Politics
Tennessee voters can request a replacement ballot if they are concerned about a poll-worker mark
State and county election officials say administrative notes made by poll workers do not invalidate Tennessee ballots, countering a false claim circulating online. Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election runs through Oct. 29.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A notation made by an election worker does not automatically invalidate a voter’s ballot, Tennessee election officials said as early voting began for the Nov. 3 general election.
Secretary of State Tre Hargett addressed the online claim Wednesday, saying a ballot is not disqualified simply because an election official or poll worker makes an administrative notation. Election offices in Davidson and Montgomery counties have received calls from voters asking about the claim.
“It is 100% false,” Davidson County Election Administrator John Richardson said. He said officials want voters to feel confident in the process.
Voters who are uneasy about a mark on their ballot may ask for a new one and restart the process, election officials said. The ACLU of Tennessee says voters may request up to three replacement ballots, including when they make a mistake while voting.
“Don’t be afraid to ask a question,” Montgomery County Elections Administrator Amanda Joslin said, urging voters with concerns to contact their local election commission or ask poll workers. “We’re here to help, and we’re glad to answer anything that anybody wants to know about. Transparency is really key here.”
Early voting continues through Oct. 29. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 24, and Election Day is Nov. 3. Officials urged voters to seek election information from verified sources as voting gets underway.