9 things you probably didn't know about a General Election

Ever wondered why we vote on a Thursday, or if you're allowed to take your four-legged friend to the polling station? We have all the answers for you.

1. Why do we vote on a Thursday?

We always vote on a Thursday, but until fairly recently it wasn't law. In 2011 the Fixed Term Parliaments Act stated that General Elections should be held on the first Thursday of May every five years. This year is an anomaly as we have a snap election, so it isn't in May, but we are still holding it on a Thursday, which has traditionally been done since the 1930s with a few exceptions.

In 1978 the local election in Hamilton, Scotland was held on a Wednesday because the Thursday of that week was the day the World Cup had its opening game.

A few ideas surround our traditions of Thursday voting. It was believed that Thursdays were the best day because Fridays were pay days and people would go to the pub, Sundays were ruled out due to church ministers could put ideas into voter’s heads.

Thursday was also traditionally the market day, so more people would be in town.

2. You can vote if you're drunk - but it's not advisable

As long as you aren't being disruptive you can vote even if you're a little tipsy, however, remember you have to mark within a box next to the candidate's name. Anything outside and your vote won't count.

3. Taking your pet to the polling station is allowed

You are allowed to take a pet to the polling station with you and this year #dogsatpollingstations has been trending on Twitter with some fantastic photos.

4. You don't have to put an 'x' on your ballot paper

While an 'x' is the usual way of casting your vote, you can put any type of mark in the box next to the candidate you want to vote for. Just make sure you don't stray outside of the box otherwise your vote won't be counted.

5. Unusual polling stations

Although most polling stations are church halls or schools, over the years there have been some pretty unusual polling stations. This year you can vote in a train carriage at Leeming Bar Station, Yorkshire or in a windmill in Sussex. In Northamptonshire a couple have a polling station under their stairs and have done since 1990!

6. Equal votes? The winner is chosen by drawing straws!

It seems unbelievable that in the current technological age the winner can come down to drawing straws, but if two candidates end up with exactly the same number of votes on the night that is how the winner is chosen.

7. Queen doesn't vote - but she could

Although the Queen could vote if she wanted to, she doesn't because it would compromise her neutrality.

8. A North Eastern constituency has been the first to declare the result in the two most recent General Elections

Houghton & Sunderland South was the first constituency to declare their results in both of the most recent General Elections, will they do it again this time?

9. You have to be careful what you talk about inside the polling station!

You can't talk about who you will be voting for once you are inside the polling station. It isn't advisable to take photos either, because you could inadvertently reveal how someone else has voted. You definitely shouldn't take a photo of your ballot paper!

You are free to reveal how you voted outside the polling station, but you mustn't reveal how anyone else voted.

Remember polling stations are open until 10pm tonight, so make your vote count.

• UK General Election