EU Referendum Conspiracy Theory Believed By Half Of 'Brexit' Supporters, Says YouGov Poll

Vote has been 'fixed' by BBC and MI5 is involved - survey
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A YouGov poll has found Leave supporters deeply distrust the referendum system
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The EU referendum is rigged, has been infiltrated by MI5, and the BBC and ITN are conspiring to fix the result, a poll has showed a lot people are thinking.

An astonishing YouGov poll for LBC reveals the deep distrust of institutions and their handling of Thursday's vote - with Leave supporters notably more suspicious.

Specifically, almost half of those backing 'Brexit' believe it is "probably true" that the outcome is pre-determined.

Leave campaigners have since the outset complained about having to overcome the pro-Europe "Establishment", bemoaning the £9 million mailshot of state-endorsed "facts" and the defection of former Cabinet minister being Sayeeda Warsi being a Downing Street "put up job" among others. 

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YouGov's poll on "some things that people have said about the EU referendum campaign"
YouGov

The most notorious conspiracy that emerged last year - but is taking hold again - has inspired the #usepens hashtag: people on social media who are urging like-minded souls to take a pen to the polling booth in case their vote is rubbed out.

The YouGov poll asked people about "some things that people have said about the EU referendum campaign". Including: 

"It is likely that the EU referendum will be rigged."

Almost half - 46% - of all Leave voters say this is the case, contrast to 11% of those supporting Remain. Regardless of voting preference, 28% subscribe to the "rigged" hypothesis.

"MI5 is working with the UK government to try and stop Britain leaving the EU."

Some 28% of Leave backers suspect pro-EU involvement of the secret services, while 16% of the Remain vote are wary of 'spooks'.

"The BBC and ITN are not commissioning an exit poll in order to allow the vote to be fixed without anyone telling."

Around a third of Leave voters - 36% - back the suggestion that broadcasters are deliberately meddling with the outcome. It's 10% among Remain-ers.

"There are plans for further EU integration and enlargement that the EU are deliberately not announcing till after the referendum."

Three-quarters of Leavers - 75% - are convinced of the plot, compared to 25% who will be voting for 'In'.

The hashtag #UsePens has been deployed to mock those on social media who think conspiracy is afoot. 

Before You Go

Things You Can't Do In A Polling Booth
Take A Selfie(01 of12)
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There are complex laws in place surrounding the secrecy of the ballot and so photography in polling stations is strongly discouraged.

The Electoral Commission says: “Due to the potential breach of the law, intentionally or not, we strongly advise against any form of photography taken inside a polling station."

Anyone breaching this could face a £5,000 fine or even six months in prison.

Selfies outside are fine though.
(credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
Be Accompanied By Your Horse(02 of12)
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You are technically allowed to take pets to the polling station as long as they aren't disruptive to the vote.

Unfortunately, given their size, horses would probably be classed as disruptive. And messy.
(credit:John Giles/PA Archive)
Take A Friend With You(03 of12)
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You can go to the polling station with friends or family if you want to go together. But you can't take them into the booth with you. (credit:Niall Carson/PA Wire)
Be A Disruptive Drunk(04 of12)
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There are no rules stopping people under the influence of alcohol or drugs from voting, and you won't be breathalysed.

But if you are disruptive you may not be allowed to vote.
(credit:PeopleImages.com via Getty Images)
Discuss Who You're Voting For(05 of12)
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Once you're inside the polling booth, keep schtum. If you're suspected of trying to influence other voters you could be in big trouble.

You should also avoid talking about who you are going to vote for while inside the station.
(credit:Hans Neleman via Getty Images)
Live Stream Your Vote(06 of12)
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Same as the selfie rule. Put the phones away people. (credit:patrisyu via Getty Images)
Pull An All-Nighter(07 of12)
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Once it hits 10pm, the polling station will close.

Unless there have been problems because of big queues late into the evening, you will not be able to vote after that time.

You snooze, you lose (your ability to vote).
(credit:Elise Amendola/AP)
Write A Political Essay(08 of12)
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Well technically you can. But it won't be counted (it probably won't even get read) and you're hogging the polling booth. (credit:Dave Kendall/PA Archive)
Heckle Other Voters(09 of12)
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Don't be that guy. You could end up in big trouble and it's disruptive to the vote. (credit:Jupiterimages via Getty Images)
Get Frisky(10 of12)
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We shouldn't have to say this but there are likely some people out there who find our electoral system wants to make them get first past the post, so to speak.

As detailed above, you're not allowed to bring a (ahem) friend into the booth with you. So behave!
(credit:Andy Sotiriou via Getty Images)
Wear Political Clothing Or Rosettes(11 of12)
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These might be classed as intimidating. Also only candidates and their polling agents are allowed to wear rosettes. (credit:Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire)
Sign Your Ballot Paper(12 of12)
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Well, you can but it will count as spoiling your ballot. You're not a celebrity, no one needs an autograph. (credit:itaesem via Getty Images)