Elections: Rumor versus reality

Rumor: There should be no “writing” on your ballot when you receive it.

Reality

• Texas Election Code Sec. 62.008 says the presiding judge shall sign each ballot, or an election officer shall stamp a facsimile of the judge’s signature on the back of each ballot.

• An unsigned ballot may not be made available for selection by the voters.

• A ballot should not have any written or distinguishing marks other than the signature and a ballot number.

• If you write your name or mark your ballot thinking you are going to request copies to verify that it was counted, you will be disappointed; personally identifiable information of a voter that is contained on a ballot is redacted before making the voted ballot available for public inspection. (Texas Election Code Sec. 1.012)

• If you believe a poll worker marked on your ballot, you need to ask questions immediately. But rest assured that any type of identifiable markings contained on a ballot is redacted before making the voted ballot available for public inspection. (HB 5180)rosters.