Why you don’t have to put a X on your ballot paper when you vote in the General Election

MARKING your ballot paper with an X is the way most people show who they want to vote for in the General Election.

But people heading to the polls tomorrow could also use a tick, a dash or even a smiley face to choose their favourite candidate.

It has been convention for hundreds of years that X marks the spot and the majority of people use the marking.

But according to the Electoral Commission, returning officers must accept any other form of vote - so long as it's clear who the person is choosing.

This means that you could use a tick, a dash or even a smiley face or doodle when casting your ballot during tomorrow's vote.

The guidelines state: "Anything which is interpreted by a returning officer as an expression of preference must not be rejected if the voter's intention is clear."

However, if the scribble or symbol doesn't clearly show who the person is trying to vote for, it will be rejected.

And the Electoral Commission advise that if you want to make sure your vote counts, an X in the box is the best way to ensure it won't be deemed void.

When the votes are counted, all ballot papers where the vote cast is unclear are kept aside.

They are then shown to each of the candidates and their agents and they must all agree whether it should not be counted.

Yesterday, we told you the reason why Brits use pencil to mark their votes on Election Day.

While we also revealed what will happen if an election vote turns out to be a dead heat.