The Maryland State Board of Elections launched its Defenders of Democracy initiative on Oct. 27, 2025, coinciding with the start of Media Literacy Week, to equip voters with tools to combat election-related misinformation on social media. The effort targets false claims about voter eligibility, registration and voting methods, directing Maryland residents to a dedicated online reporting portal as the state’s primary source for verified information.
Media Literacy Week runs through Oct. 31, 2025, emphasizing the evaluation of information sources in an era of rapid online sharing. The initiative positions individual voters as key participants in maintaining election integrity by reporting suspicious content, verifying facts through official channels and disseminating accurate details. The portal at https://elections.maryland.gov/press_room/Dis-Misinformation.html allows users to flag potentially false election claims, such as misleading posts about polling locations or mail-in ballot procedures.
“Media Literacy Week is the perfect moment to highlight the power every Maryland voter has to fight back against disinformation,” said Jared DeMarinis, state administrator of elections. “When you see something false, don’t ignore it. Report it, get the facts from us, and then share the truth. That collective action is what makes Maryland voters true Defenders of Democracy.”
The portal streamlines three core actions: report suspicious claims by submitting details like the platform, content screenshot and context; verify information against SBE resources; and share corrected facts to counter the spread. Common examples include fabricated alerts about voter purges or altered deadlines, which erode public trust. SBE staff review submissions promptly, often issuing public clarifications or coordinating with platforms for removals.
This builds on prior SBE responses to disinformation threats. In September 2024, officials warned of text message scams impersonating election authorities, urging residents not to click links or share personal data. Such incidents, detailed in a local report, highlight how scams exploit confusion over voter rolls to foster doubt in the process. Foreign actors have also targeted Maryland elections, as noted in earlier analyses of potential 2020 interference tactics like spreading false result narratives.
For Southern Maryland residents in Charles, St. Mary’s and Calvert counties, the initiative resonates amid local election preparations. These jurisdictions handle voter registration through county boards, which align with SBE guidelines for early voting and absentee ballots. Early voting, available for state and local contests, opens weeks before Election Day, allowing same-day registration at sites like the Charles County Government Building in La Plata or the St. Mary’s County Elections Office in Leonardtown. In 2025, voters face municipal races and potential referendums, where disinformation could sway turnout on issues like school funding or development.
County election supervisors emphasize layered safeguards. Charles County’s board establishes no-electioneering zones at precincts to prevent on-site misinformation, while St. Mary’s maintains records for over 80,000 registered voters and trains poll workers on rumor debunking. Calvert’s office promotes online tools for ballot tracking, reducing reliance on unverified social posts. These efforts complement SBE’s statewide portal, ensuring rural and suburban voters access consistent facts.
Spotting disinformation requires basic checks: confirm sources against elections.maryland.gov, cross-reference with county sites and avoid sharing unverified content. DeMarinis noted the distinction between unintentional misinformation — shared in error — and deliberate disinformation aimed at deception. “Democracy depends on informed voters,” he added. “By reporting disinformation and sharing accurate information, Marylanders are defending the very foundation of free and fair elections. Remember, the State Board is always ready and there to correct the record. Together, we can stop the spread of disinformation in elections.”
Maryland’s election framework, governed by the State Board since 1882, mandates secure processes under Title 3 of the Election Law Article. The board oversees 1.7 million registered voters, with Southern Maryland comprising about 15 percent through its three counties. Recent federal assessments, including the 2024 Election Administration and Voting Survey, affirm Maryland’s high compliance in accessibility and security, crediting proactive measures like disinformation monitoring.
Voters can register online via mva.maryland.gov until 30 days before an election or in person at local boards. Absentee ballots, requested through VoteByMail.Maryland.gov, accommodate those unable to reach polls. For 2025’s slate, including off-year primaries, SBE projects steady participation, bolstered by education campaigns. Resources like the board’s rumor control page offer ongoing tips, such as verifying texts from unknown numbers claiming registration issues.
The Defenders of Democracy video, available on SBE’s site, illustrates these steps in under two minutes, featuring everyday scenarios like debunking a fake poll closure rumor. By empowering residents to act, the initiative fosters a culture of accountability, particularly vital in close-knit communities where word-of-mouth amplifies online claims. Southern Maryland’s election officials, from Waldorf to Prince Frederick, integrate these tools into training, ensuring polls remain bastions of verified choice.
As Media Literacy Week concludes, SBE reaffirms its role as the go-to authority, with the portal logging hundreds of reports since its 2024 expansion. This collective vigilance not only safeguards ballots but reinforces the democratic principle that accurate information underpins every vote cast.
