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Voters should bring along pens to EU referendum polling stations to avoid an MI5 plot, according to Leave campaigners.
Backers of Brexit are urging people to write in pen to ensure their ballot papers cannot be erased after the votes have been cast.
Follow the latest live updates on the EU referendum
Leave campaigners say they are worried the EU referendum is being manipulated by the Government.
Two-thirds of Ukip voters believe there is a plot to rig the vote, while a third of them believe MI5 are involved in it, according to a poll this week.
Those warning about the conspiracy suggest MI5 or another government agency could rub out the crosses on their ballot papers before they are counted – presumably either spoiling their vote or changing it into a vote to remain in the EU.
Numerous people are sharing messages telling people to bring along pens to stop a possible conspiracy to rig the vote. Some have even taken to reminding people at polling stations, with people writing “USE A PEN TO VOTE” on polling station signs as a reminder.
Others have suggested that people should press extra hard when drawing their cross to ensure that it is still visible even if it is erased.
Though pencils are provided within polling stations, there is no legal obligation to vote with them and using your own pen will mean ballot papers will still be counted.
Voting rules are relatively relaxed and mean that people can theoretically vote with a tick rather than a cross if they wanted to.
Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain?Show all 30 1 /30Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? David Beckham (REMAIN) The former captain for the England international football team announced on Instagram that he was “voting to Remain”. He said: “We live in a vibrant and connected world where together as a people we are strong. For our children and their children we should be facing the problems of the world together and not alone.”
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Victoria Beckham (REMAIN) 'I believe in my country, I believe in a future for my children where we are stronger together and I support the remain campaign.'
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Daniel Craig (REMAIN) Actor He was pictured wearing a white T-shirt with the slogan: 'No man is an island. No country by itself. Vote Remain on 23rd June.'
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Bob Geldof (REMAIN) Irish singer expresses his support for the Remain vote as he waves from a boat carrying supporters for the 'Remain' campaign in London
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? John Cleese (LEAVE) The Monty Python star signalled he will vote to leave the EU when he tweeted: "If I thought there was any chance of major reform in the EU, I'd vote to stay in. But there isn't. Sad."
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Daniel Portman (REMAIN) Game of Thrones actor supports Reamin vote
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Elton John (REMAIN) The singer also announced his intention to vote Remain on Instagram, sharing an image which said “Build bridges not walls,” along with the caption “I'm voting to remain. #StrongerInEurope”
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Roger Daltrey (LEAVE) Former frontman of iconic rock band The Who.” I am not anti European, but I an anti the present way we are being governed in Europe,” he wrote in The Mirror. “The whole system has been corrupted by political ego and massive government overreach. The Euro being a perfect example… I do not want to be dragged into the kind of Federal State that this present EU is pushing for - with the UK's voice getting smaller and smaller.
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? JK Rowling (REMAIN) The author of the Harry Potter books has expressed concern that "racists and bigots" are directing parts of the Leave campaign. She added: “How can a retreat into selfish and insecure individualism be the right response when Europe faces genuine threats, when the bonds that tie us are so powerful, when we have come so far together? How can we hope to conquer the enormous challenges of terrorism and climate change without cooperation and collaboration?”
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Vivienne Westwood (REMAIN) British fashion designer expressed her support for Remain vote
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Michael Caine (LEAVE) The actor has said he is a reluctant Leaver. He said: "I don't know what to vote for. Both are scary. To me, you've now got in Europe a sort of government-by-proxy of everybody, who has now got carried away. Unless there is some extremely significant changes, we should get out."
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Benedict Cumberbatch (REMAIN) Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir Patrick Stewart led more than 280 figures from the arts world who backed a vote to stay. An open letter pledging support for Remain was also signed by music stars Hot Chip, alt-J and Paloma Faith, authors Dame Hilary Mantel and John le Carre, and fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood. Daniel Craig was pictured wearing a vote Remain t-shirt with the words "No man is an island. No country by itself" emblazoned across it in a picture tweeted on the Stronger IN account.
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Patrick Stewart (REMAIN) Actor is a leading supporter of the Remain campaign
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Elizabeth Hurley (LEAVE) The actress said “If it means we can go back to using decent lightbulbs and choose high-powered hairdryers and vacuum cleaners if we so wish, I'm joining Brexit for sure.”
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Stephen Hawking (REMAIN) The physicist was in favour staying, and said "progress comes from co-operation". He said: "By working together in Europe we make our economy stronger and we give ourselves more influence in the world and we provide future opportunities for young people." Numerous scientists have also voiced their support for Remain, claiming an out vote would badly damage the field.
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Sol Campbell (LEAVE) – The former England international football star said he is backing Brexit so that young British sporting talent would be nurtured and given greater opportunities at British clubs. He said: "I'm looking at the sporting side - how youngsters aren't getting the opportunities at some of the big clubs and some of the big clubs are bringing in youngsters from 14, 15, 16 and becoming homegrown, which is pushing some of our youngsters out."
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Hilary Mantel (REMAIN) Author Hilary Mantel announced her support for Remain vote
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Bear Grylls (REMAIN) The adventurer and TV presenter said he spoke "from the heart" in backing the EU. "At such a time for the UK to retreat, run and cut ourselves loose from Europe, when there are so many challenges on our doorstep, to me just doesn't feel either courageous or kind,” he said. “Europe has many flaws, but I also believe the way to help resolve many of those tough issues is from within... I have never been a good quitter and I am so proud of the UK and our values: tolerance, kindness, respect, courage and resilience. This is why I want us to stay together and Remain in Europe."
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Billy Bragg (REMAIN) British singer decided to support Remain campaign
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Ian Botham (LEAVE) The former England Test cricketer and Test team captain supports Brexit
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Simon Cowell (REMAIN) Music mogul Simon Cowell announced his support of staying in EU
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? David James (LEAVE) The former England goalkeeper supports Brexit
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Idris Elba (REMAIN) The actor voiced his support for Remain vote
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? John Le Carre (REMAIN) British writer supports Remain campaign
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Paloma Faith (REMAIN) English singer supports Remain campaign
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Perry McCarthy (LEAVE) The racing driver supports Leave campaign
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Keira Knightley (REMAIN) The actress intends to vote for Remain campaign
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? James Cracknell (LEAVE) British athlete and rowing champion decided to vote for Brexit
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Florence Welch (REMAIN) British singer supports Remain campaign
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Which celebrities support Brexit and which support Remain? Helena Bonham-Carter (REMAIN) The actress expressed her support for Remain vote
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The Electoral Commission has welcomed people bringing a pen and said observers watch counts to ensure that they are kept secure. Campaigners from both sides have been invited to proceedings to ensure they are not being tampered with.
“By tradition, pencils are available in polling booths for voters to mark their ballot papers,” a spokesperson said. “If a voter wishes to bring their own pen and use that, it's fine.”
“In regards to security, at the count there are statutory observers to make sure that they are carried out correctly. Campaigners are also invited to observe the counts taking place.”
Seven areas that could swing EU referendum The Electoral Reform Society echoed the warning, telling a voter on Twitter “you can bring your own pen/marker/sharpie”.
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