Maryland Election Officials Expedite Replacement Ballot Distribution Ahead of Schedule, Including Washington County

Maryland voters in several counties have begun receiving replacement ballots, with all impacted residents expected to receive theirs by the end of the day tomorrow, two days earlier than initially anticipated. The Maryland State Administrator of Elections, Jared DeMarinis, announced that the distribution of these replacement ballots commenced this afternoon for voters in Anne Arundel, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, and Washington counties. Further distributions are slated for tomorrow morning in Baltimore City, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Dorchester, Garrett, Kent, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.

The proactive measure aims to ensure that all voters receive the correct ballot for an upcoming election. Crucially, voters who receive a replacement ballot are instructed to discard their original ballot and cast the replacement ballot instead. These replacement ballots can be returned through various secure channels, including drop boxes, early voting centers, polling places on Election Day, or local boards of elections. The deadline for returning these ballots is June 23rd, with a postmark no later than that date being acceptable.

The successful and expedited distribution of these replacement ballots has been a collaborative effort. Local Boards of Elections (LBEs) have played a vital role in managing this procedural change, working closely with the Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE). The SBE has provided LBEs with necessary tools to enhance communication and ensure a transparent process for the canvassing, or counting, of mail-in ballots. Currently, LBEs are engaged in the process of segregating and organizing the original ballots that have been returned, while simultaneously preparing for the influx of replacement ballots. Election officials have also been actively collecting ballots from drop boxes and receiving them through web delivery and in-person submissions, in anticipation of the official canvass, which is legally mandated to begin on June 1st and continue through the first day of early voting. This close partnership between the State Board of Elections and the Local Boards of Elections is considered particularly significant during this period.

Looking ahead, the State Administrator is scheduled to provide a comprehensive update on the situation, including any corrective actions taken and voter outreach strategies, during an open meeting of the bipartisan State Board this Thursday.

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

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