Mail-In Ballot Replacement Information

updated 5/18/2026

Information for 2026 Mail-in Voters

Due to an error in the printing process, some voters received the incorrect party ballot for the Gubernatorial Primary Election. This error affects only voters who were mailed a ballot before May 14, 2026. All affected voters will be mailed a replacement ballot.

How to know if you were affected and will receive a replacement ballot

You received two ballots and the second ballot says "REPLACEMENT BALLOT"
Voters who requested a ballot for the Gubernatorial Primary on or before 5/13 and received a ballot in the mail that has the words "Replacement Ballot" on the envelope (PDF) [English/español (PDF)].
Voters who requested to be permanent absentees ("to receive mail in ballots for all future elections") on or before 5/13 and received a ballot.
All affected voters will receive a postcard (PDF) [English/español (PDF)] from SBE, and those who have emails in their voter record will receive emails.
If a voter requested and received their mail-in ballot by web delivery (Print at Home ballot), their ballot will not be affected.

How to know which ballot you receive

The original ballot sent to voters did not have the words "REPLACEMENT BALLOT" on the envelope and does not have a letter entitled "Attention Voter!"
The replacement ballot has the words "REPLACEMENT BALLOT" on the envelope (PDF) [English/español (PDF)] and has a letter (PDF) [English/español (PDF)] entitled "Attention Voter!"

When replacement ballots will arrive

Ballots will be mailed starting the week of May 18, 2026 and should be completed by May 29, 2026.

Voting Your Replacement Ballot

Vote the ballot received in the envelope (PDF) [English/español (PDF)] marked "REPLACEMENT BALLOT" and return it in the return envelope [English/español (PDF)] marked "Replacement Envelope".
Do not mark and return the ballot received in your first ballot packet, please destroy that ballot and envelopes.

Delay in processing current requests for a mail-in ballot

If you requested a mail-in ballot after May 14, there will be a slight delay in processing. Those requests will not be processed until all replacement ballots have been sent to voters. Check back to this website for more information about when they will be mailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my first voted ballot if it was returned?

Your local election office is able to identify these ballots and secure them. These ballots have been voided in our voter registration system that is used to track and receive ballots. You should mark and return the replacement ballot to ensure you vote the correct ballot and that your ballot is counted.

What should I do with my first ballot packet if I haven't returned it yet?

You should discard or destroy your first ballot packet. You will receive a replacement ballot packet and should vote the replacement ballot.

Is there a risk of duplicate voting because of this error?

No. There is no risk of duplicate voting as a result of this issue. Election officials have safeguards in place to ensure that only one ballot can be accepted per voter. Every return envelope/oath has a unique identifier to ensure that a voter can only vote one ballot. SBE has implemented additional safeguards to ensure only the correct ballot is counted for each voter.

I received the wrong party affiliation ballot in my first ballot packet, can I vote that ballot and my correct party affiliation ballot in my second ballot packet?

No. Your first ballot was the incorrect party ballot and has been voided in the registration database.

How do I know if I voted the right ballot?

You will receive additional instructions in the replacement ballot packet.

Will my vote still count?

Yes. Your vote will count when you complete and return your replacement ballot.

What is the deadline to return my replacement ballot?

Your mail-in ballot must be postmarked by USPS, dropped in a ballot drop box location, or taken to a polling place or local board by 8:00 pm on Election Day, June 23, 2026.

What if I no longer wish to vote by mail?

If you prefer to vote at the polls after you previously requested a mail-in ballot, you should cancel your mail-in ballot. The easiest way to cancel your mail-in ballot request is online by visiting our website at https://vote.md.gov/update. Or you can visit: the State Board of Elections website (elections.maryland.gov), go to the "Voting" dropdown, and select "Voter Services" and follow the steps in the "Update Your Voting Info" tab to cancel your ballot.

I requested my mail-in ballot after May 14, 2026. Does this impact me?

No. Voters who requested a mail-in ballot after May 14, 2026 will only receive one ballot and should vote the ballot that is received. This ballot will be marked so that voters can identify it. Please check back for more information.

I am a UOCAVA voter. Does this affect me?

Yes, UOCAVA voters will be sent replacement ballots. If you are concerned about receiving your ballot, you can switch to web delivery ballots

I requested my mail-in ballot by web delivery (Print-At-Home) or received a ballot in-person directly from my local election office. Does this error impact me?

No. You are not impacted by this error. Vote and return your print-at-home ballot or the ballot you received at your local election office. and should do nothing as it relates to this matter.

We understand that there will be a lot of information about this issue from various media sources. Continue to rely on the Maryland State Board of Elections and your local election officials as your trusted sources of information. If you see any mis-/dis-information, utilize the mis-/dis-information portal to report it.

If you have any questions about your mail-in ballot, contact us at 410-269-2840 or [email protected].

A press release from the Maryland State Board of Elections and Taylor Print & Visual Impressions, Inc. was made on May 15, 2026. An additional press release was issued by SBE on May 18, 2026. Both press releases can be found by visiting our Press Room.