Important deadlines approach for Md. primary mail-in voting
MARYLAND – An important deadline is approaching for voters hoping to mail-in their ballots for the 2024 presidential primary election.
March 15th is the last day to sign up to be part of the first round of mail-in ballots that will be sent out. Those ballots can be left in drop boxes at multiple locations in each county.
“That doesn’t mean that you’re precluded, then, from ever applying for a mail-in ballot after March 15th,” said Maryland State Administrator of Elections, Jared DeMarinis. “It will just be processed in the normal course of business.”
If there are any issues with mail-in ballots, elections officials will notify those voters. Additionally, elections officials urge voters to be sure to sign the oath before sending off their ballots.
“If not, the local board of elections will contact you to make sure you have the ability to cure your mail-in ballot,” DeMarinis said. We want to make sure that everyone who votes by mail has their voice heard.”
Early voting beings, in person, on May 2nd, and runs through May 9th. Voters will be able to pick up their ballots at their polling locations. Maryland’s primary election day is on May 14th. On that day, voters will also vote in person, but within their assigned precincts.
Ahead of those important dates, voters can review ballots online.
“They can start making a plan. I think that’s the most important part here; making a plan to vote,” DeMarinis said. “They can check to see if their voter registration is up to date on our website, as well. They can request a mail-in ballot.”
The review period also allows voters and candidates to check for misspellings and misprints on the ballots. “It’s not to relitigate whether a candidate was certified or met the qualifications that the office sought. So, this is just for those administrative corrections,” DeMarinis explained.
As a reminder, Maryland’s primary election is closed. “If you want to vote in any of those two primaries, you have to register or change your registration at the state board website, so that you can be eligible to participate in that primary,” DeMarinis said.
