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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]
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