Pooches at the polls: 8 dogs bringing joy to the US election

These dogs are putting their best paws forward to encourage Americans to vote

Dogs may not have the vote, but that doesn’t stop their owners dressing them up in election regalia, taking them to vote and asking them nicely to cheer up other voters in polling queues.

Here are our favourite dogs from US election day and the campaign trail.

1. These non-partisan dogs

These golden retrievers just want the electorate to exercise their democratic rights.

Don’t worry, their owner said they got extra snacks as a reward for being such good dogs.

pic.twitter.com/oV7LmPJ260

— The Golden Ratio (@TheGoldenRatio4) November 3, 2020

2. Labradonald

Veteran BBC North America Editor Jon Sopel shared a Labrador modelling a stunning blonde wig and tie in Scranton.

My work is complete. In this extraordinary campaign I have come across my first #labradonald at the ⁦@realDonaldTrump⁩ rally in #Scranton #Election2020 pic.twitter.com/b9g1tw7rwM

— Jon Sopel (@BBCJonSopel) November 2, 2020

3. Poll watchers

I have deputized my chief dog, Ms. Betzy B, as my assistant Poll Watcher. We are off now, at 0630, to check 2 polling places AND to put up our last BIDEN sign, out on the highway. pic.twitter.com/S2U3NyrmEO

— SUHM_TING_WONG bitter, overeducated coastal elite. (@SUHM_TING_WONG) November 3, 2020

Our Election Protection volunteer poll monitors are on the scene, ready to help Texas voters with any questions that pop up at their polling places! 😍 🗳️ Look for the humans (the dogs are unlikely to answer questions) with yellow buttons and other materials! pic.twitter.com/5yRPUJNr5q

— Texas Civil Rights Project (@TXCivilRights) November 3, 2020

These charming animals are helping voters get the information they need to vote.

4. Famous dog

A very good dog at the Dixville Notch, NH polling site pic.twitter.com/W3HR0jeiq0

— Jon no H (@JonJanke) November 3, 2020

This good boy or girl was spotted helping to get the first votes counted in the tiny town of Dixville Notch in New Hampshire. It has been the first to return results every year for 60 years, and this year all five votes went to Joe Biden.

5. Partisan pups

Unlike our first canine friends, the owners of these dogs want you to know their allegiances.

This Trump-supporting dog has really got it going on – Make America Great Again cap, US flag bandana and all.

A dog wearing a Make America Great Again hat is pictured during a campaign rally on November 2. Reuters

His opponent? This very pampered dog as its buggy decorated with Biden merchandise.

A woman pushes her dog in a pram as she takes part in an event to promote the importance of the Latino vote and support for Joe Biden in Phoenix, Arizona. Reuters

6. Tired of election day already

Dog votes early, is exhausted by election coverage pic.twitter.com/fgDPbGcgbB

— sophie chernin (@pushupbroad) November 3, 2020

This dog has already been out to vote and returned to nap.

7. Getting out the vote

These two adorable dogs want you to get out and vote!

It’s Election Day here in the US — if you haven’t voted early (as mom did), please vote!!
It’s the one obligation you have as a citizen!
(Old photos)#2020Elections #vote  #VOTE  #voted #dog #dogs #dogsoftwitter #dogslife #dogsarelove @9NEWS @nexton9news @KyleClark @KathySabine9 pic.twitter.com/XvcMZGWIA7

— Rilke's Treasures & Q too! (@Rilke_Treasures) November 3, 2020

8. Hungry for democracy

It’s #ElectionDay and this dog is hungry for democracy!!! Have you voted yet? pic.twitter.com/zSJtHZjjUT

— Nicole Cuneo (@nicolecuneo_) November 3, 2020

This little guy loved his voting sticker so much he wanted to eat it!

And it wasn’t just the canines getting involved...

These cats also have a message for voters.

Today is the day!
Have you voted yet? 🗳️
I have not, because I am a cat, and there are rules. 🤷‍♀️
But all of you thumb having bipeds should check it out! 🤩#VOTE #Vote2020 pic.twitter.com/od2FtnkYru

— 𝓑𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓪 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓐𝓵𝓪𝓶𝓸 𝓒𝓪𝓽 🐈 (@bellaalamocat) November 3, 2020

Ain't no rule that says a cat can't vote pic.twitter.com/Qzj26rzve0

— wayne, fountains of (@PepperShastaMD) November 3, 2020