All the best dogs at polling stations on election day

It’s election day in the UK and that can mean only one thing: dogs at polling stations.

Yes, it’s an important time in the political history of the country we live in. And yes, we all need to exercise our democratic duty to get out and vote, whether for a metropolitan mayor, a local councillor, a police and crime commissioner, a Welsh MS or Scottish MSP.

But no matter your political persuasion, there’s something everyone in the UK can agree on. There are dogs, they are at polling stations, and they are all very good boys and girls.

Here are some of the best we’ve found so far.

Photojournalist Craig Connor snapped the proudest political pup of the day before breakfast at the Fulwell Windmill and Tea Rooms in Sunderland.

Teddy the dog waits for his owner who was voting at the picturesque Polling Station for the UK 2021 Local Elections at Fulwell Windmill and Tea Rooms in Sunderland on Thursday 6th May.@ChronicleLive@SunderlandLive#Election2021#dogsatpollingstations#photographypic.twitter.com/FXQ5JWHPwY

— Craig Connor (@ConnorReachPLC) May 6, 2021

Apparently no one told these dogs at a polling station in well-to-do Dulwich about social distancing. No fewer than nine pups lining up on a park bench in shocking breach of coronavirus restrictions.

Fantastic turnout in Dulwich Village! #dogsatpollingstations#superthursday#londonmayorpic.twitter.com/12ytp7Udj1

— Anna Skipwith (@hellosocialLdn) May 6, 2021

Former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson shared a pic of her dog Wilson, which looks to be some kind of springer spaniel. Politically prepared and criminally cute.

Wilson doing his democratic duty#dogsatpollingstationspic.twitter.com/Vj1acTA3CJ

— Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) May 6, 2021

Short-legged dogs have become something of a trend. Helen Best-Shaw shared this pic of what looks like a mix between a schnauzer and a corgi looking forlorn and alone. We hope its owner returns soon.

#dogsatpollingstationspic.twitter.com/3auJ6Ia3uG

— Helen Best-Shaw (@FussFreeHelen) May 6, 2021

This handsome boy photographed by the BBC’s Rich Preston was so excited to vote he scarfed the whole polling card.

Democracy Dog.

Mayoral Mutt

Political Pooch.

Candidate-Choosing Canine. #dogsatpollingstationspic.twitter.com/ulCM6pNe2a

— Rich Preston (@RichPreston) May 6, 2021

Sadiq Khan roped in his pup Luna to try to rustle up some votes. We see you Sadiq. WE SEE YOU.

London: This election is going down to the wire and we cannot be complacent – every vote counts.

Polls are open and you have until 10pm.

A vote for Labour is a vote for London. If you love our city please come out and vote for it! #votelabour#dogsatpollingstationspic.twitter.com/KXhDCsxJDX

— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) May 6, 2021

And Plaid Cymru jumped on the bandwagon too, asking for followers to share pics of their dogs at polling stations. It takes impressive dexterity to apply a rosette with only paws.

Any dogs at polling stations this year? Can you pop to your local one, vote, and let us know?! ????#VoteForWales#PlaidThisTime ???????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/CfG2cIBHCB

— Plaid Cymru ???????????????????????????? (@Plaid_Cymru) May 6, 2021

Dr Jen Gupta’s dog is serving double duty, protecting both democracy and a wee baby in a pram. What a fantastically good boy (or girl, we’re not sure).

Did a vote / baby's first democracy / #DogsAtPollingStationspic.twitter.com/5rinxDrLJE

— Dr Jen Gupta (@jen_gupta) May 6, 2021

This poor pup was wearing PPE at a polling station. Can dogs transmit Covid? Is this animal cruelty? Do we care?

Following government guidance to the letter ???? #dogsatpollingstationspic.twitter.com/65ufo9qSe2

— bluebell64 (@faithless_maxi) May 6, 2021

One polling station, it seems was having none of it. Spoil sports.

Tried to get a ‘dogs at polling stations’ picture, but I was right up against it … ???? ???? ???? #scottishelections2021#dogsatpollingstations#snppic.twitter.com/xxOPYORW6R

— Henrik Brandt (@henrikglasgow) May 6, 2021