Voters taking selfies in poll station face arrest

Voters taking “selfies” inside polling stations on Thursday could face a fine or even jail, electoral chiefs have warned.

Selfies have been a popular feature of this general election, but voters have been warned they face arrest if they take them from inside a polling station. Picture: Robert Perry

Pictures posted on social media from inside stations could breach electoral law which protects the “secrecy of the ballot.” In extreme cases it could mean a fine or a possible prison sentence, the Electoral Commission confirmed yesterday.

Voters are also being urged to make sure they vote on time to avoid the chaotic scenes witnessed at some polling stations in England five years ago.

Andy O’Neill, Head of Scotland Office at the Electoral Commission, said: “This year’s elections will be a chance for voters to have their say on the issues that affect them. We don’t want anyone to miss out because they didn’t know what to expect on polling day. Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm, so plan now when you’re going to cast your vote. Information on how to mark your ballot paper will be available inside the polling station.”

Polling stations across Scotland will open at 7am on Thursday and until 10pm. Any voter who arrives at the polling station before 10pm and is still waiting to vote at 10pm will be able to. Legislation was changed in 2013 to allow this to happen following a recommendation by the Commission.

Scots are also being warned they can only cast their vote at the polling station on their poll card - but they don’t need tthis to vote.

They can also take their postal vote to their polling station and hand it in if they haven’t had a chance to post it in time.