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Initials on Ballots (shared 10-22-26) We appreciate everyone’s understanding while Florence Facts took a brief pause, and we’re grateful to have such an engaged and supportive community. We are sharing an additonal Florence Facts Article this week because it addresses some important election information, and the November 3, 2026 General Election, which is just around the corner.

Did You Know. . .Florence Facts Initials on Ballots (shared 10-22-26)

With the November General Election approaching, you may have seen information circulating on social media claiming that if an election official writes or places initials on your ballot, the ballot will be invalidated.

That is not correct. In Wisconsin, Election Officials’ initials are part of the normal ballot process.

Did you know that Election Officials place their initials on every ballot? If you are an absentee voter, there will be one set of initials on your ballot. All absentee ballots are initialed by the Town Clerk or the Deputy Town Clerk. If you are voting at the polls on Election Day, there are two sets of initials on each ballot. All ballots on Election Day are initialed by two Election Workers.

Did you know that there is a reason Election Officials initial your ballot? Under Wis. Stat. § 6.80(2)(d), Wisconsin’s voting procedures provide for ballots to be endorsed with the initials of election inspectors. Wisconsin election law also specifically states that if a voter receives a ballot which is not initialed by two inspectors, the voter shall return the ballot to the Election Inspectors for them to initial the ballot.

In other words, if you see Election Officials initial your ballot before it is issued to you, those initials do not invalidate your ballot. They are part of Wisconsin’s election procedures.

Election information spreads quickly, particularly on social media, and sometimes a claim can sound believable even when it doesn't accurately describe Wisconsin election law. Did you know if you read something on social media regarding elections that you can contact someone local to learn whether or not it is based on facts? If you are at the polling place and have a question or concern about something you see on your ballot, please ask an election official before you leave. If you have questions at any other time, please contact the Town Office. We are always happy to explain the process, answer your questions, and help you better understand why certain election procedures are followed.

Our goal is for every Town of Florence voter to feel informed and confident that their vote counts.