The UK's Electoral Commission has warned social media savvy voters that while it isn't illegal to take a selfie while voting, it is in breach of voting secrecy rules to share an image — accidentally or not — that shows how someone else may have voted.
And testament to Britain's attempts to protect the secrecy of voters, the maximum penalty for such an offence is six months in jail.
I opted for postal vote so don't get to take a cool picture of me at a polling station. What's the point democracy if I can't get a selfie?
— Sammy Paul (@ICOEPR) May 7, 2015
If anyone takes a selfie whilst in the polling station, you are an idiot! ����
— Aaron #17:) (@MrDangerDaysF1) May 7, 2015
Guidelines on selfies have been given to polling officials across the country, who have been informing people that any photos that may accidentally catch the vote of someone else in the background could lead to charges.
UK Election: When You Vote You Can't Take A Selfie But You Can Bring Your Pooch! http://t.co/fSHlE8vgQt #GE2015 pic.twitter.com/kMcdhLRXZj
— PoochPal ® (@poochtech) May 7, 2015
"The law relating to obtaining information in polling stations and disclosing such information is complex," the instructions stated.
"Given the risk that someone taking a photo inside a polling station may be in breach of the law, whether intentionally or not, our advice is that you should not allow photos to be taken inside polling stations."
Some polling stations have taken the message seriously, banning voters from taking photographs inside the booths.
Forgot to take a selfie outside the polling station but I fear all the pensioners would've looked at me weirdly
— Hannah Mac (@hannahmac69) May 7, 2015
Meanwhile, others look to be taking their chances, with students from Sheffield University in the north of England generating support for polling booth snaps with the #sheffieldstudentsvote hashtag.
As a politics student it is my duty to urge you all to vote! So go do it! #GE0215 #sheffieldstudentsvote #IVoted pic.twitter.com/ESBRMJwNys
— Jordon. (@jordonxoxo) May 7, 2015
Job done #ElectionDay #GE2015 #sheffieldstudentsvote #GenerationVote pic.twitter.com/uUMQsmPvj1
— Lauren Elliott (@LauReNbeSmall) May 7, 2015
Under the Representation of the People Act, people found guilty of breaking secrecy rules in polling stations could be hit with a $7,600 (£5,000) fine, or in some extreme cases, up to six months in prison.
