Paper ballot shortages spark Election Day scramble at polling places in several states
Voters in multiple states encountered paper ballot shortages on Election Day Tuesday, with some leaving polling places without casting ballots as election officials scrambled to address disruptions during the high-stakes...
By Fox News · Fox News
Voters in multiple states encountered paper ballot shortages on Election Day Tuesday, with some leaving polling places without casting ballots as election officials scrambled to address disruptions during the high-stakes 2026 midterms. Ballot shortages were reported at polling locations in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland as voters headed to the polls Tuesday for the high-stakes 2026 midterm elections. In Linwood, Kansas, where voters were casting ballots in a closely watched Senate race as Republicans fight to maintain control of the chamber, a ballot shortage forced some voters to leave their polling place without casting a ballot after election officials failed to provide enough ballots to meet demand. TRUMP-BACKED SENATOR ADMITS GOP FACES NIGHTMARE SCENARIO IN STATE REPUBLICANS HAVEN'T LOST IN 90 YEARS One voter told the Kansas Reflector that her 18-year-old son left without voting after officials ran out of paper ballots. She said she saw another 10 to 15 people leave without casting ballots. Leavenworth County said in a press release the ballot shortage occurred due to an error in the number of ballots ordered. "The shortage was discovered early, and efforts to correct the mistake began immediately. We recognize the importance of ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot. We sincerely apologize for this mistake and any inconvenience or concern it may have caused," said the release. FLORIDA POLLING PLACES IN 7 COUNTIES ARE MOVING LOCATIONS DUE TO FLOODING "The number of ballots needed was 1,000, the polling station received only 100. The situation has since been remedied since early this morning and voters are able to vote," Kansas Secretary of State communications spokesperson told Fox News Digital. In Chicago , voters encountered ballot shortages at several polling locations, prompting election officials to deliver additional ballots and direct voters to alternative voting centers, according to ABC7 Chicago. &qu…