Dogs at polling stations return for 2024 general election voting day
In a heartwarming tradition, many voters have been bringing their furry friends to the polling stations.
Polling stations across the UK have opened as voters cast their ballots in the general election after weeks of campaigning.
Millions of people are expected to vote between 7am and 10pm today – and there's been no shortage of their furry friends at polling booths.
These diligent canines have been spotted sporting bows, rosettes and colourful leads, adding a light touch to a tense day of voting.
The hashtag #dogsatpollingstations has gained popularity among animal lovers on social media, as they share photos of themselves exercising their pets while participating in the democratic process.
One of the dogs snapped was Reggie, who wore a red rosette as he posed for a photo. Owner Mike Birtwistle, 46, took his cavalier King Charles spaniel to the polling station at Alexandra Park Library in north London at around 7.05am.
Reggie was “very excited” to head to the polling station, according to Birtwistle.
He said if Reggie could share a message with people to encourage them to vote, he would say: “As well as being able to exercise your democratic right, there’s every chance you might meet a very nice dog at the polling station too, so it’s a double win to get yourself down to the polling station to vote.”
Meanwhile, Helen Montague took her dog Heston, who she said is her “best friend”, with her to vote at Marden polling station in Kent at 7am on the dot.
“Heston wanted to be the first dog at the polling station and he was,” she added.
The Boston terrier wore a red bow as he is a fan of the accessory and was “very excited” to accompany his owner to vote.
This year's general election marks the first time voters are required to show photographic ID before receiving their ballot papers, following a law change in 2022.
While voters must adhere to this new requirement, their adorable canine companions don't have to worry about bringing their credentials yet as they won't be casting votes.
An exit poll, published shortly after polls close at 10pm on Thursday, will provide the first indication of how the election has gone on a national level.
These take place at polling stations across the country, with tens of thousands of people asked to privately fill in a replica ballot as they leave, to get an indication of how they voted.
The first of the 650 seats are likely to declare their results from 11.30pm.
Earlier on Thursday, prime minister Rishi Sunak, who has insisted the results are not a foregone conclusion despite dire poll ratings for his party, voted in his Richmond constituency.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was also joined by his wife, Victoria, as he visited a polling station in his Holborn and St Pancras constituency.
Other party leaders have also cast their votes, with Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and his wife Emily visiting a polling station in Surbiton.
Scotland’s first minister John Swinney was joined by his son Matthew as he cast his ballot at Burrelton Village Hall, Perth and Kinross.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar cast his vote at Pollokshields Burgh Hall in Glasgow, accompanied by his wife Furheen and son Aliyan.
Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party, walked with supporters to a Bristol polling station to vote.
