AS people across the country head out to cast their votes in today's election, their political pooches have also been exercising their voting rights.

The hashtag #DogsAtPollingStations has taken over Twitter once again after a sharp rise in popularity during the EU Referendum last year and the local elections last month.

Four-legged friends in Essex have been taking part in the fun, with Italian greyhounds Toby and George, both aged five, waiting patiently at the polling station at Essex University:

St Mary's Church in Kelvedon has also joined in on the trend:

These three friends were spotted outside Layer Marney Tower:

These two lurchers took the opportunity to air their political persuasions to the whole of Twitter...

While Mr Fudge from Braintree continued about his business paying no attention to the importance of the occasion. 

Here are some more of our favourite #DogsAtPollingStations from Twitter: 

Some looked incredibly proud to be doing their bit: 

While others did their homework in preparation. 

Some got a bit too excited about the whole affair...

While others turned up to look their best for the camera.

And it's not just dogs getting in on the voting action...

Claire Smart

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Gazette: Stitch doing his bit at Downhall school in Rayleigh ✖️Stitch doing his bit at Downhall school in Rayleigh ✖️
Stitch doing his bit at Downhall school in Rayleigh ✖️