Clarifications regarding falsehoods on disappearing ink used in new X-stamp

31 August 2023

Falsehood that the new X-stamp provided by ELD for Presidential Election 2023 (PE2023) has been treated with disappearing ink.

Close-up of a hand placing a paper ballot into a wooden box under warm lighting.

Falsehood that the new X-stamp provided by ELD for Presidential Election 2023 (PE2023) has been treated with disappearing ink.

The Elections Department (ELD) is aware that there is false information resurfacing online and on instant messaging platforms that the new X-stamp provided by ELD for Presidential Election 2023 (PE2023) has been treated with disappearing ink.

This is not true. The marks made using the X-stamp are permanent. The ink used in the X-stamp is oil-based, and is water and temperature resistant.
The new improved X-stamp, which is wider and more clearly intended to serve as a stamp, will be used in PE2023. It is not compulsory to use the X-stamp and voters may bring their own pens to mark the ballot papers.
ELD is committed to ensuring voting security and secrecy, and has put in place rigorous controls at every step of the voting process to ensure this.
We advise members of the public not to speculate and/or spread unverified rumours.