FACT FOCUS: Social media posts falsely claim ballots marked by a poll worker will be disqualified

During early voting for the 2026 midterm elections, social media users are spreading false claims that ballots marked by poll workers will be disqualified. These posts often begin with a story about a "very reliable good friend of mine" receiving information from a newly trained poll worker. The posts advise voters to avoid any writing on their ballots, including letters, checkmarks, or initials, and to warn others that doing so will cause their ballots to be disqualified.

However, experts and election officials across several states are debunking these claims. Pamela Smith, president and CEO of Verified Voting, advises voters to check local election rules and consult their own officials rather than social media. The North Carolina State Board of Elections explains that poll workers may write on ballots for various legally required reasons, and this does not affect the ballot's count.

Tennessee's Secretary of State, Tre Hargett, also stated that ballots are not disqualified by administrative markings. The Illinois State Board of Elections confirmed that election judges' initials do not disqualify ballots but serve as a safeguard.