Politics
Tennessee election coordinator says poll-worker marks do not void ballots
A recurring social media claim that a ballot will not count if a poll worker marks it is false, Tennessee Elections Coordinator Mark Goins said. The warning comes as early voting is underway; Goins said 91,000 people voted on its first day.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A social media post falsely claims that a ballot will be invalidated if a poll worker makes a mark on it, Tennessee Elections Coordinator Mark Goins said Thursday, urging voters not to let the rumor discourage them from voting.
Goins said the same claim circulated during the 2022 and 2024 elections. “I knew it was a hoax as soon as I saw it,” he said.
Tennessee has between 15,000 and 17,000 poll workers during the voting season, Goins said. He emphasized that they are working to ensure votes count. The state’s election office provides information about voting rules and ballots through its GoVoteTN website.
The warning comes as early voting is underway. Goins said 91,000 people voted on its first day and encouraged eligible Tennesseans to participate.
Election misinformation can undermine confidence and sow confusion about how to cast a valid ballot. Officials urged voters with questions to consult election authorities rather than rely on unverified online claims.