'Dancing With the Stars' Shakes Up Season 35 With New Fan Voting Rules

The mirrorball trophy battle is officially back, but the ballroom has a fresh set of guidelines for fans cheering from their couches. *Dancing With the Stars* kicked off its 35th season on Sept. 15, bringing big routines, sparkly costumes, and an unexpected tweak to how viewers cast their ballots. Before the first scores hit the board, co-host Alfonso Ribeiro stepped up to clarify how the audience at home needs to submit their support this year. Viewers sitting at home will need to pay close attention to the fine print if they want their favorite celebrity dancers to avoid the dreaded bottom two.

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With the Stars season 35 During the live premiere broadcast, Ribeiro made it clear that accuracy is key for the current season. Audiences looking to save their favorite pairings can no longer rely on vague texts or improper entry formats. The show is pushing for exact precision across both online voting platforms and SMS text lines. The updated protocol ensures every ballot is logged correctly during the tight live broadcast window. Fans can cast up to ten votes per couple per voting method, but failing to follow the exact keyword prompts could mean those precious points do not hit the final count.

BUZZBEAT

The changes arrive as the long-running reality competition continues to refine its live dual-coast broadcast format. With votes opening right at the start of the show and closing shortly after the final performance, clarity around the process has never been more vital for the couples on the floor. For diehard fans, the shift means double-checking standard text commands and ensuring online accounts are verified ahead of showtime. As the competition heats up in the coming weeks, even minor slip-ups in the voting booth could send a top contender packing unexpectedly early. With a fresh roster of celebrity contenders ready to battle for top marks, the updated voting process puts even more power—and responsibility—right in the hands of the audience.