Maryland State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis responded Wednesday to President Donald Trump’s March 31 executive order on federal election integrity by stressing that Maryland will continue administering elections under state and federal law while keeping the process safe secure and transparent.
DeMarinis released a detailed statement addressing the order titled Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections. The directive requires the Department of Homeland Security to create a State Citizenship List of individuals who meet specific criteria including United States citizenship verified through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program age 18 or older at election time and state residency. It also directs the United States Postal Service to begin rulemaking by May 30 for mail in ballot procedures including creation of a Mail In and Absentee Participation List and restrictions on transmitting ballots to individuals not on that list.
In his statement DeMarinis expressed concern over the order’s tone and potential impact on voters and election officials. “I am disheartened by the threatening tone and bullying tactics of the executive order directed against me as the State chief election official for administering Maryland elections in accordance with State and federal laws” he said. “I will not be deterred or intimidated from protecting ensuring and advocating for voter’s rights.”
He continued by criticizing language about possible arrest and prosecution noting it aims only to create fear in election officials disenfranchise voters sow distrust and cast unfounded doubt on results. DeMarinis emphasized that neither the president nor the Department of Homeland Security has constitutional or statutory authority to take over Maryland’s elections. “The United States Constitution is clear the authority to administer elections predominately resides with the States” he stated. “The States administer and conduct elections each according to their laws and regulations subject to limited Congressional authority.”
DeMarinis made clear that Maryland’s official voter registration rolls maintained by the State Board of Elections will not change based on the federal list which he said has no legal force or authority. He also called the executive order’s direction to the Postal Service contrary to Maryland law noting that ballots cannot be delayed and that any such action would face litigation and referral for prosecution from his office.
The administrator reminded Marylanders that the right to vote is a constitutional right not an entitlement. He reassured residents that the State Board of Elections and local officials remain committed to safe open secure and trustworthy elections. “Public trust in the electoral process and the election officials who enforce the processes is essential” DeMarinis said. “It is the foundation of our democracy and for any elected government.”
To address potential concerns he encouraged voters to use available options such as web delivery for mail in ballots returned via secure drop boxes. Ballot drop boxes are located throughout the state routinely emptied well lit and under surveillance.
DeMarinis’ statement comes amid ongoing local questions about transparency in election administration particularly in Charles County part of Southern Maryland. The Maryland State Board of Elections and Charles County Board of Elections drew criticism for their handling of incumbent Charles County Commissioner Ralph E. Patterson II’s candidacy for District 4. Patterson was disqualified March 23 for late filing of his 2025 financial disclosure statement. The Charles County board reinstated him after a closed session on March 25. His status later appeared as withdrawn on the state board website March 31 before updating to active April 1.
The Southern Maryland Chronicle reported that after multiple inquiries including two emails to both boards officials provided only generic answers or no detailed explanations for the disqualification reinstatement or status changes. Neither board offered substantive public insight into the closed door process leaving District 4 voters seeking clarity.
The Patterson matter highlights tensions in Southern Maryland where residents in Charles County rely on clear communication from election officials during high stakes races. Charles County voters like those across the region value straightforward access to accurate candidacy information especially ahead of the June primary.
Upcoming election dates remain unchanged. The deadline to request a web delivered mail in ballot is June 19. Early in person voting runs Thursday June 11 through Thursday June 18 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at designated centers. Election Day is Tuesday June 23 with polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can locate polling places through the State Board of Elections website.
DeMarinis urged residents to rely on state and local election officials as trusted sources and to report suspicious information through the board’s disinformation portal. He encouraged all eligible voters in Southern Maryland to make a plan and exercise their right to vote whether by mail early in person or on Election Day.
The response underscores Maryland’s longstanding approach to election oversight focused on state authority and voter access. For Charles County families and communities in Southern Maryland the message reinforces that local processes will continue without federal interference while officials address calls for greater openness in candidate handling.
