How voting worked in season 26 and what changed in 2018
Dancing with the Stars voting in 2018 combined in‑person audience votes, at‑home text votes, and online votes to produce season 26 scores. This explainer describes the point system, the mix of judges’ scores and viewer votes, and how results were aggregated each week. We focus on mechanisms that remained consistent across recent seasons, with notes on any publicly confirmed adjustments made in 2018. No sensational claims are included; only verifiable process details, transparent outcomes, and sources where available.
Text and online vote mechanics
Viewers could vote via the ABC app, the ABC.com voting page, and by text message. Each method typically carried the same weight per vote, and systems enforced one‑vote‑per‑device or per‑account limits to reduce manipulation. For season 26, ABC clarified that votes cast through official channels were counted equally within the viewer‑vote component of the weekly score. Details on exact vote counts are rarely disclosed publicly, but the process remained deterministic and ruleset‑driven.
Key steps in the viewer vote
- Voting window opens after the live performance show and closes within a set timeframe.
- Each eligible entry (text or online) is counted once per device/account.
- Votes are converted into a percentage of the viewer vote, then into points scaled to the judges’ maximum.
Judges’ scores and the point system
Judges’ scores remained a fixed component: each judge assigned points to each couple, with deductions for time constraints. In 2018, the judges’ maximum per couple was typically 30 points per performance, which aligned total possible points (judges + public) to a 60‑point weekly scale before conversion to the final score. The viewer percentage was mapped proportionally to the same 0–30 point scale and added to the judges’ score to produce a combined total used for ranking and elimination.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Judges’ maximum points per couple | 30 points | Network production practice and host/producer statements |
| Viewer vote impact (typical) | Converted to a 0–30 point equivalent | ABC voting documentation and post‑season explainers |
| Weekly total scale | 60 points maximum (judges + viewer) | Consistent with season 25‑27 scoring summaries |
| Public vote methods in 2018 | Text, ABC app, ABC.com | ABC voting FAQ and press releases |
Notable adjustments in 2018 and common myths
While season‑specific tweaks are sometimes introduced, major structural changes to the voting formula are rare and usually announced well in advance. In 2018, ABC reiterated that the viewer vote remained a fixed percentage of the total, consistent with prior seasons. Common myths—such as producers manipulating vote totals or celebrity influence overriding votes—lack evidence; elimination decisions are derived strictly from the published point totals. Tiebreak rules, when needed, follow an internal protocol that favors higher judges’ scores, a policy disclosed in earlier seasons and still applicable.
How results are aggregated and announced
Each week, the production team tallies judges’ scores and viewer percentages, converts both to points, sums them, and ranks couples. The lowest‑scoring pairs enter the bottom two, with elimination decided by the combined score. Results are typically revealed live, with the exact numeric breakdown shown on‑screen during the broadcast. Exact vote counts are not released publicly, so reported vote tallies found elsewhere should be treated as estimates unless officially confirmed.
Official sources and how to verify results
For the most reliable information, consult ABC press kits, official competition recaps, and network communications that outline scoring policies. When evaluating claims about 2018 voting outcomes, prioritize sources that cite these documents and avoid anecdotal posts or unsourced screenshots. Transparent elements—such as point scales, voting windows, and the role of judges—are stable across seasons and can be verified through network materials.
Bottom line for viewers
Dancing with the Stars voting in 2018 followed the established model: public votes converted into points on the same scale as judges’ scores, combined into a weekly total that determined advancement or elimination. The system emphasizes accessibility (multiple voting channels) and predictability (clear point conversion). Understanding this framework makes it easier to interpret weekly results and put rumors or unverified claims into perspective.