ANNAPOLIS (May 18, 2026) — As stated on May 15, 2026, the Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) has been made aware of a printing error by our mail-in ballot vendor for the Maryland 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election scheduled for June 23, 2026. The following provides more information to Maryland voters and other stakeholders about next steps with mail-in ballots.
Beginning on May 9, 2026, mail-in ballots were sent out to all voters that requested them on or before May 6, 2026. While some voters may have received the correct ballot and party affiliation as they are registered, an error in the coding with SBE’s mail-in ballot vendor resulted in some voters receiving the wrong party ballot. Since the mail-in vendor was unable to accurately identify who received correct ballots and who did not receive correct ballots, SBE determined the only course of action to ensure the integrity and security of mail-in voting was sending all voters who requested a mail-in ballot by mail a new ballot.
Notify all affected voters
All voters who will receive a replacement ballot will be sent a postcard to the same address where they receive their ballot. Additionally, if the voter receives emails or texts from SBE, they will be notified using their preferred method of contact that they will receive a replacement ballot. Communications with voters will begin on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Replacement Ballots
To help voters identify replacement ballots from the original ballots, the ballot envelope will have “REPLACEMENT BALLOT INSIDE.” Production of replacement ballot packets will begin May 19, 2026 and mailing will be completed no later than May 29, 2026. Mailings will occur on a rolling basis as replacement ballots and envelopes are produced.
Voter Instructions for the Replacement Ballot
The process is essentially the same as voting any mail-in ballot, however the voter should return the "replacement ballot” in the envelope marked "replacement envelope,” The original ballot received by voters should be destroyed. Special instructions will be enclosed.
Maintaining the accuracy of the canvass
SBE will utilize existing practices that prevent voters from having more than one ballot counted. As with all facets of the electoral process, there are additional safeguards to ensure only the correct ballot is being counted for each voter.
Further Information
SBE created a webpage dedicated to educating and informing voters and other stakeholders of how this matter will be handled. Voters can visit vote.md.gov/2026replacementmib to learn if they will be affected, understand what will happen next, and view frequently asked questions.
Please remember to rely on your state and local government election officials as your trusted sources for election information. 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.
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Media Contacts:
Bruce Miller, bmiller@kopublicaffairs.com 410-916-6951
Lexy Rhoden, morgan.rhoden@maryland.gov 443-924-1644