How to vote? When can I vote? Can I take my dog to vote? All you need to know about General Election polling day
Tomorrow the UK public will go to the polls to vote in the General Election, but if you're not sure but what happens on the day, or what you can and can't do in polling booths, don't worry, here is all you need to know.
Polling stations open in every town, city and village across the UK from 7am, and people are able to vote up until they close at 10pm.
If you are in the line, or in the polling station when the clock strikes 10pm you will be able to cast a ballot
An exit poll at 10pm usually gives the first indication of which way the wind is blowing.
Counting then takes place overnight and into the morning of June 9.
It's a sight we have all seen before with ballot boxes being rushed into halls - and the first seat to declare in the UK is usually Sunderland before midnight.
If it's a landslide a result could well be known by 3am or 4am in the morning.
Where to vote?
You must vote at the polling station you have been assigned to.
Polling stations are usually set up in schools, libraries and churches.
You should, by now, have received a polling card through the post which has your name, polling number and the location of your polling station printed on it.
If you have lost your polling card, you will need to ask your local authority's election office who will be able to tell you where your polling station is.
How to vote?
On election day, go to your local polling station.
Tell the staff inside the polling station your name and address so they can check that you are on the electoral register. You can show them your poll card, but you do not need it to vote.
The staff at the polling station will give you a ballot paper listing the parties and candidates you can vote for.
Take your ballot paper into a polling booth so that no one can see how you vote. Read the ballot paper carefully, it will tell you how to cast your vote. Do not write anything else on the paper or your vote may not be counted.
Finally, when you have marked your vote, fold the ballot paper in half and put it in the ballot box.
What can't you do in a polling station?
Here are a few things worth remembering when you turn up at your local station.
1. You cant talk about politics when inside a polling station - so any heated debates need to be taken outside.
2. You can't wear political clothing or rosettes - but turning up to vote in your dressing gown is allowed.
3. You can't take a picture of your ballot paper. You could get fined or even a prison sentence for this. But as for selfies... well the law does not specifically ban taking photos, but the Electoral Commission very strongly advises against any photography inside a polling station.
4. You can't sign your ballot paper. It will be rejected if you do.
5. Parents can bring their children along to watch democracy in action, but kids cannot mark the ballot paper for their mother or father. Dog owners will be glad to know that you can bring your pets to the polling station as long as they do not disrupt the vote.
