# US 2026 midterm election misinformation > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-2026-midterm-election-misinformation > Updated: 2026-10-28T05:42:53.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. During the 2026 midterm election cycle, election officials and experts have worked to debunk various false claims circulating on social media regarding voting procedures and ballot security. Initial reports focused on misinformation suggesting that ballots would be disqualified if poll workers made marks, such as letters or checkmarks, on them. Officials in Wisconsin and North Carolina clarified that such markings are often a standard part of the process, with Wisconsin law requiring poll workers to initial ballots to make them “live”. As voting progressed, concerns shifted toward specific claims about ballot integrity. In Marion County, authorities addressed rumors that initials placed on ballots during early voting indicated partisan interference. In California, officials responded to viral videos claiming that holes in Ventura County ballot envelopes were intended to reveal voter choices, explaining instead that these holes are standard design features used as accessibility guides for vision-impaired voters and to confirm envelopes are empty. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-28: Election misinformation concerns rise ahead of voting Election officials in Marion County and California are debunking social media misinformation regarding ballot marking and envelope design to ensure voter confidence. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/election-misinformation-concerns-rise-ahead-of-voting ### 2026-10-14: Election officials debunk false claims about marked ballots Election officials are debunking viral social media claims that ballots will be disqualified if poll workers mark them, noting that such markings are often required by law or standard procedure. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/election-officials-debunk-false-claims-about-marked-ballots --- Cite as: US 2026 midterm election misinformation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-2026-midterm-election-misinformation