Is there any special reason as to why they are using pencils instead of pens at polling stations? :suspect:

First time voter then Trever? They've always used those little stubby pencils held on with a bit of string ...

They take an ordinary pencil and cut it into four pieces .... economy, economy, economy! :D

Originally posted by rubydazzler
First time voter then Trever? They've always used those little stubby pencils held on with a bit of string ...

They take an ordinary pencil and cut it into four pieces .... economy, economy, economy! :D

Are you sure? Can't remember using pencils before. I've seen marker pens and normal pens but never pencils, must be a Parson Cross/Hillsborough thing

Its probably so that when polling closes they can take out the big box of jumbo erasers from under the desk and "amend" our ballot papers as appropriate;)

Pencils? Our polling station is a school, so we got a crayon on a string...

As I said on another thread, I've been voting in General Elections and local elections since 1969 in many different locations and I've never seen anything but little stubby pencils used ... you can use your own pen I suppose ...


Sara, nice idea lol - but it's a matter of honour for each presiding officer to get the ballot box from the polling station to the count asap ... and as soon as they arrive, usually within minutes of the polls closing .. they're tipped out onto the tables and sorted watched closely by candidates, agents and supporters ... even if anyone wanted to alter them - they wouldn't have time ...

spiffy, crayons? you posh things! :P

*lol* I was asking the very same thing on another forum. This is normal practice?! Seems to leave the opportunity for rigging wide open! :hihi: I did however make sure I scrubbed my 'X' down hard. :P

I've only ever used pencils in Sheffield voting....made me curious so looked this topic up. I realise there is no chance for rigging votes really, I think it's probably economy and also pencils aren't likey to 'run-out' like pens do. but I will from now on be taking my own pen!
:suspect:

Our polling station is on the Cross so we got an ink pad.You put your finger in it and make your mark. Then nick the ink pad.

Is there any special reason as to why they are using pencils instead of pens at polling stations? :suspect:


Perhaps it's because capital punishment has been abolished in the UK?

'Hanging Chad' isn't an option.:hihi:

Perhaps it's because capital punishment has been abolished in the UK?

'Hanging Chad' isn't an option.:hihi:

That may be just a bit too subtle Rupert.. :)

Our polling station is on the Cross

Odd that your location says "S10":suspect:

Odd that your location says "S10":suspect:

All my family live on the cross, I bettered myself and go back every now and then so I don't forget how lucky I am to live in Hallam. I'm a Tory you know.

Odd that your location says "S10":suspect:


:hihi:Gotcha!:loopy:

Is there any special reason as to why they are using pencils instead of pens at polling stations? :suspect:

They've nicked a job lot from IKEA. You'll also get a little tape measure if you vote.

pencils are cheaper and also the voters would probably steal pens if they were provided.

There's nothing to stop you from bringing your own biro, and I'm absolutely sure that if you do this, it won't invalidate your vote.

Is it part of the Presiding Officer's duties to sharpen the pencils on a regular basis throughout the day?

6 year old thread dredged up anybody?

6 year old thread dredged up anybody?

important elections next week. It's a good dredge-up.

nothing to stop somebody from bringing their own eraser into the polling booth either, to rub out their previous pencilled vote.

you should be allowed to vote, and then change your mind before you put your vote into the bin. In which case, you should just say sorry, I've spoiled my ballot paper, can I have a new one please?