Polling day questions answered by new social media campaign

6 Jun 2017 02:07 PM

From the straightforward – “Can candidates campaign on polling day?” – to the more offbeat – “Can I mark my ballot paper with a smiley face?” – the Electoral Commission fields all sorts of queries from members of the public unsure about how polling day and the electoral process works.

In the week leading up to the UK General Election on 8 June, some of the most common questions, myths and misconceptions will inspire a new social media campaign.

Taking place across Twitter and Facebook, it will include new graphics to help clear up any confusion for first-time voters and give information to people who just want to know more. It will also offer some quirky facts about the history of voting in the UK. Keep up to date via the #GE2017 or #YourVoteMatters hashtags.

Did you know?

• Though you may be used to casting your vote in your town hall or local primary school, polling stations have previously included a laundrette in Oxford, a pub in Clackmannanshire, and even somebody’s living room in Cumbria.
• Since 1832, the only month when there has never been voting in a UK general election is September. May and October hold the record with six apiece. This is the fifth general election since the end of WW1 to be held in June.
• Polling stations are selfie-free zones to ensure the secrecy of the ballot. Anyone taking a photo in a polling station could well be breaking the law.
• You are welcome to bring your dog along with you to the polling station, but unless they’re a guide dog they may have to be left outside. Follow the hashtag #DogsAtPollingStations on 8 June to see pictures of dogs patiently waiting for their owner to exercise their democratic right.

Emma Hartley, Head of Campaigns at the Electoral Commission, said: “Of those that didn’t vote in the 2015 General Election, 21% said that it was because they ‘didn’t have time’ despite polling stations across the country being open between 7am and 10pm. The times of day that people can vote will be just one of the pieces of information we’ll be promoting on social media this week. We don’t want people to miss out on having their say because they don’t understand the process.”

Notes to editors

For more information, or to schedule television, telephone or ISDN interviews contact the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704 or press@electoralcommission.org.uk.  Out of office hours 07789 920 414.

Answers to questions:

Can candidates campaign on polling day? Campaigners should be allowed to put their messages to voters on polling day, including in public spaces outside polling places. However, they should keep access to polling places and the pavements around polling places clear to allow voters to enter.

Can I mark my ballot paper with a smiley face? The only way to be certain your vote will be counted is to mark an ‘X’ by the candidate of your choice.

The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity by:

• enabling the delivery of free and fair elections and referendums, focusing on the needs of electors and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and accessible
• regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches
• using our expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy, aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency

The Commission was set up in 2000 and reports to the UK and Scottish Parliaments.