TEXAS, USA — As the presidential election inches one day closer, posts are circulating on social media over ballot markings.
Claims are specifically being made that your ballot could be disqualified if it is written on by poll workers.
6 News viewer Marie McCain reached out to the Verify team about these claims.
"It's going to make people leery on 'Should I vote, should I not vote, is my vote going to count?'" McCain told 6 News.
THE QUESTION
If a poll worker marks on your ballot, is your vote going to be disqualified?
OUR SOURCES
Jared Goldsmith, McLennan County Elections Administrator and James Stafford, Public Information Officer for Bell County
THE ANSWER
No, if an election worker writes on your ballot, it does not invalidate your vote in Bell or McLennan County.
WHAT WE FOUND
It's important to note election rules vary in different areas.
Goldsmith says for McLennan County, poll workers have to write on the ballot by signing their name.
"That's what makes it like an official ballot," Goldsmith said. "That's part of the election code. That's to be expected. If you see one of the poll workers either marking like a signature on the ballot, their signature or the poll judge's signature, that's nothing to be alarmed about. That's completely okay."
Stafford says Bell County ballots are required by law to consist of a preprinted serial number, the initials of the Voter’s Register during early voting or the Election Judge on election day. There is no requirement for any other marking. However, a ballot would NOT be disqualified if it has any additional writing.
"Just mark your choices and mark them clearly," Goldsmith added.
Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 21.
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