Voting pencil conspiracy theory

The voting pencil conspiracy theory is a conspiracy theory that using the pencils provided in British polling stations allows the result to be changed by MI5.^[1] Promoters of the theory urge people to use pen on the basis that it makes it harder for MI5 to change the vote.^[1] The theory originated with "Yes" voters in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum and was widespread among "Leave" voters during the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum.^[1] On Twitter, the hashtags #Usepens and #Pencilgate were used to promote the theory.^[2][3] Legally, voters are free to use the pencil or bring their own pen.^[4] The Electoral Commission states that pencils are offered due to greater reliability and reduced risk of ink being transferred across a folded ballot paper.^[5]

The conspiracy theory later spread beyond the UK and featured in the 2022 Australian federal election.^[6]

The conspiracy theory also spread to Canada in the 2025 federal election.^[7] Canadian election law requires that a pencil be offered but voters are free to bring their own pen.^[8]