MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) If a poll worker writes initials on the back of your paper ballot, that is normal. In fact, Mississippi law requires those ballot initials. However, fake text messages are going around the state. They tell voters to refuse a ballot that a poll worker has written on.
The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus posted a warning about the texts on Facebook on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The group urged voters not to fall for the messages.
“Those initials belong there. They do not change your voting choices,” the caucus said.
What the law says
The rule comes from Mississippi Code Section 23-15-541. Under that law, a poll manager must write his or her initials on the back of each blank ballot. If that worker is away, a backup poll manager does it instead.
This happens after the voter signs the receipt book. Also, the initials go in a spot where workers can still see them after the ballot is marked and folded.
Why the initials matter
The initials show that poll workers handed out that ballot. So, they help keep track of every ballot.
In fact, the law says a ballot goes into the box only if it has the poll manager’s real initials. In other words, the initials do not hurt your vote. Instead, they help make sure it counts.
How it works at the polls
The caucus listed four steps for voters who use a paper ballot.
First, you sign the voter receipt book. Next, the poll manager or a backup initials the back of your blank ballot. Then that worker hands it to you. After that, you mark your choices in private. Finally, a poll manager checks for the initials before your ballot goes into the box or scanner.
The initials go on the back. However, your choices go on the front. So the initials do not change who you vote for.
Not a new rumor
Messages like this have spread before. For example, Vicksburg News reported on a similar post in Mississippi. That post claimed a ballot could be thrown out if a poll worker wrote on it. The news site pointed to the same state law to show the claim was wrong.
What you can do
The caucus asked people who got the fake text to send the facts back to the sender.
“Don’t let a misleading text convince you to refuse a properly initialed ballot,” the caucus said.
The group also said voters with questions should ask the poll manager to explain. They should do that before they cast the ballot.
You can also get answers from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office. Just text “HI” to 601.586.7600 to reach the office’s TextMyGov service. You can use it to ask questions or report problems. In addition, your county circuit clerk’s office can help.
Mississippi’s general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
