What can or can't you do in election Polling Stations today?

Voters across Swindon, Wiltshire and the entire country will be heading to the polling stations today Thursday July 4 to cast their vote in the general election.

But what’s allowed, and perhaps more importantly, not allowed in the community centre, primary school or in some parts of Swindon, pub that for one day becomes a polling stations?

When are they open?

The polling stations open at 7am and close at 10pm. If there is a queue to vote at 10pm, then if you are in the queue by that time, you should be allowed to vote, however long you wait.

Should I take my polling card?

You don’t have to, but it’s useful. The polling station staff will ask for your name and number on the poll card so they can hand you your ballot paper. Having the card will make that quicker.

Should I take a proper, approved form of picture ID?

YES. Absolutely.

If you do not have the appropriate picture ID, such as a driving licence photo card, passport, MOD identity card,  senior bus pass, blue badge or official proof of age card, or the government-issued voter authorisation certificate you WILL NOT be allowed to vote.

Can I take my children into the polling station with me?

Yes, you can, in fact, it’s encouraged to help educate youngsters about participatory democracy. They should be well-behaved, however. And they must not make a mark on your ballot paper.

Can I take my dog, or other pets into the polling station with me?

Assistance dogs such as guide or hearing dogs are definitely allowed inside the polling station. You may be allowed to take an ordinary pet dog into the polling station. It is at the discretion of the polling station staff.

If you travel to the polling station by horse or donkey, it should be tied up outside.

Can I wear a rosette, or clothing with political slogans when I go to vote?

The Electoral Commission says there is nothing in law to prevent someone wearing a political slogan when going into a polling station to vote.

However, if you do, you should leave immediately afterwards, as campaigning inside polling stations is not allowed.

Political discussion is banned inside polling stations.

Staff will intervene if they hear any references to candidates or parties.

Can I take pictures inside? Can I take a selfie of me voting?

Pictures are not allowed because of the risk of revealing how someone else has voted, however remote.

It is a criminal offence to do this and you could be fined up to £5,000 or even be sentenced to six months in prison.

Keep your camera or phone in your pocket inside the polling station. Take your selfie outside.

People are welcome to take photos outside.

If you want to discuss your vote or the election (or indeed, the football or Taylor Swift) on social media, it is better to do so outside the polling station – mainly to avoid getting in the way of people yet to vote.

Who are the people outside, wearing rosettes, asking me my polling card number?

They are party ‘tellers’, who work for the candidates. They’re asking so they can find out who has or hasn’t voted to they can remind people as 10pm approaches.

They are allowed to ask for your polling card number, but you do not have to give it to them.