Maryland Mail-In Ballot Error Prompts State To Issue Replacements

ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland State Board of Elections has been made aware of an error by our mail-in ballot vendor resulting in some voters receiving the wrong party ballot for the Gubernatorial Primary Election.  

In order to maintain the highest level of confidence and accuracy in mail-in voting, SBE is working with the vendor to send replacement mail-in ballots. While it is possible only a small number of voters received the wrong ballot, and most voters received the correct ballot, all voters must be issued a replacement ballot. This action of resending ballots maintains the integrity and security of mail-in voting.

This error affects only voters who were mailed a ballot before May 14, 2026.  If a voter requested and received their mail-in ballot by web delivery (Print at Home ballot), their ballot will not be affected. All affected voters will be notified.

“We are diligently working to address this error and provide clear instructions to those affected as quickly as possible,” said Maryland State Administrator of Elections, Jared DeMarinis. “The State and Local Boards of Elections remain committed to running an election that is verified, secure and accurate. Mail-in voting is an integral facet of the electoral process. With over 500,000 voters requesting mail-in ballots, we want to eliminate any doubt in its integrity or accuracy that is why I have arranged the sending of replacement ballots.”  

Mr. DeMarinis emphasized, “Please be assured that we are actively answering phones and responding to emails and will remain transparent as we navigate through this situation.  We will make every effort to ensure that everyone affected knows the situation and how to cast their ballot.  Every vote matters, your voice will be heard, and our elections will remain verified, open, transparent, and secure.”

SBE understands that this situation might cause the spread of misinformation.  Please remember to rely on election officials as your trusted sources for election information. 

Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Maryland State Board of Elections by emailing info.sbe@maryland.gov or calling 410-269-2840. 

Additional information about Maryland’s Primary Election can be found at vote.md.gov/vote2026 or by downloading the free Go Vote Maryland! app from the Google Play store or the Apple store.