WASHINGTON — Due to a programming error, Maryland voters who submitted an address or party change may need to cast a provisional ballot in the primary election.
Maryland State Administrator of Elections Linda H. Lamonte said in a statement that approximately 18,700 changes were not submitted to the State Board of Elections for processing.
This number is based on information from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration and may affect those who updated their voter registration on the MVA’s website or self-service kiosks between April 22, 2017 to June 5, 2018.
Affected customers changed their address or started an application for a driver’s license of ID card from home but did not buy a product, the news release said. The computer language was modified to not send voter registration information to the SBE if no purchase was made.
The computer programming fix is underway and should be complete by June 29. MDOT MVA has sent the impacted records to SBE for distribution to the local boards.
Because of the proximity of the election, the changes cannot be added to the list of voters at each voting location. The SBE said that people can use the provisional voting process in order to vote and have the ballot counted.
Lamonte said that pollworkers are trained in the process and will be ready to help any affected voter.
Impacted voters will be able to vote normally for the general election.
The SBE will inform those affected through email (if there is an email on file). Voters can check their registration information on the SBE’s website. Or, to locate your polling location, go to SBE’s polling place locator.
The SBE discovered the problem through a customer inquiry, which MDOT MVA investigated, said a news release.
If you have any questions about your registration called SBE at 1-800-222-8683.
