As vote-by-mail ballots reach households across Sacramento County for the Proposition 50 special election, some residents are raising concerns about the design of the ballot envelopes — specifically, the presence of small circular openings on either side.
A handful of voters have reported that these perforations, when combined with certain folding methods, may allow parts of the ballot to be faintly visible from the outside. Critics worry that this could open the door to privacy violations or even potential interference, particularly in a closely watched election tied to redistricting policy backed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
One voter said the issue is not hypothetical. According to him, if a ballot is folded improperly, the marked choice could align with the holes in the envelope, making it possible to glimpse how someone voted. He expressed concern that such visibility could allow a malicious actor to tamper with a ballot before it is counted, potentially invalidating the vote.
Election officials, however, insist the concerns are unfounded.
The Sacramento County Registrar of Voters confirmed that the envelope design is neither new nor unique to this election. Officials say the holes have been used for years and serve specific administrative and accessibility purposes. According to the registrar’s office, the openings help election workers quickly verify that envelopes are empty during processing and also assist voters with visual impairments in identifying where to sign.
Officials further explained that ballots are printed with one side intentionally left blank. When folded correctly — with the blank side facing outward — no vote markings should be visible through the envelope openings. They added that there are multiple ways to fold the ballot, and only a small number of those configurations could theoretically result in partial visibility.
Election administrators emphasized that the responsibility ultimately lies with voters to follow the provided instructions, which include guidance on how to fold and insert ballots to ensure privacy. For those who remain uncomfortable, officials noted that voters have alternative options, including voting in person or using official drop boxes.
The registrar’s office stressed that there has been no evidence of compromised ballots, vote tampering, or election interference related to the envelope design. They also noted that similar envelopes are used statewide and have passed prior security reviews.
Still, the issue has drawn attention because Proposition 50 carries significant political implications. The measure would temporarily alter California’s redistricting process, a move supporters argue is necessary to counter redistricting efforts in other states, while critics warn it could undermine the state’s independent redistricting framework.
In that context, even minor irregularities are drawing heightened scrutiny.
Election integrity experts note that while the envelope design itself does not appear to violate election law, public confidence is just as important as procedural compliance. They argue that election officials should proactively address voter concerns, even when the risk is minimal, to maintain trust in the process.
As ballots continue to be returned ahead of the election deadline, county officials say they will monitor feedback and stand by the existing procedures unless new evidence suggests a need for changes.
For now, voters are being encouraged to carefully follow ballot instructions, ensure the blank side of the ballot faces outward when folded, and reach out to the registrar’s office if they have any concerns about their vote being counted securely.