Voters encouraged to bring pens to polling stations amid fears of MI5 conspiracy

Brexit campaigners are worried that the result of the United Kingdom referendum on European Union membership could be manipulated by government officials towards a Remain vote.

Supporters of the Leave vote have been encouraged by campaigners to bring their own pens to polling stations, as they fear that those votes which are cast by pencil could be transformed into a spoiled vote, or a vote to Remain.

A survey this week revealed that two-thirds of UKIP voters believe that there is a plot by the government to rig the vote, and one-third believe that M15 are involved.

Several people are sharing posts on social network Twitter advising people to bring pens to stop a possible conspiracy. Pencils are provided at the stations but there is no obligation to use them.

The Electoral Commission has said that there is no problem with using pens rather than pencils, and that campaigners from both the Remain and Leave sides have been invited to keep an eye on the process.

“By tradition, pencils are available in polling booths for voters to mark their ballot papers,” a spokesperson said. “If a voter wishes to bring their own pen and use that, it's fine.”

“In regards to security, at the count there are statutory observers to make sure that they are carried out correctly. Campaigners are also invited to observe the counts taking place.”

#usepens is now trending on the social media site. UKIP supporter Jacqueline Jackson uploaded this video of her conversation with police after they spoke to her regarding her lending of pens to voters at her polling station: