Maryland is scrambling to fix a mail-in ballot printing error that means most mail voters will be receiving a replacement ballot.
The state elections agency revealed last week a contractor error meant that some voters were sent the wrong party’s ballot.
A fuzzy first statement from the state and some President Donald Trump-related mishegoss later, and it’s understandable why some people might be confused about how to make sure their ballot counts for the June 23rd primary.
So let’s take it step-by-step.
How do I know if my ballot was affected?
Two groups are certain to need a replacement mail ballot, according to the state.
The first are voters who added themselves to the permanent absentee list in a previous election. Those are voters who want to automatically receive a mail ballot each election.
The second group includes people who requested a mail ballot or added themselves to the permanent absentee list before May 14.
If you’re not sure whether you are part of these two groups, keep an eye on your mailbox, email inbox or texts.
The State Board of Elections sent out postcards this week to everyone affected by the mixup. If you gave an email or mobile number to the State Board of Elections, they’ll also notify you that way.
The postcards and messages will tell you they’re sending you another ballot marked “REPLACEMENT” and not to vote the first ballot they sent you.
Are there voters who were not affected?
Yes. If you requested a ballot after May 13, you are not affected.
Voters who requested to have their ballot delivered by email so they can print them at home are not affected.
The tell is the postcard the board is sending affected voters.
If you’re unsure, contact the board of elections by email at absentee.SBE@maryland.gov or call 410-269-2840.
What happens if I already voted?
Even if you already voted, the Maryland State Board of Elections is instructing voters to vote their replacement ballot and destroy the old one.
Return the replacement ballot by 8 p.m. on June 23.
Will voting a replacement ballot make it look like I voted twice?
No. The board of elections said its longstanding protocols protect against anyone voting twice.
In an interview with CNN Tuesday, state elections director Jared DeMarinis said “only one ballot will be counted and that’s the replacement ballot.”
Replacement ballots are common and frequently used in elections, DeMarinis said in a Wednesday email.
“If a voter requested a mail-in ballot and has a replacement ballot issued, the original mail-in ballot tracking information is noted in the statewide voter registration system so it cannot be received for canvassing.” DeMarinis said in the statement.
Receipt of the mail-in ballots is also publicly available, he added.
When will I get the replacement ballot and return envelope?
The board will start mailing the replacement ballots this week. Those mailings will continue on a rolling basis until May 29.
The envelope will look like this.
What if I requested a mail ballot but want to vote in person now because of this error?
Voters can cancel their mail ballot and vote in-person at a polling place. Cancellations can be requested online or by reaching out to your local board of elections.
Do I still have time to request a primary mail ballot?
Registered voters can still request a mail ballot online. The last day to submit a request for a ballot mailed to your address on record is June 16. The last day to request a ballot via email that you can print out at home is June 19.
Not registered to vote yet? You can do that online, too, or at a host of local government offices listed here, such as the local elections boards, local health departments or the local human services departments.
You can check if you are registered to vote here.
How will I know if my vote counts? Is there a way to double-check?
The board of elections lets you check whether they have received your ballot and whether it has been counted.
If you have concerns, the state is instructing voters to contact their local board of elections. You can find contact info for your local board here.
What if I still have questions?
If you have questions or need help determining whether you’re an affected voter, the board has requested you call 410-269-2840 or email absentee.SBE@maryland.gov.
You can also reach out to your local board of elections.
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