PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – ?May 20, 2026? – The Calvert County Board of Elections is informing voters of an important update from the Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) regarding mail-in ballots for the 2026 gubernatorial primary election scheduled for June 23, 2026.
On May 15, 2026, the SBE announced that a printing and coding error by its mail-in ballot vendor resulted in some voters statewide receiving incorrect party ballots. Mail-in ballots were originally sent beginning May 9, 2026, to voters who requested a mail-in ballot on or before May 6, 2026.
Because the vendor could not accurately determine which voters received correct ballots and which did not, the SBE determined the safest and most secure course of action was to issue replacement ballots to all voters who requested a ballot by mail.
Voters receiving a replacement ballot will also receive a postcard notification at the same mailing address. Voters enrolled to receive election updates by email or text message will be notified through their preferred communication method. Notifications began Monday, May 18, 2026.
Replacement ballot packets will be clearly marked with “REPLACEMENT BALLOT INSIDE” on the ballot envelope to help voters distinguish them from the original mailing.
Production of replacement ballot packets began May 19, 2026, with all replacement ballots expected to be mailed by May 29, 2026. Mailings will occur on a rolling basis as ballots and envelopes are completed.
Once voters receive their “Replacement Ballot Packet,” the voter should destroy the first ballot packet they received. The voter can complete and return the replacement ballot using the envelope marked “Replacement Envelope.” Instructions will be included with each replacement ballot packet.
Election officials emphasized that existing safeguards remain in place to ensure that only one ballot is counted per voter and that only the correct ballot style is accepted and tabulated.
The SBE created a webpage with additional information, frequently asked questions and voter guidance regarding replacement ballots. Mail-in ballot voters can visit https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2026/2026_replacement_mib.html for details on what steps to take next.
Additional information about Maryland’s 2026 primary election is available at https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2026/vote2026/.
For questions, contact the Calvert County Board of Elections at 410-535-2214 or elections@calvertcountymd.gov. For more information about the Maryland primary election, visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Vote.
Find information on Calvert County Government services online at?www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay connected with Calvert County Government through the mobile app, newsletters, social media and more at?www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/StayInformed.
