Voters have sparked a social media storm by questioning the provision of pencils to make a mark on the voting slip in the EU Referendum.
Some voters in Barrow and Askam, as well as thousands across the UK, have taken to social media to suggest there could be a sinister reason for why pencils, and not pens, are provided at polling stations.
Some voters are suggesting that pencil marks could be erased, and are advising others to take a pen with them to the polling stations using the hashtag #pencilgate.
An official response from the Electoral Commission to local authorities tasked with overseeing the vote states that voters are welcome to bring their own pens to vote, but must take them away afterwards.
Remember – using a pencil to vote in the #EURef is fine. But you can use your own pen if you wish. Just don’t leave it behind!
— Electoral Commission (@ElectoralCommUK) June 23, 2016
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