Maryland Voters Receive Wrong Ballots, Replacements on the Way

May 22, 2026

Maryland election officials are sending replacement mail-in ballots to approximately 500,000 voters after a vendor error resulted in people receiving ballots for the wrong political party ahead of the state's closed primary. The State Board of Elections has apologized for the mistake and decided to invalidate all previously cast votes while issuing new ballots to everyone who requested mail-in voting to ensure electoral integrity. President Trump criticized the error on social media, falsely claiming it was deliberate election fraud orchestrated by Democratic Governor Wes Moore's administration, though state officials and Democratic leaders have emphasized the mistake was an honest vendor error that is being transparently corrected.

Who is affected

Approximately 500,000 Maryland voters who requested mail-in ballots before May 14
President Donald Trump (who criticized the error)
Democratic Governor Wes Moore (who is running for reelection and facing Trump's accusations)
The State Board of Elections and state administrator Jared DeMarinis
The mail-in ballot vendor responsible for the error
Congressional candidate Rushern Baker (former Prince George's county executive)
Moore administration spokesman Ammar Moussa

What action is being taken

The State Board of Elections is sending replacement ballots to all voters who requested mail-in ballots
Previously cast votes are being invalidated
Replacement ballots are being distributed and are expected to arrive between May 18 and May 29
State officials are working to inform voters about using the replacement ballots
The SBE is continuing to accept new mail-in ballot requests

Why it matters

This incident is significant because it affects half a million voters' ability to participate properly in Maryland's closed primary election, where party affiliation determines which ballot voters can receive. The error threatens public confidence in the electoral process and has become a flashpoint in ongoing national debates about mail-in voting security and election integrity. The situation has drawn presidential attention and political controversy, with Trump using it to amplify his longstanding criticisms of mail-in voting, while state officials must work to restore voter trust and ensure the integrity of the election process through transparent corrective measures.

What's next

Replacement ballots are expected to arrive to most Maryland residents between May 18 and May 29
Voters are encouraged to discard their original ballots and vote using the replacement ballots
Voters can use replacement ballots before or on Election Day
Election officials will proceed with ballot counting as usual once replacement ballots are submitted

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer