Maryland Voters to Receive Replacement Mail-In Ballots Due to Vendor Error

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) has announced that all voters who requested mail-in ballots for the upcoming Gubernatorial Primary Election on June 23, 2026, will be sent a replacement ballot. This measure is being taken due to a printing error by the SBE’s mail-in ballot vendor that resulted in some voters receiving ballots with the incorrect party affiliation.

The SBE became aware of the printing error on May 15, 2026. Mail-in ballots had begun to be sent out to voters who submitted requests by May 6, 2026. While some voters may have received the correct ballot corresponding to their registered party affiliation, the vendor’s coding error meant that others received an incorrect ballot. Because the vendor could not accurately determine which ballots were correct and which were not, the SBE determined that issuing new ballots to all mail-in voters was the most effective way to uphold the integrity and security of the voting process.

Affected voters will be notified of the upcoming replacement ballot through multiple channels. Beginning Monday, May 18, 2026, the SBE will mail postcards to the same addresses where original ballots were sent. Additionally, voters who have opted to receive communications via email or text from the SBE will be notified through their preferred contact method.

The replacement ballot packets will be clearly identifiable. The outer envelope will be marked “REPLACEMENT BALLOT INSIDE” to distinguish them from the original ballots. The production of these replacement ballots is scheduled to commence on May 19, 2026, with all mailings expected to be completed by May 29, 2026. The distribution will occur on a rolling basis as the replacement ballots and envelopes are manufactured.

Voters are instructed to use the replacement ballot and the accompanying “replacement envelope” for their return. The original ballot received by voters should be destroyed. Detailed instructions will be included with the replacement ballot packet.

The SBE has assured voters that existing procedures are in place to prevent any individual from casting more than one ballot. These safeguards are part of the broader electoral process designed to ensure that each voter’s correct ballot is the only one counted.

For further information and to determine if they will be affected by this issue, voters are directed to a dedicated webpage on the SBE’s official website: vote.md.gov/2026replacementmib. This site will provide comprehensive details, answer frequently asked questions, and outline the next steps for voters. Marylanders can also find additional information about the primary election at vote.md.gov/vote2026 or by downloading the free Go Vote Maryland! mobile application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The SBE encourages voters to rely on official state and local election officials for accurate information regarding the election.

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

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