Humans were not the only ones having their say at polling stations across the county with plenty of dogs tagging along for the journey.
The dogs at polling station tradition started in 2016 after the Brexit referendum and has become a highlight for many on election days.
With Oxfordshire heading to the polls for the local elections today (May 2), plenty of four-legged friends were out and about despite the overcast and stormy conditions.
Headington hound Harry joined his owner Clare Cook while another called Harry was at the Grace Church Cowley Station with his owner Emma Kelly.
Harry and I were delighted to cast our vote in the local elections this morning #Headington #Oxford #Dogsatpollingstations pic.twitter.com/8Re0hTl4DO
— Clare Cook 💙 (@tigercubmum) May 2, 2024
Paddy the Sprocker Spaniel was also out and about with owner Charlie Raikes.
Mr Raikes told the Oxford Mail why he had come out to vote with his loyal companion, saying he is concerned about the Botley Road closure, bus gates and the impact on traffic in Oxford.
"We need more house building," he added.
Councils were also showing off their furry friends as dogs at polling stations continued to trend on social media.
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm today.
— Oxford City Council (@OxfordCity) May 2, 2024
Please remember to take a photo ID with you.
Feel free to tag us in any pictures of your #dogsatpollingstations 🗳️🐾#LocalElections #Oxford #Elections2024 pic.twitter.com/yFcT6hXUAg
Our polling station staff in Kingston Bagpuize were delighted to receive a visit from this friendly face today!
— Vale of White Horse (@WhiteHorseDC) May 2, 2024
If you've taken a pic of your dog outside a polling station today, we'd love to see it - just drop it in the comments!#dogsatpollingstations #PCCElection #vote pic.twitter.com/MMO7056Glf
Even the candidates running themselves took part in the trend with Matthew Barber, incumbent police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, posting a photo of his own cute canine.
Obligatory photo #DogsAtPollingStations
— Matthew Barber (@matthew_barber) May 2, 2024
Lend me your support today and back my plan for cutting crime and catching criminals. #BackBarber 🗳️ pic.twitter.com/cz9Q8W3QL8
The polls are open. Don't have a ruff day and forget to vote - it's a walk in the bark! And don't forget to paws 🐾 outside the polling station and show us your 🤳 of #DogsAtPollingStations pic.twitter.com/7cvIlPgl3k
— Oxford City Council (@OxfordCity) May 2, 2024
National pet charity Blue Cross has released advice for dog owners who may want to take their pet along to their local polling station.
The charity said rules on dogs entering polling stations may vary.
We want to see your #DogsAtPollingStations , so don’t forget to tag us! 🐶
— West Oxfordshire District Council (@WodcNews) May 2, 2024
Be sure to bring a voting buddy so your furry friend isn’t left unattended. #LocalElections #YourVoteMatters pic.twitter.com/ap4cXjZ5ER
"According to guidance from the Electoral Commission, dogs, apart from assistance dogs, are not usually allowed inside as they can disturb voters," the Blue Cross spokesperson said.
"However, some polling stations may be more flexible.
"If you’re thinking of taking your dog along with you to vote, it’s best to check with the venue in advance."
The charity has advised that owners not leave animals tied up outside a venue due to the "unfortunate but real risk of theft" - with pet thefts on the increase.
"It’s best to leave your dog at home, or to bring someone along with you who can wait outside with your pet while you vote," the charity said.
They also warned that it was against the law to communicate information about how someone has voted, is about to vote or to communicate the unique ID ballot paper number.
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