Voting pencil conspiracy theory

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]