Local elections 2025: Why you only ever vote with a pencil

Contrary to popular belief, you are able to use a pen to vote in elections, although there are risk associated with doing so. On 1 May, millions of people will take to the ballot box in elections across the country, in what will serve as the first appraisal of the Labour government’s first year in charge.

Elections will be held in 14 county councils in the UK as well as eight unitary authorities. There will be a parliamentary by-election in Runcorn following the resignation of MP Mike Amesbury after being convicted for assaulting a constituent. Simultaneously, there will be elections for regional metro-mayors, who run large, combined authorities in places such as Hull, Greater Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire.

The Electoral Commission, the body who oversees elections in the UK says on their website: “There will be a pencil in the polling booth, but you can use your own pen or pencil if you prefer.”

Those who turn out to vote will be able to do so with whatever writing instrument they choose, although there are two practical reasons why pencil is often preferred.

Firstly, one is due to the risk of pen ink smudging and spoiling the ballot paper, thus making it invalid.

The second, is owing to the risk of ink transferring onto another box when the ballot is folded, which would make it difficult to ascertain who the voter wanted to select.

It is vital that the choice of candidate is made clear, with any ambiguity meaning your ballot runs the risk of being discarded.

The Commission advises: “mark ‘X’ next who you want to vote for on the ballot paper. You might be asked to vote for more than one person. Take your time to read everything. There will be instructions on the ballot paper and on posters in the polling station.”

However, the myth that pens are banned as it prevents voters from changing their mind whilst in the booth is dismissed by the Electoral Commission.

The website states: “If you make a mistake and need a new ballot paper, don't worry – just speak to the staff and they can give you a new ballot paper, as long as you haven't already put one in the ballot box.”