Election officials in two Maryland jurisdictions are still counting ballots weeks after Election Day, with the canvass expected to wrap up on Friday. Although the results won’t change the election outcome, officials are dedicated to counting every last ballot, particularly provisional ballots and mail-ins. Over 100,000 provisional ballots were cast statewide, with reasons ranging from voter registration questions to changes in voting methods.
State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis plans to analyze data post-election to streamline future elections, especially as the 2026 midterms approach. The increased use of mail-in ballots and provisional ballots in this election has highlighted the need for improved messaging to encourage consistency in voting methods.
The 2020 election showed a significant preference for mail-in and early in-person voting in Maryland, a trend likely to continue. The state’s election records indicate that absentee voting played a crucial role in conducting the election amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift towards remote voting may prompt a reevaluation of the number of polling places used in the state.
Joanne Antoine, executive director of Common Cause Maryland, suggests that the high demand for mail-in voting reflects voters’ desire for convenience and accessibility. With trust in mailing votes and utilizing drop boxes on the rise, it’s clear that mail-in voting is becoming a preferred option for many Marylanders.
Overall, the 2020 election has underscored the importance of providing diverse voting options to meet the needs of all voters, a sentiment echoed by election officials and democracy advocates in the state.
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