In the UK, drawing a penis on a ballot is a valid way of voting. At least, as long as the scandalous little piece of artwork is the size of a checkmark.
According to a Facebook post by 71-year-old Tory member of parliament Glyn Davies, one of his votes came from a constituent who opted to draw a penis next to his name, rather than put an X.
Davies told a local paper, "I'm not sure the artist meant it to count, but I am grateful." He expressed a desire to thank the doodler personally.
While many would dismiss such a vote as just junk, the penis ended up counting -- because it managed to fit inside the space meant for a checkmark.
Davies was not the only one surprised by his discovery of this loophole in UK ballot-counting. Many Brits appreciated the unexpected lesson in civics, if not civility.
Britain is the only democracy in the world where you can vote by drawing a penis next to the candidate of your choice pic.twitter.com/XmO6FswWkZ— David Byers (@davidbyers26) May 9, 2015
As an American, I can't help but be impressed with the UK's political culture. Between penises, Maggie Simpson and 20-year old lawmakers, it's infinitely more entertaining than what happens in most U.S. elections.