Strict rules inside UK polling stations including common phone act that could see you jailed
Today’s the big day. Election Day. The day that could lead to us having a new government for the first time in a long time.
And no matter who you’re voting for, it’s important that you do vote – use that right and have your say, lads.
But when you do head down to your local UK polling station this Genny Lec there’s some strict rules you need to follow – including a common phone act that could see you landed in jail.
Discussing votes
You might be thinking of using the opportunity of the little trip out to vote as a chance to have a catch up with your mates in the queue. But while you’re doing that, you can’t be chatting about who you’re going to vote for.
This isn’t allowed inside or in the immediate area around the polling station as it could influence other people’s decision.
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If staff hear you having these kinds of conversations, they’ll ask you to put a stop to it.
Spoiling Votes
While this feels pretty naughty, you are technically allowed to spoil your vote – it’s just a bit of a waste.
If you’re annoyed with the choice of candidates and parties, you might choose to express this by ‘spoiling’ the vote by drawing on the ballot paper or not voting for anyone on it.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VOTING
However, you need to be careful of accidentally spoiling it. Make sure not to mark anything but a cross in the box on your paper if you want to be counted.
And also, don’t sign it as if your name is identifiable, your vote will be ruled out as it needs to be anonymous.
Using your phone
So, you can of course have your phone with you in the polling station but you need to be careful about how you use it.
Using the torch or an app to help you read the paper is fine, but you’ll need to take off any headphones when giving your information and ID to staff.
Understandably, you can also expect to be asked to be quiet if you’re chatting away loudly on a call.
But much stricter is the rules around taking snaps. You shouldn’t be taking any photos while in the polling station as it is against the law to share how someone has voted, is about to vote or the ID number on the ballot paper.
If you break this law, you could end up with up to £5k in a fine or even six months in prison.
And if you’re desperate to tell people you’ve voted with a selfie, do that outside the station, lads.
Being drunk
OK, so it’s not illegal to go and vote in the election while you’re drunk or tipsy.
But if staff reckon you’ve been drinking or taken drugs, they might ask some questions.
And if they’re unhappy with what you say, they might effectively KB you until you’ve sobered up.
Save those Genny Lec drinks until after you’ve crossed the box. And remember to vote!
Jess Battison