff and if they feel your device is too loud, they may ask you to turn it down or even leave.
This rule is the same for conversations on the phone.
Polling stations opened at 7am on December 12 and will remain open until 10pm.
An exit poll will be revealed at around this time, but the final result is not expected until the early hours of December 13.
