British voters are picking a new government today (Thursday, 4 July) in a parliamentary election that is widely expected to bring the Labour Party to power.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer looks set to win a landslide majority, besting even the efforts of the Blair government in 1997.
But the real story of the day, at least on X, formerly known as Twitter, has been #DogsAtPollingStations.
Whatever your political persuasion, I think we can all agree that dogs will make this day better.
Don’t forget your voter ID tomorrow.#DogsAtPollingStations pic.twitter.com/3ed69h0CP4
— #DogsAtPollingStations (@VotingDogs) July 3, 2024
Anna Skipwith, from Dulwich Village, south London, shared her fifth "dogs at polling stations" picture on X, marking the moment members of her community came out to vote.
"It's become a bit of a local tradition," she told BBC News. "Most of the dogs know each other, although there were a couple of new puppies this morning who haven't done it before."
She has also taken pictures of the dogs outside the parish hall at general and local elections in 2019, 2021, 2022 and on 2 May this year.
Gracie, Lola and I just voted ❌#GE24 #dogsatpollingstations pic.twitter.com/TBzDc3ugz3
— Victoria Derbyshire (@vicderbyshire) July 4, 2024
"The dogs seem to know the drill," she said.
"I hope it shows a nice positive side of social media."
And that it was. Here are some of the best:
#DogsAtPollingStations #DougsAtPollingStations pic.twitter.com/nmqfXq2ENR
— TechnicallyRon (On all the platforms) (@TechnicallyRon) July 4, 2024
Recommended reading:
Sunak and Starmer make final pleas to voters ahead of General Election
Labour government will rise to the challenge of populism, says Sir Keir Starmer
General Election voting under way after weeks of campaigning
The most important pic of the day. Titan at the polling station.
— Sam Nicholas (@samalexnicholas) July 4, 2024
Titan would still like treats at polling stations to be a manifesto commitment from all parties! #DogsAtPollingStations pic.twitter.com/lJJ5AF7Deh
Mrs Skipwith said that her 11-year-old working Cocker Spaniel Tilly had been in every picture, alongside about five other dogs.
While some of "the pack" changes with each vote, Ms Skipworth said all of the dogs were well-behaved and sat for the picture with their owners nearby.
So, the big question remains, will you be taking your dog to vote? If so, show us!
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