Maryland State Board of Elections

The board discussed a significant error involving the mailing of incorrect party ballots to voters. The State Administrator explained the investigation into the vendor responsible for the insertion of ballot packets, the scope of the affected voter pool, and the implementation of a comprehensive corrective action plan. This plan involved sending replacement ballots to all potentially affected voters and conducting an extensive outreach program via postcards, emails, and text messages. The meeting also addressed protocols for handling returned original ballots, the vendor's financial responsibility for the remediation, and procedures to ensure the security and integrity of the upcoming election.

The board discussed several operational and administrative updates. Topics included a warning against wagering on election results, demonstrations of new voting systems being considered for future election cycles, the creation of a glossary to clarify election terminology, and progress on departmental legislative bills. Additionally, the meeting covered updates on candidate filings, the launch of a new voter resource app, election judge training, and ongoing procurements for voting systems and data centers. Members also addressed feedback regarding the usability of new voting machines and the correction of clerical errors in voter registration records involving the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange.

The board meeting covered a review of the State Administrator's report, which included updates on the recently concluded legislative session and its impact on election administration, such as the Address Confidentiality Program, voter registration restoration, and county Board Counsel requirements. The discussion also addressed canvassing procedures for absentee ballots, the codification of postmark rules for mail-in ballots, and new public communication requirements for print-at-home ballots. Additionally, the Board reviewed campaign finance reporting initiatives, the launch of a new voter resource mobile app, preparations for upcoming ballot distribution, and the role of the State Prosecutor in investigating potential non-citizen voter registration issues reported via jury duty notices.

The Government, Labor, and Elections Committee considered Bill/Resolution Number HB 156 during the 2026 Regular Session. The action taken on this item was a Favorable vote with Amendment. The record indicates that 15 votes were in favor, 2 were against, 1 member was excused, and the Chair did not vote.

The meeting commenced with the Chair declaring a quorum present. A short new business item regarding a letter from a deaf constituent was noted for presentation. Discussions involved the approval of previous meeting minutes. The State Administrator's report highlighted the announcement of ESNS as the new voting system vendor, the opening of a new exhibit on Maryland ballots and voting systems, and successful filing rates for the MD CHRIS annual report, despite handling over 1,000 hotline calls during peak times. Ongoing activities include election judge recruitment and voter outreach for the upcoming primary, preparation for outreach in correctional facilities, and implementation of language assistance regulations in affected counties. The IT report noted an upcoming MD Voters system release focusing on reporting enhancements. Emphasis was placed on cyber awareness, particularly regarding phishing attempts. Mail-in voting guidance is being updated to stress returning ballots promptly due to USPS postmark policy changes, with recommendations favoring official dropboxes for timely receipt. Active procurements include the new voting system certification process, and voter registration audits continue. The Assistant Attorney General's report provided updates on several legal matters: the settlement in Sullivan v. Summers was approved by the board of public works, closing that case; Delaroka v. Lee remains pending before the Fourth Circuit; litigation in Massachusetts (trial and appellate levels) is awaiting decisions on summary judgment and preliminary injunction; the petition for a writ of certiorari in Bryson v. Moore et al. is awaiting a Supreme Court of Maryland decision; and in United States v. De Marinus, the reply to the DOJ's opposition to the motion to dismiss is forthcoming. A significant concern raised throughout the meeting centered on the USPS change regarding ballot postmarking dates and its potential negative impact on the timeliness and counting of mail-in and military ballots, prompting a commitment to confer with legal counsel regarding regulatory options, such as utilizing voter affidavits.