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Dogs at polling stations: Pooches at the polls

News image@alfiethepug_ Alfie the pub says 'job done' at a polling station in Cheshire@alfiethepug_
Alfie the pug is looking pleased with himself at a polling station in Cheshire

Whenever voters go to the polls it's their dogs that take centre stage as they accompany their owners to polling stations across the country.

In an election tradition, the hashtag #dogsatpollingstations has been trending as social media users share pictures of their 'pawlitical' companions.

As the general election is being held in December for the first time since 1923, we are being treated to photos of our furry four-legged friends in festive spirit.

Millie, golden retriever, Devon

News image@sewingloon Millie, golden retriever, Devon@sewingloon
Millie in full Santa gear sits proudly at her local polling station

Ruby, sprocker spaniel, Lancashire

News image@rubysprocker Ruby isn't Santa's reindeers but she could have been!@rubysprocker
Ruby went to her polling station in Burnley disguised as a reindeer

Butch, yorkie/poodle & Bertie, Maltese/shitzu, Weston-super-Mare

News imageSandra Burton-Dickie Butch and BertieSandra Burton-Dickie
Santa Butch and his little helper Bertie dressed up for the occasion as their owner Sandra Burton-Dickie cast her vote in Weston-super-mare

Sam, labrador, York

News image@Imogen_OT Sam the guide dog contemplates the future in York@Imogen_OT
Sam the guide dog contemplates the future of the country

Buster, red fox labrador, Oxfordshire

News image@peteway Buster is all lit up outside a polling station in Wantage, Oxfordshire@peteway
How many light bulbs does it take to change a dog? Buster is as confused as we are
News imageMore on Election 2019

Follow election night on the BBC

  • Watch the election night special with Huw Edwards from 21:55 GMT on BBC One, the BBC News Channel, iPlayer
  • As polls close at 22:00, the BBC will publish an exit poll across all its platforms, including @bbcbreaking and @bbcpolitics
  • The BBC News website and app will bring you live coverage and the latest analysis throughout the night
  • We will feature results for every constituency as they come in with a postcode search, map and scoreboards
  • Follow @bbcelection for every constituency result
  • From 21:45 GMT, Jim Naughtie and Emma Barnett will host live election night coverage on BBC Radio 4, with BBC Radio 5 live joining for a simulcast from midnight
News imagePresentational line

Luca, long haired Chihuahua, Cardiff

News image@hannahrwelsh Luca braves the cold in Cardiff. Luckily he's got his Santa coat on while he waits for his owner Hannah at a polling station in Cardiff@hannahrwelsh
Luca braves the cold in Cardiff. Luckily he has his Santa coat on while he waits for his owner Hannah

Heidi, border terrier, Greater Manchester

News image@misheleneous Heidi the border terrier makes her best impression of a Christmas tree outside a polling station in Prestwich, Greater Manchester@misheleneous
Heidi makes her best impression of a Christmas tree outside a polling station in Prestwich, Greater Manchester

Henry, beagle/bassett cross, East Manchester

News imageHenry the Blue Peter dog
Blue Peter dog Henry keeps a watchful eye at one polling station in East Manchester

Twm, border collie, Vale of Glamorgan

News image@EsylltMair Twm insisted on wearing his Christmas tree headband for his polling station visit in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales@EsylltMair
Twm is rocking his Christmas tree headband for his polling station visit in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales

Harry, border collie & Heidi beagle/labrador, Essex

News image@mattchinchilla cute dogs@mattchinchilla
Harry and Heidi are wondering why their owner is leaving the house in the cold and dark in Essex. Pawrent Max Miller says: "Usually we'd take them during a summer time election and have a nice walk, but it's just too chilly and dark to make the journey."