Offbeat

#dogsatpollingstations trends on Twitter as pooches visit the polls

Voters share pictures of their pets as they arrive to take part in election and referendum

Siobhan Quill’s dog Buffy waits outside a polling station in Ireland. Photograph: Siobhan Quill/PA
Siobhan Quill’s dog Buffy waits outside a polling station in Ireland. Photograph: Siobhan Quill/PA
Fri Oct 26 2018 - 14:42

The President could change in the coming days, but the tradition of Irish voters bringing their dogs to the polls seems to be going nowhere.

The hashtag #dogsatpollingstations trended on Twitter on Friday, with voters sharing pictures of their pets as they arrived to take part in the presidential election and blasphemy referendum.

With more than 3.2 million people entitled to vote in 40 constituencies, many used their canine friends to encourage others to exercise their democratic right.

“Me and Mr Dog exercising my democratic right,” wrote Jon Payne.

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"Hugo among the #DogsAtPollingStations. Now Go And Vote for MichaelDHiggins," wrote Bernard Harbor with an image of his dog, tagging incumbent President Michael D Higgins.

“Buffy says make sure you get out to vote today!” tweeted Siobhan Quill.

Polling stations were due to open across the country from between 7am and 10pm, with the electorate also being asked whether they wanted to remove the offence of blasphemy from the Irish constitution.

Bernard Harbor’s dog Hugo waiting outside a polling station. Photograph: Bernard Harbor/PA Wire
Bernard Harbor’s dog Hugo waiting outside a polling station. Photograph: Bernard Harbor/PA Wire

“Gabby has given Miggeldy her number one and voted to remove blasphemy from the constitution,” wrote DogsForChoice.

“Miggeldy” refers to President Higgins, one of six candidates in the election.

The others are Senator Joan Freeman, Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada, and three businessmen — Sean Gallagher, Gavin Duffy and Peter Casey.

While some promoted their favourite candidate, others took the opportunity to suggest dog-friendly policies.

“Diesel says that in these uncertain times we need more doggy biscuits,” wrote Joe Lafferty, Twitter handle SilentFugitive.

A dog waits for it’s owner as he votes in the Irish presidential election at a polling station in St Joseph’s School, Dublin. Photograph: Cate McCurry/PA Wire
A dog waits for it’s owner as he votes in the Irish presidential election at a polling station in St Joseph’s School, Dublin. Photograph: Cate McCurry/PA Wire

Much of the social media activity around #dogsatpollingstations is light-hearted, but Mr Lafferty said the trend “strikes a chord” with many.

“It brings a sense of colour to an otherwise dry subject matter,” the 45-year-old from Donegal told the Press Association. “To [dog lovers], there is a dog-human bond there that no politician could ever establish.

“People trust in the loyalty of their dog, way more than of a politician.”–PA