HOUSTON — A social media post across multiple platforms has KHOU 11 viewers asking several questions about what you should do in Texas if the ballot you are given is marked by a poll worker. The social media post claims ballots will be disqualified if they are written on before they are put in the voting machine.
The social post appearing on X, Instagram, and Facebook lacks information specific to where this is happening, and what election cycle the person claims to have finished poll worker training for.
THE QUESTION
Would a poll worker marking your ballot invalidate it in Texas?
THE SOURCES
- Texas Election Code
- Alicia Pierce, Texas Secretary of State's Office
- League of Women Voters of Texas
- John Oldham, Fort Bend County Elections Administrator
THE ANSWER
No, a marking by a poll worker does not invalidate a ballot. Ballots in Texas must contain the signature of the (precinct) presiding judge or early voting clerk for the ballot to be valid.
WHAT WE FOUND
According to the Texas Election Code, the presiding judge's signature will appear on the back of the ballot. Election officers can also stamp the judge's signature on the ballot. The law also spells out voters may not use an unsigned ballot.
Regarding early voting, the Texas Election Code says the early voting clerk will be on the back of the ballot. A deputy clerk can also stamp the initials of the early voting clerk on each ballot.
The KHOU 11 Verify Team spoke with the Texas Secretary of State Office who said, "A ballot marked by a poll worker does not invalidate the ballot. There are circumstances when a ballot is required to be marked such as by a precinct judge or an early voting clerk."
According to the Texas Secretary of State Office, voters have the right to receive up to two ballots if a mistake is made while marking the ballot.
To report possible voting rights abuse to the Texas Secretary of State you can call 1-800-252-8683 or to your local election official.