The things you're not allowed to do in polling stations - from taking your dog to taking selfies

The general election is finally upon us, with voters across the UK taking to the polls on Thursday.

Across the UK, 650 seats are up for grabs in the first nationwide election since 2019, and 27 of those are in Greater Manchester. Rishi Sunak will be hoping to keep his Conservative Party in power, therefore extending their 14 years in Downing Street.

But Sir Keir Starmer’s is aiming to become Labour’s first Prime Minister since Gordon Brown in 2010. Voters will be heading to polling stations between 7am and 10pm to cast their votes.

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It comes as Mr Sunak confirmed a summer general election outside Downing Street in May. He had previously said it would take place in the second part of the year.

Polling stations will open from 7am and close at 10pm - and you must attend the address on your poll card in order to vote. However, if you are in a queue to vote at 10pm, the Electoral Commission says you are still allowed to vote.

Meanwhile, new rules ushered in last year mean voters will now need to provide a form of photo ID to vote in person, or have a voter authority certificate.

Here is a look at all the things you can't do in a polling station - from taking selfies, to discussing politics.

Take your dog

We all love a scroll through the adorable #DogsAtPollingStations hashtag every year. However animals aren't usually allowed at polling stations - with the exception of assistance dogs.

It's down to the discretion of each local authority whether to let dogs in or not. The Blue Cross advised owners either to leave dogs at home, or bring someone along with you who can wait outside with your dog while you vote.

Vote without a valid form of ID

Voters now need to show a valid form of photo ID when voting at polling stations in elections. The name on your photo ID should be the same name you used to register to vote. While your photo ID can be out of date, it must clearly look like you.

Passports, driving licences and a Blue badge are among the acceptable forms of photo ID. If you do not have photo ID, you must have applied for a a free ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ by 5pm on April 25.

Wear political slogans

Under voting rules, you cannot wear political slogans when you are voting. You won't be allowed into the polling station if you do. And you must not seek to influence or intimidate other voters in the polling stations.

Vote in same booth as other people

You can only vote on your own - it is not a time to take friends and family into the polling booth. This is a strict rule to maintain a secret ballot.

While you can walk to the polling station with your friends or family members you cannot all go into the voting booth itself. Exceptions are made for people with disabilities, who can be accompanied by the presiding officer, or by a helper.

Doodling or signing ballot paper

Doodling on the ballot paper is not allowed as the vote could be counted as "spoiled" and will not count. You must also never sign your name at the bottom as the vote will be invalidated - as the vote is anonymous.

And you cannot start a political discussion while in the polling station. It's actually a criminal offence to ask someone how they are going to vote - as it could be seen as trying to influence them.

Take a selfie

While it may be tempting to capture the moment you cast your vote with a selfie, you must resist the urge to do this. Photography is not allowed as you may accidentally reveal how you've voted - or how someone standing nearby has voted.

If a picture that links you to your ballot is discovered, your vote may not count.