When it’s time to head to a polling station, you’ll know you need to remember to take your ID but are you aware of the things you can’t do while you’re there?

Voting gives us a voice as you get to have our say on which local councillors or MPs you’d like to provide local services in your community.

But, when voting, there are some rules you’ll need to follow. If you’re unsure what these are, look no further as these are things you can and can’t do at polling stations.

Polling station rules – what can and can’t do at polling stations

Writing equipment will be provided but if you want to, you can take your own pen or pencil, BBC News reports.

What do local councils do?

You can share who you voted for with your followers on social media but you are advised to avoid doing this while still inside the polling station.

If you’re using a postal ballot paper, you are allowed to share a picture of your own online if you want to.

You can spoil your vote by writing a message of protest on your ballot paper but it won’t count either for or against any of the candidates. If you sign your ballot paper and your name can be identified, your vote won’t count.

Political clothing is allowed to be worn inside a polling station but if you wear a political slogan, you must leave immediately after voting.

This is because you aren’t allowed to campaign inside polling stations.

If you have children, they are allowed to enter the polling station with you but you can’t let them mark a ballot paper with your vote.

Drunk people or people who have been drinking can vote as usual but only if they’re not disruptive.

If you are disabled and need some assistance when it comes to voting, you can get help from staff members or bring someone with you.

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While you might be used to snapping a selfie in public places, you are not allowed to take pictures inside a polling station.

This is because it risks the secrecy of the ballot, says the Electoral Commission.

If you reveal how someone else voted, even if you didn’t mean to, you could be fined up to £5,000 or six months in prison, the BBC explains.

However, you can take photos outside a polling station if you wish to.

Pets aren’t usually allowed to enter polling stations, except for assistance dogs, but it’s up to the local authority whether to let other dogs enter.

Don’t discuss politics inside the polling station because this isn’t allowed and a member of staff will intervene if they can hear any conversation about any candidates or parties.