A post shared on Facebook purports that if a poll worker marks a ballot, that ballot is then disqualified.

Verdict: False

Several states use different methods of marking ballots.

Fact Check:

Former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance were recently informed that their phones were targeted by Chinese hackers, The New York Times reported. The depth of the breach is being investigated.

A post shared on Facebook alleges if a poll worker marks a voter’s ballot it disqualifies the ballot. The post shared the information in text over a yellow background with stars and a cartoon woman with her thumbs up.

The post reads, “I was just told that if the poll worker makes any type of mark on your ballot before giving it to you, it’s a way of disqualifying your vote. If this happens, request a new ballot.”

The claim is inaccurate. Several states have different methods for counting ballots and have a marking or initializing system in place. Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri and North Dakota all have different legal methods of marking ballots.

South Dakota requires ballots to be stamped. Texas voting instructions states, “The early voting clerk’s initials shall be placed on the back of each ballot to be used at the polling place.” (RELATED: Does Using Sharpies On Election Ballots Invalidate Your Vote?)

USA Today also debunked the claim.

Early voting is underway in several states across the country, according to Bloomberg. In just under two hours of opening, more than 6,000 people had attended early voting in Delaware, USA Today reported.

Check Your Fact has reached out to the election commission offices of Arkansas and Illinois for comment.

This is not the first time misinformation surrounding ballots has circulated online. Check Your Fact recently debunked a claim a video shows an election worker ripping ballots.