Maryland’s State Board of Elections earned national recognition for its innovative Text2Cure program, highlighting how election practices in Maryland continue to shape the conversation on accessibility and reliability nationwide.

The US Election Assistance Commission recognized the Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) with a national Clearinghouse Award. The annual program showcases innovation and best practices in election administration nationwide.

SBE received the award for its Text2Cure program, a 2024 initiative designed to give mail-in voters a faster and more accessible way to correct ballots missing a signature. Rather than visiting a local board of elections office or sending documents by email, voters could securely verify their ballot by text message.

Why It Matters for Counties

Counties in Maryland run elections at the ground level — managing polling places, staffing election judges, and processing mail-in ballots. Programs like Text2Cure reduce administrative hurdles, ease pressure on local election offices, and ensure eligible votes count even when minor technical issues arise.

As election challenges become increasingly complex, from workforce shortages to security pressures, innovations like these offer practical relief. For counties, it means fewer disenfranchised voters, reduced staff burden, and a system that adapts to real-world conditions.

The award program reflects the federal government’s push to spotlight practical ideas that jurisdictions across the country can adopt and apply in their own election systems. Judges evaluate submissions on sustainability, outreach, cost-effectiveness, and impact.

Maryland’s award places it among 53 programs honored this year, spanning categories such as voter communications, poll worker recruitment, and contingency planning.

Visit the Maryland State Board of Elections website for more information.