The Maryland State Board of Elections is sending replacement mail-in ballots to voters after a printing vendor error resulted in some receiving the wrong party ballot for the June 23 Gubernatorial Primary, raising fresh questions about election transparency and accuracy just weeks before the election.
The error affects voters who received ballots mailed before May 14, 2026. While officials say most voters likely received the correct ballot, the Board decided to reissue ballots to all potentially affected voters to maintain confidence in the process. Voters who received web-delivered (Print at Home) ballots are not affected.
State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis acknowledged the seriousness of the issue.
“We are diligently working to address this error and provide clear instructions to those affected as quickly as possible,” DeMarinis said. “With over 500,000 voters requesting mail-in ballots, we want to eliminate any doubt in its integrity or accuracy.”
The vendor, Taylor Print & Visual Impressions, Inc., confirmed the mistake and said it is implementing additional quality control measures. Voters are instructed to discard the original ballot and use only the replacement. Officials insist there is no risk of duplicate voting due to existing safeguards. Replacement ballots will be remailed by May 29.
The Maryland Freedom Caucus sharply criticized the error, calling it a threat to election integrity. The group questioned how the state will distinguish between the first and second printings and called for the immediate release of voter rolls for a full audit.
With the primary less than six weeks away, the timing has fueled concerns among voters in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, where many residents rely on mail-in ballots due to work schedules, military service or distance from polling places. The tri-county area has seen strong mail-in participation in recent elections, and any disruption risks eroding public trust in the process.
The incident comes as more than one million Marylanders are now registered as unaffiliated/independent voters — approximately 23% of the electorate — who cannot participate in the closed primary. Critics argue the ballot error compounds existing frustrations with a system that already limits participation for a growing segment of voters.
DeMarinis emphasized transparency, noting the Board is actively responding to calls and emails. “Every vote matters, your voice will be heard, and our elections will remain verified, open, transparent, and secure,” he said.
The Board urged voters to rely on official sources and avoid misinformation. Questions can be directed to info.sbe@maryland.gov or 410-269-2840. Additional information is available at vote.md.gov/vote2026 or through the Go Vote Maryland! app.
Southern Maryland election officials are working to ensure local voters receive accurate replacements promptly. The June 23 primary will decide candidates for governor and other key races that directly impact the region.
