HOUSTON, Texas – With early voting underway in Texas, some voters are noticing markings on their ballots, sparking confusion and concern due to social media posts claiming that such marks might disqualify their vote.
Here’s a look at what’s true, what’s not, and how Texas election laws actually handle markings on ballots.
What Sparked the Concern?
A viral social media post circulating since 2020 claims that “any mark, word, letter, or symbol made by a poll worker on your ballot could void it.”
The post urges voters to request a new ballot if they notice any markings.
Despite its widespread circulation, this claim is inaccurate and has been flagged by fact-checking organizations like PolitiFact for spreading misinformation.
What Voters Are Seeing and Why
Several viewers reached out to KPRC2 about markings they saw on their ballots:
- Kat noticed what looked like initials on her ballot and worried it might invalidate her vote.
- Darralyn also noticed initials on the back of their ballot. A poll worker assured them it was standard procedure, but they reached out for confirmation.
- R. Miles saw three letters on the bottom of their ballot and requested a replacement, only to find that the new ballot also had markings.
The Facts About Ballot Markings in Texas
In Texas, the Election Code requires election officials to sign, initial, or stamp each ballot before it’s handed to voters. This mark verifies the ballot’s authenticity and is a standard part of the voting process. Therefore, seeing initials, a stamp, or other small markings on your ballot is expected. You should not be concerned if you see these standard signs of ballot verification on your ballot.
How to Stay Informed and Ask Questions
Early voting runs through Friday, November 1. If you have questions about your ballot or the voting process, you can reach out to KPRC2′s Candace Burns by emailing cburns@kprc.com or leaving a comment on this Click2Houston.com article.