Election officials in Florida are debunking a misleading claim circulating on social media and in texts, which suggests that ballots will be invalidated if election workers write on them. The clerks in Collier and Escambia counties are reassuring voters that ballot markings, such as letters, checkmarks, or symbols, will not disqualify their votes.
This false claim has been spreading online since 2020 and is causing concern among voters. The misinformation poses a threat to the trust in the voting process, especially amidst a climate of low confidence in election results. Despite the claim, election experts explain that ballot markings in certain jurisdictions serve specific purposes, such as sorting ballots by precincts and facilitating voter challenges.
Escambia County Clerk Robert Bender emphasized that ballot markings by election workers do not invalidate votes in Florida. He clarified that voters can observe the counting process to ensure their ballots are properly recorded. Bender highlighted the importance of voters relying on official information from their local election supervisor to combat misinformation and maintain trust in the electoral system.
Collier County has also issued guidance to address the falsehood and encourage voters to seek accurate voting information from trusted sources. With a primary election approaching, election officials are actively working to dispel misinformation and assure voters of the integrity of the electoral system. It is crucial for voters to verify information with their local elections office to ensure they have correct and reliable information for the upcoming election.
