Maryland begins counting reissued mail‑in ballots after error
PUBLISHED Jun 1, 2026, 9:31 AM ET
Read, Watch or Listen
Annapolis — Maryland election officials began counting returned mail‑in ballots on Monday after a statewide printing vendor error forced the reissuance of more than half a million ballots ahead of the June 23 primary; replacement ballots were mailed to every voter who requested mail‑in ballots when officials could not determine which individual ballots were affected. The development prompted a June 1 letter from Maryland House GOP leaders seeking clarification on handling incorrect ballots and drew national attention this week, with a congressional committee launching an inquiry and President Trump calling for a Department of Justice review; state officials, including Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, said there is no evidence of wrongdoing and canvassing and verification efforts are underway.
By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Before June 1, 2026: A vendor printing error causes some Maryland voters to receive wrong-party mail-in ballots; replacement ballots are prepared and mailed.
- June 1, 2026: Maryland House GOP leaders Jason Buckel and Jesse Pippy send a letter to elections administrator Jared DeMarinis seeking clarification on handling incorrect ballots.
- June 2, 2026: California holds its primary; polls operate 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and counties begin tallying votes after polls close.
- Early June 2026: Maryland election workers begin reviewing and canvassing returned mail-in ballots; congressional committee launches an inquiry and requests answers.
- June 23, 2026: Scheduled Maryland primary for which replacement ballots had been issued; certification and audits to follow within statutory windows.
News Intelligence
- Your vote counts. The Maryland ballot error could have affected your ability to vote in the primary. Check your mail for a replacement ballot if you requested one. If you're unsure, contact your local election office to confirm your ballot status.
- Articles Published:
- 5
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 4
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 80%, Right 20%
State and federal oversight agencies, and political actors raising concerns, gained heightened scrutiny and grounds to press for investigations and procedural changes following the ballot reissuance.
Affected Maryland voters experienced confusion and potential disenfranchisement, while the printing vendor and some election administrators faced reputational damage and intensified legal and political scrutiny.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
No left-leaning sources found for this story.
From Center
Maryland begins counting reissued mail‑in ballots after error
FOX 5 DC The Fresno Bee The Bay Net Santa Cruz SentinelFrom Right
California's Third World Elections: Slow Count Looms as Officials Blame 'So Many Candidates' for Delayed Results
California Globe
Comments