FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2026
Dallas County Elections Sets the Record Straight:
The Signature on Your Ballot Is Required by Texas Law
Dallas, Texas – The Dallas County Elections Department is reminding voters that a signature on their ballot is a required security measure, not a reason for concern. A false social media post circulating in Dallas County and several states claims that any writing by a poll worker will cause a ballot to be disqualified.
Texas law requires every ballot to be signed before it is given to a voter, and an unsigned ballot may not be issued. During Early Voting, October 19 through October 30, ballots carry the signature of the Early Voting Clerk, Elections Administrator Paul Adams. On Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, ballots carry the signature of the Presiding Election Judge at each vote center.
“That signature is how a voter knows they are holding an official ballot,” said Paul Adams, Dallas County Elections Administrator. “It does not affect how your vote is counted. If you see it on your ballot, that means the process is working exactly as Texas law requires.”
Election officials in North Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio have addressed the same rumor this month. Voters with questions are encouraged to ask a poll worker at their vote center or visit DallasCountyVotes.org for more election information.
