Elections Archives

2026 MACo Issue Previews / Elections

2026 Issue Preview: Elections

With the 2026 Legislative Session approaching, MACo is profiling significant issues likely to shape debate in Annapolis. Among them, election administration stands out as a growing operational and fiscal challenge for counties, driven by federal action, court uncertainty, and rising security demands placed squarely on local boards of elections. The 2026 session opens with heightened attention on elections. The Department of Legislative Services outlines the landscape in its annual Issue Papers, noting new federal actions,…

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December 30, 2025

Elections Under Pressure: Counties Prepare for 2026 at #MACoCon

At the MACo Winter Conference, state and county leaders examined the growing strain on local election systems as Maryland heads into the 2026 cycle. The discussion acknowledged Maryland’s strong track record on voter access and election security, while focusing on the operational pressure counties and local boards of elections face to maintain that standard year after year. State Senator Cheryl Kagan, Vice Chair of the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee, which oversees election…

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December 16, 2025

Elections / Winter Conference

Judge Dismisses Challenge to Maryland’s Closed Primary System

An Anne Arundel County Circuit Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit from a group of unaffiliated voters who argued that Maryland’s closed primary elections violate their voting rights. The ruling relies on long-standing case law that gives political parties the authority to decide who may vote in their primaries. According to Maryland Matters, Judge Pamela Alban issued the decision last week. She wrote that Maryland’s Constitution protects the right to vote in state elections, but…

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November 20, 2025

Elections / Winter Conference

Elections at Work: Local Leadership, Modern Challenges

At this year’s MACo Winter Conference, county election officials will focus on the growing strain facing local election systems as Maryland heads into the 2026 cycle. Counties run Maryland’s elections. Local boards of elections recruit, train, and manage election judges. They secure ballot storage. They operate early voting sites and polling places. They carry out the day-to-day work that keeps the process credible and accessible for residents. That work grows harder every year. Local directors…

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November 18, 2025

County News / Elections / Winter Conference

Supreme Court Case Could Change Maryland’s Mail-In Ballot Rules

The Supreme Court of the United States will hear a case that could impact how states handle mail-in ballots, including those in Maryland. The dispute originated in Mississippi, where state law allows election officials to count ballots cast by Election Day and received within five business days. A federal trial judge upheld that rule. The Fifth Circuit struck it down. Now the Court will decide which interpretation prevails. The core question is simple: Does federal…

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November 17, 2025

Elections / General Assembly News / News You Can Use / Winter Conference

Governor Moore Moves Forward with Redistricting Advisory Commission

Maryland will formally study mid-cycle redistricting, with Governor Wes Moore announcing a new advisory commission to review the current congressional map, gather public input, and recommend next steps as other states redraw their lines ahead of the 2026 elections. Governor Wes Moore announced a new Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission to review Maryland’s congressional map and recommend potential changes. The panel will conduct public hearings, gather input from residents across the state, and deliver recommendations to…

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November 4, 2025

Elections / News You Can Use

It’s National Voter Registration Day! Are You #VoteReady?

Every year, millions of Americans fail to vote because they miss a registration deadline, fail to update their registration, or are unsure how to register. National Voter Registration Day aims to make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote. In recognition of National Voter Registration Day on September 16, the Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) is encouraging Marylanders to register to vote ahead of the 2025 elections and next year’s presidential race. Marylanders can…

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September 16, 2025

Elections / News You Can Use

Maryland’s Text2Cure Program Wins National Election Innovation Award

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…

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September 10, 2025

Elections

State Board of Elections Advances Legislative Priorities for 2026 Session

The Maryland State Board of Elections is advancing a set of proposals for the 2026 session that would directly affect local election operations, including transportation to early voting sites and creating a career pathway for election administration staff. The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) has outlined several proposals for departmental legislation, all of which have been cleared for advancement by the Governor’s Office and approved by the Board. These measures will be submitted for…

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August 28, 2025

Elections / Feature / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use / Policy Deep Dive

Policy Deep Dive: Mail-In Voting — Headlines vs. Reality

This article is part of MACo’s Policy Deep Dive series, where expert policy analysts unpack complex policy questions with precise, county-focused analysis. Read all of MACo’s Policy Deep Dives. The Short Version A president cannot ban mail-in voting by executive order. States run elections. Congress could attempt to regulate federal races, but significant changes would face constitutional limits and political challenges. Maryland law still guarantees no-excuse mail-in voting, drop boxes, early voting, and in-person voting…

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August 26, 2025