European elections: Officials respond to conspiracy theories over pencils in polling stations

Anxious voters are welcome to bring pens, Electoral Commission says

Conspiracy theory circulated before the first Brexit vote. (Getty Images)

The UK's Electoral Commission has responded to a widespread conspiracy theory about using pens in the European elections.

Some have claimed that voters must use ink for their vote to count. Using a standard pencil will allow biased people at the count will be able to erase the mark from the box and change the vote so that it has been cast for somebody else.

The story gained particular traction around the Brexit referendum, when Leave supporters were urged to take pens with them to ensure their votes could not be tampered with.

There has never been any documented case of such an event taking place. Counts are closely watched by officials and politicians from different parties, meaning it would be very difficult to get away with.

The Electoral Commission has responded, saying that anyone bringing along a pen will be entirely entitled to vote as normal.

It did not endorse the practice, but nor did it make any explicit reference to the conspiracy theories or the reason that anyone would bring along a pen.

Instead, it only made reference to electoral law, which indicates that people can bring their own pen or pencil to cast their ballot and will not be forced to use the one in the polling station.

The UK heads to the polls for European Elections over Thursday.

The rest of the continent will vote between Thursday and Sunday, and results will finally be revealed on Monday morning.