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]

References
  1. Etehad, Melissa (23 June 2016). "Pencil or pen? An unusual conspiracy theory grips Brexit vote". Washington Post. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  2. Dobreva, Diyana; Grinnell, Daniel; Innes, Martin (6 May 2019). "Prophets and Loss: How "Soft Facts" on Social Media Influenced the Brexit Campaign and Social Reactions to the Murder of Jo Cox MP". Policy & Internet. 12 (2): 144–164. doi:10.1002/poi3.203. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  3. "Keith's mum, pencil plots and other EU referendum day trends". BBC News. 23 June 2016. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  4. Addley, Esther (23 June 2016). "EU ballot papers: pencils draw conspiracy fears". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 December 2019.


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