Mistake that could land you with £5,000 fine if you break voting rule on Thursday

Elections are heating up across England with votes for several mayors and almost two dozen local councils slated for May 1, but a stark warning from experts has highlighted a seemingly innocent yet potentially costly error that could slap voters with fines of up to £5,000, or worse, a stint behind bars, reports .

Carlos Duhney, a security expert and Director at Telcam, cautions eager citizens, particularly those active on social media: "We know people want to encourage others to vote, especially on social media. But snapping a photo in the polling booth could accidentally reveal someone else's vote, which is a serious breach of election laws."

The law is clear-cut under Section 66 of the Representation of the People Act 1983, forbidding anyone from photographing ballots within the confines of a voting booth, whether it's your own paper or another person's, due to the risk it poses in showing how someone else cast their vote.

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Those found breaking this rule could face harsh penalties including a hefty fine of £5,000 or up to six months in prison.

Secrecy and integrity at the ballot box are fiercely protected—the law aims to shield voters from any outside judgment or coercion, ensuring a free and unencumbered voting process.

Carlos stresses, "As a security company, we understand the importance of privacy in all spaces, including polling stations." He added: "It's crucial that people know the rules before they vote. The last thing anyone wants is to face a fine for what might seem like an innocent mistake."

For those itching to broadcast their civic duty, the Electoral Commission suggests doing so away from the polling booth, such as posing with the polling station sign or proudly displaying a polling card once outside.

With voting day approaching, here are some essential Dos and Don'ts to stay fine-free and legally compliant.

DO :

• Take photos only outside the polling station
• Make sure your photo ID is valid and accepted
• Ask for help from polling staff if you’re unsure about the process

DON’T :

• Take photos or videos inside the polling station, especially of your ballot paper or others
• Discuss how someone is voting within the polling station as this could be seen as undue influence
• Campaign or wear political slogans inside or near a polling station
• Share photos of your completed ballot on social media; even your own vote is private by law
• Bring another person into the voting booth, unless you're registered to receive assistance