By Fatma Younis
False and misleading claims about the voting process are circulating online as voters cast ballots in the 2026 midterms, with Election Day less than a week away. The posts often focus on alleged election rigging or voter fraud, but closer scrutiny typically reveals a logical explanation.
Holes in California ballot envelopes are not nefarious
A video spreading online shows a punched hole in a Ventura County ballot return envelope, with a claim that it proves election rigging. Election officials say the envelopes have two holes designed to help workers confirm the ballot has been removed and to serve as an accessibility feature for vision-impaired voters. The holes are not positioned to reveal votes, and voters may fold and insert ballots in any order.
New York City ballots not missing candidates
A TikTok video claimed a voter received two ballots, one missing conservative candidates. Officials explain the ballot consists of two double-sided pages; the second page includes judicial races where no Republican or Conservative Party candidates are running because none were nominated. Multi-page ballots have been used in New York City for years, and voters may write in candidates if they wish.
Alleged vote flipping attributed to user error
Reports of touchscreen machines flipping votes from Democrats to Republicans are almost always due to user error or screen miscalibration, election officials say. The number of complaints this year is not higher than in past cycles. Voters can review a printed paper record before submitting their ballot and should ask a poll worker for assistance if they encounter difficulties.
Poll workers marking ballots is normal procedure
Claims that ballots marked by poll workers will be disqualified are false. In many jurisdictions, workers mark ballots to identify provisional or absentee ballots, or initial them before issuance. Procedures vary, and voters are advised to check local rules and ask a poll worker about any marks they see.
