Annapolis, Md. — Maryland State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis issued a statement February 6, 2026, addressing recent claims and press statements suggesting the potential nationalization of election administration, including in Maryland, and clarifying the legal framework governing elections in the state.
DeMarinis emphasized that the U.S. Constitution assigns primary authority over election administration to the states. He stated that Maryland conducts its elections according to state laws and regulations, with only limited congressional oversight permitted.
“The United States Constitution is clear: the authority to administer elections predominately resides with the States,” DeMarinis said. “The States administer and conduct elections each according to their laws and regulations, subject to limited Congressional authority. The President of the United States has no constitutional or statutory authority to nationalize Maryland’s elections and electoral processes.”
The statement was released in response to recent high-profile comments that DeMarinis said could sow doubt about the security of state-run elections. As head of the Maryland State Board of Elections, he sought to reassure voters of the agency’s ongoing commitment to conducting elections that are safe, secure, transparent, and accessible.
DeMarinis pointed to Maryland’s Declaration of Rights as a guiding principle, quoting: “the right of the People to participate in the Legislature is the best security of liberty and the foundation of all free Government; . . . and every citizen having the qualifications prescribed by the Constitution, ought to have the right of suffrage.”
He also directly addressed concerns raised by statements about possible federal enforcement agents near polling locations, noting that such comments could create apprehension in some communities. DeMarinis reaffirmed the office’s dedication to shielding voters from harassment or intimidation related to their voting decisions.
“This office is committed to protecting voters from undue harassment or intimidation regarding when they voted, how they voted, and who they voted for,” he said.
DeMarinis urged Marylanders not to let perceived threats deter them from casting ballots in 2026 elections. He highlighted mail-in voting as a secure, convenient, and legal alternative to in-person participation.
“Mail-in voting is safe, secure, convenient and legal,” he said. “Don’t let the noise disenfranchise or silence your voice. This right was hard fought for over the course of our country’s history, and we do not take protecting that right lightly.”
The Maryland State Board of Elections encourages voters to verify election-related information through official channels rather than social media, friends, or unverified sources. DeMarinis closed by reinforcing public confidence in the state’s election system.
“Again, Marylanders should feel confident in our election administration,” he said. “Always verify the information you hear or see… with the trusted source of electoral information, the Maryland State Board of Elections.”
The Maryland State Board of Elections operates from its offices at 151 West Street, Suite 200, in Annapolis. For election information, residents can contact the agency at its toll-free number (800) 222-8683, MD Relay Service (800) 735-2258, or visit https://elections.maryland.gov. The statement reflects the agency’s proactive effort to counter potential mis- and disinformation ahead of future election cycles in Maryland, including the 2026 statewide contests.