Maryland Voters Reassured on Mail-in Ballot Security Amidst Postal Service Changes

The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) is actively reassuring voters about the continued security and convenience of mail-in voting, particularly in light of recent policy updates from the United States Postal Service (USPS). These changes, effective December 25, 2025, introduce new language concerning postmarks and postal possession, which may lead to confusion regarding the date a ballot is officially postmarked versus when it is accepted by the Postal Service.

To address potential concerns and ensure all voters can cast their ballots effectively, the SBE is strongly encouraging those who wish to vote by mail to take action early. An alternative for convenient and secure ballot return is the utilization of the state’s 286 ballot drop boxes. These drop boxes are strategically located across Maryland, designed to provide equitable access for all registered voters. The SBE emphasizes that each drop box is regularly serviced, well-lit, and monitored under surveillance to maintain ballot integrity and prevent any form of tampering.

Voters who choose to return their mail-in ballots by mail must ensure their ballot is postmarked on or before 8 p.m. on Election Day, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23. For those opting to return their ballots in person, the deadline for submission to a ballot drop box or a local board of elections office is also 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23.

Individuals wishing to receive their mail-in ballot through postal delivery must submit their request in a way that it is received by the SBE no later than June 16. A different deadline applies for those who prefer to receive their mail-in ballot via web delivery; these requests must be received by June 19. More comprehensive details on how to request a mail-in ballot can be found on the SBE’s dedicated mail-in ballot webpage.

For registered voters who prefer not to use the mail-in option, Maryland offers two alternative methods for casting their vote in the upcoming election: early in-person voting or voting on Election Day. Early voting will commence on Thursday, June 11, and will continue through Thursday, June 18. During the early voting period, centers will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. A complete listing of early voting center locations is available.

On Election Day, Tuesday, June 23, polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can locate their assigned Election Day polling place by using the SBE’s “Find My Polling Place” portal.

The SBE reiterates the importance of relying on state and local election officials as the definitive and trustworthy sources for all election-related information. Voters are encouraged to visit the SBE’s official website, follow their social media channels, or contact their local elections office for accurate and up-to-date details. To combat the spread of misinformation, voters can report any suspicious or potentially false election information through the SBE’s dedicated disinformation portal.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland State Board of Elections.

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