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

As early voting for the 2026 midterm elections commences, false claims are circulating on social media asserting that ballots marked by poll workers will be disqualified. These posts, which frequently share identical text, have gained traction across multiple platforms. Election officials have clarified that these claims are inaccurate, as standard procedures often involve authorized poll worker assistance or markings during the voting process.

The spread of this misinformation highlights ongoing concerns regarding voter integrity and the potential for confusion during the midterm cycle. By mischaracterizing routine election administration tasks as grounds for ballot invalidation, these social media narratives risk undermining public confidence in the electoral process and may discourage voters from seeking necessary assistance at polling stations.