After weeks of campaigning, polling stations open for voters to have their say at the General Election today, which means the return of the trend #dogsatpollingstations. Millions of people will cast their vote between 7am and 10pm, with opinion polls suggesting Labour is on course to secure a big majority in the House of Commons.
Polling stations are now open, including the one in Kirby Sigston in North Yorkshire, where Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to vote later. Mr Sunak said today represents a 'pivotal moment' for the country's future as he claimed Labour would 'wield their unchecked power' to increase taxes should they secure a 'supermajority'. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the UK 'cannot afford' five more years under the Conservatives , adding Britain can 'begin a new chapter' under his party.
On a less serious note, dogs across the country are being snapped waiting dutifully for their owner to cast a vote. #DogsAtPollingStations is one of the highest trends on X this morning, with adorable polling pooches seen next to signs. One pup named Mavis was pictured high-fiving the camera, with her owner writing on X: 'Paws up for change! Mavis feels getting in early is impawtent in Bury North on a day like this.'
The dogs in polling stations trend first emerged during the 2015 election and typically features photographs of pets pictured waiting for their owners while they cast their votes. Edinburgh Council posted a smiling Golden Retriever called Ivy on X to remind people that only assistance dogs are allowed inside.
Some dogs, like one sleepy collie, were clearly not happy at being dragged out of bed early this morning for a picture by a polling station sign. But one wide-awake foster dog named Roma was thrilled to be included as he was brought along. Most of the dogs were pictured sitting patiently outside the polling stations and generally conducting themselves in a calm and considerate manner.
There are no specific rules banning dogs from inside polling stations, as this depends on whether the building which is being used for the vote usually allows them. It comes after the Sun finally announced their last-minute endorsement of Sir Keir - to the fury of both readers and those in Liverpool a Labour stronghold which has long shunned the newspaper after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. An exit poll, published shortly after 10pm tonight, will provide the first indication of how the election has gone on a national level.
These take place at polling stations across the UK, 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. While the campaigning has been full of the expected back-and-forth between the Tories and Labour in both speeches and social media jibes, the Lib Dems were arguably the highlight for many.
Leader Ed Davey made headlines daily for his wild stunts, ending them by driving off in a pink Cadillac convertible with his deputy Daisy Cooper after his last election campaign stop. The Lib Dem leader gave a stump speech at Hammond's End Farm in Harpenden to the tune of ABBA's Take A Chance On Me. Sir Ed said he had enjoyed the campaign, which saw him travel the entire length of the UK, cover 6,000 miles on the Lib Dem's Yellow Hammer One bus and bungee 160 feet.
He added: 'Communities are angry. The water companies have been allowed to pour their filthy sewage into our rivers, lakes and onto our beaches. This has to change. The Conservatives have got to go.' Along his campaign he has entertained the public by doing everything from bungee jumping to surfing and paddle-boarding - but some argued it showed he wasn't taking it seriously. However he interspersed his light-hearted stunts with heart-warming and sincere insights into his personal life and caring for his son.
Sir Keir, writing on social media site X as polls opened, said: 'Change. Today, you can vote for it.' Ahead of 7am, Mr Sunak posted a series of messages on the same site, which urged voters to 'stop the Labour supermajority'. Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay, also writing on X, said: 'Today's the opportunity to vote for real hope and real change, in Waveney Valley, and across the country.'
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, posted an image asking people to 'vote with your heart', adding: 'Vote for real change today. Vote Reform UK.' The SNP tweeted: 'Vote SNP to deliver independence, rejoin the EU, scrap the two-child benefit cap, invest in the just transition, protect free tuition.' North of the border, Scotland's First Minister has urged 'every single SNP voter' to turn out today in what he said will be an 'incredibly close' contest throughout the country.
Addressing supporters at a pre-election rally in Leith yesterday evening, John Swinney said the Conservatives were going to be 'heavily defeated' by the Labour Party in England. But he added that there were 'narrow margins' between Labour and the SNP north of the border.
National pet charity Blue Cross has released advice for dog owners who may want to take their pet along to their local polling station. Whether or not you can take your dog inside varies between polling stations. According to guidance from the Electoral Commission, dogs, apart from assistance dogs, are not usually allowed inside as they can disturb voters. However, some polling stations may be more flexible. If you're thinking of taking your dog along with you to vote, it's best to check with the venue in advance.
If your dog is not allowed in, the charity has warned owners to not leave them tied up outside, as there is a risk of theft. It's best to leave your dog at home, or to bring someone along with you who can wait outside with your pet while you vote. Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs at Blue Cross said: 'We love how #dogsatpollingstations has become an event across the country at every election but do check in advance with your polling station to see if they allow dogs inside before taking them along. 'Sadly there's a real risk that your beloved pet could be stolen if you leave them tied up alone outside, so take someone with you who can stay with your pet while you vote, or leave your pet at home.'
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