MD Defends Voter Roll Maintenance After DOJ Inquiry

Maryland State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis has responded to a recent US Department of Justice (DOJ) inquiry regarding Maryland’s voter registration list maintenance procedures, outlining the State’s compliance with federal and State law and detailing the processes used to maintain accurate voter rolls.

The response follows a July 7 letter from DOJ’s Civil Rights Division requesting information on how Maryland complies with federal laws governing voter registration list maintenance. Similar requests were sent to election officials in several other states.

In his response, DeMarinis explains that Maryland’s voter list maintenance responsibilities are shared among the State Board of Elections, local boards of elections, and county election directors.

State law assigns responsibilities for processing death records, address changes, voter confirmations, and other eligibility updates. In contrast, federal law establishes uniform standards governing when and how voters may be removed from the rolls.

The letter also describes Maryland’s use of multiple data sources to maintain voter registration records, including death records, change-of-address information, jury commissioner reports, and data received through the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC). County election officials receive jurisdiction-specific information and take action consistent with State law and federal requirements.

DeMarinis also emphasizes that maintaining accurate voter rolls requires balancing election integrity with protecting eligible voters from improper removal. Maryland law requires election officials to follow detailed notification and confirmation procedures before canceling many voter registrations, reflecting both federal requirements and State policy.

The response also addresses the role misinformation can play in undermining confidence in elections, noting that election administration often involves complex legal and administrative processes that can be misunderstood when presented without context. DeMarinis reiterates that the State Board of Elections serves as Maryland’s authoritative source for election administration information.

The exchange is the latest development in a series of recent interactions between Maryland election officials and the DOJ involving voter registration records and election administration.

As previously reported on Conduit Street, a federal judge recently dismissed a US Department of Justice lawsuit seeking access to Maryland’s statewide voter registration list, concluding that federal law did not require the State Board of Elections to produce the records requested. The matter remains on appeal.

#MACoCon: Elections in Insecure Times: What Counties Need to Know

Recent federal actions, evolving election laws, litigation, and increased public scrutiny continue to shape Maryland’s election landscape. The 2026 MACo Summer Conference will feature a timely discussion on the issues affecting county election administration and what local leaders should expect moving forward.

“Elections in Uncertain Times: What Counties Need to Know” will examine changes in election law, federal actions, cybersecurity, election preparedness, and the practical challenges facing local boards of elections. State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis and other election experts will provide updates on the latest developments and discuss what they mean for counties.

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Build What’s Next,” takes place August 12-15, 2026, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. For more information, visit the conference website.

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