While millions of voters across England, Scotland, and Wales headed to polling stations on May 7, 2026, for the UK local elections, a reliable tradition returned. Dogs turned up in numbers, waited patiently outside, and once again stole the show.
The #dogsatpollingstations hashtag has been a fixture of UK election days since it gained popularity during the 2015 and 2017 general elections. Every time polls open, British dog owners bring their companions along for the civic occasion and post photos outside the station. It has grown into one of the most wholesome corners of the internet, and this year was no different.
Under UK broadcasting law, news outlets are restricted from reporting on election issues or campaign details while polls are open, so coverage traditionally pivots to photographs of dogs waiting outside polling stations. What started as a workaround became a beloved ritual.
Greyhounds, spaniels, golden retrievers, scruffy terriers, and everything in between lined up outside community halls and school entrances across the country. According to Electoral Commission guidance, dogs are welcome to accompany their owners in a supporting role and can watch the ballot being cast. Those bringing more than two dogs are advised to have a second person hold the lead, so the owner can mark their paper without distraction.
Whether dogs are allowed inside varies from polling station to polling station. The Electoral Commission notes that dogs other than assistance dogs are not usually permitted inside, as they may disturb other voters, though some local authorities allow exceptions at their discretion. For most dogs, the job is to wait outside and look good doing it.
For owners who do bring their dogs along, photos should be taken outside the building. Photographing inside the polling station risks accidentally revealing how someone has voted, which can result in a fine of up to £5,000 or six months in prison. Outside, though, it is fair game, and the photos speak for themselves.
Past elections have also seen parrots, tortoises, snakes, horses, and at least one guinea pig join the tradition. During the 2019 election, Boris Johnson brought his dog Dilyn, while Sadiq Khan arrived with his Labrador, Luna.
This year, as Sir Keir Starmer’s government faces a significant electoral test across England, Scotland, and Wales, the dogs remained blissfully unbothered by the politics. Tails wagging, leads taut, ears perked at anyone walking past.
A reminder that on election day, the best company is usually the one that has no opinion on local council tax policy.
