Dogs at Polling Stations: A Unique Voting Day Tradition

In some parts of the world, dogs have been a welcome presence at polling stations on voting day. In fact, in the UK, dogs have been allowed inside polling stations since 1918, when the Representation of the People Act granted women the right to vote.

This tradition is thought to have originated in the UK, where dogs were often brought to polling stations by their owners. In some areas, dogs were even given their own special "dog-friendly" polling stations.

The presence of dogs at polling stations can be a great way to alleviate stress and anxiety on voting day. In fact, research has shown that simply petting a dog can lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels.

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Dogs at polling stations have become a beloved tradition in the UK.

Social media trend #Dogsatpollingstations has taken off, with dog owners sharing pictures of their furry friends outside polling stations.

Dogs across the country are enjoying the extra exercise and it serves as a welcome break from politics for Brits.

Pooches of all shapes and sizes have been spotted at polling stations, including labradoodles, golden retrievers, and Airedale Terriers.

Apart from assistance dogs, pooches are famously not allowed in polling stations, so many owners leave them outside while they cast their vote.

Dogs have been pictured at polling stations in Brighton and Sussex, as well as other parts of the UK, with some even sporting festive accessories like Christmas tree hats.

PC Tilley, a Sussex Police officer, even helped out a member of the public by dog sitting a pug while its owner voted.

Dogs have gone viral in recent years as they pose for photos outside polling stations across the UK.

Boris Johnson was spotted taking an early morning stroll to a polling station in London with his pup Dilyn.

Johnson wasn't the only politician with a dog in London, as candidates were also pictured with their dogs at polling stations.

Milo, a dog belonging to a candidate, was at Alexandra Parade Primary to vote.

Dilyn and Milo are just two examples of the many dogs that accompanied politicians to polling stations.

The first picture of a dog at a polling station was of Lola, a lovely dog, at the polling station in Newton Stewart, helping elect the first ever Green councillors in Dumfries & Galloway.

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Dogs at polling stations have become a fun tradition in the UK, with many owners bringing their pets along to cast their vote.

Social media trend #Dogsatpollingstations has made it a popular activity, with owners posting pictures of their dogs outside polling stations.

Dogs enjoy the extra exercise and it's a welcome break from politics for Brits until the polls close.

Golden retriever Riloh and her owner Natasha Collins-Daniel were spotted in Bristol, and Henry the labradoodle was seen outside the polling station at Spike Island.

In Brighton and Sussex, dogs of all shapes and sizes headed down to polling stations with their owners, who snapped pictures to celebrate their vote.

Airedale Terrier Raffles sat outside West Hill Community Centre in Hastings, waiting for the local election action, while in Brighton, PC Tilley helped out a member of the public by dog-sitting a pug.

Bosco, a miniature schnauzer, sat at Hove Rugby Club waiting for his owner to vote, and another pup was tied to a bollard in Hassocks.

Many owners are forced to leave their pets outside while they cast their vote, but the photos of the dogs have gone viral in recent years.

This year, some owners even put a festive spin on the tradition, with one dog, Twm, sporting a Christmas tree hat as he turned up to a polling station in the Vale of Glamorgan.