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Filming and taking photos in polling stations

Our advice is that you should not allow for filming or photos to be taken inside polling stations. 

The law relating to obtaining information in polling stations and disclosing such information is complex and there is a risk that someone filming or taking a photo inside a polling station may be in breach of the law,1 whether intentionally or not. Staff should however be aware that some voters may need to use apps on their mobile phone or other devices to help them to read documents, and they should allow them to do so.

If polling station staff see electors or anyone else in the polling station filming or taking  photos, they should bring it to the Presiding Officer's (PO) attention. The PO can then raise it with the individual directly and ask them to stop.

You could decide to display a notice inside polling stations to make clear that filming or photography of any kind (including photos taken on mobile phones or filming captured on smart wearable smart devices, such as smart glasses) is not permitted.

Last updated: 29 October 2026