Why do we use PENCILS to vote?

[Snow Patrol]

The one writing implement, that can actually be erased?

Why not a pen, or a perm marker, or just something other than a pencil?

I'm NOT suggesting that our votes ARE being changed... Just why not use something that ISNT potentially erasable?

[Peter]

European Directive 274/845A

Remember in the Irish referendum when the people voted the wrong way and were made to do it again, (and again and again until they voted the right way)

Well re-running referendums is expensive, so it was decided that that pencils should be used so that votes could be 'amended' at the count so that the desired result was achieved on the first running.


I dunno, it would make sense to use a marker. I'm sure there's a better way than a cross on a piece of paper these days, too.

[cockneygeezer2009]

Maybe because pencils are cheaper than pens? I've voted loads of times and i've never thought about the pencil use.

[andy at handiwork]

The soft and broad graphite pencil, which gives a clear and easy to read mark for the vote-counters, is less likely to damage the ballot paper than a harder and sharper pen. Possibly cheaper than the alternatives as well.

[JamesW]

Snow Patrol wrote:

> The one writing implement, that can actually be erased?
>
> Why not a pen, or a perm marker, or just something other than a
> pencil?
>
> I'm NOT suggesting that our votes ARE being changed... Just why
> not use something that ISNT potentially erasable?


Because it isn't potentially erasable. The pencils used in UK elections are indelible.

If you don't believe the pencils used are indelible you can always use your own pen instead. There's no rule saying that you have to use the indelible pencil provided.

[JamesW]

cockneygeezer2009 wrote:

> Maybe because pencils are cheaper than pens?


Correct answer.

[David Johnson]

Less likely to get nicked. They used to use Parker pens in Blackpool but the council lost track of how many got trousered

[Arginald Valleywater]

A good pen will move faster off a desk or worktop than an F1 car. And as for post-it notes they can break light speed...

[blurk99]

pencil won't be washed off if the ballot paper gets wet, some inks are prone to running

pencil won't bleed through like some markers - when folded your ballot choice is still confidential (lets ignore that serial number on the back of the paper....)

pencils are reliable

pencils are cheap