As polling stations opened on Thursday morning for what is being billed as Britain’s most important General Election in a generation, social media became awash with pictures of people’s pet dogs.
The tradition of taking photos of puppies obediently waiting for their owners to vote at polling stations is a trend that has taken the internet by storm in recent elections thanks to the #dogsatpollingstations hashtag.
And, while the third general election in five years has prompted much political exhaustion, it’s safe to say the viral trend is warming people’s hearts everywhere.
So far, the Twitter hashtag, which was once again trending on Thursday, has seen all kinds of dogs accompanying their owners to the ballots, from Bulldogs and Pugs to Basset Hounds.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson took his dog Dilyn for a walk to Methodist Central Hall in Westminster as he exercised his democratic right to vote, while Mayor of LondonSadiq Khan was accompanied by his pet Labrador, Luna.
According to the Electoral Commission, dogs are allowed to join their owners as they fill in their ballot, but they should be kept on a lead to ensure they do not “disrupt the vote”.
However, if the building does not usually permit dogs then voting day is no exception and unfortunately your pet will have to remain outside.
While posting pictures of dogs at the general election is arguably one of the great traditions of British politics, it is important to note that it is illegal to take a photo inside stations that could “potentially breach the secrecy of the ballot requirements”.
This includes taking a photo of your own ballot or anyone else’s. However, the Electoral Commission says you are welcome to take photos outside the polling station.
Polling stations will remain open until 10pm tonight.
