After reports of some voters in Maryland attempting to cast their 2020 election ballots into ballot drop boxes and believing they were locked and closed, the state has released a statement.
Maryland State Board of Elections Administrator Linda Lamone issued the following today (October 20):
Maryland voters should be aware that, once open, all authorized ballot drop boxes in the state will remain open until November 3 at 8 p.m. Each drop box is equipped with a lock that holds the ballot deposit slot open at all times. It has come to our attention that some voters, upon seeing locks on ballot boxes, have assumed the boxes are closed. This is not the case. Ballots should be inserted in the slot located above the lock as indicated by red arrows. We encourage all eligible voters who would like to utilize ballot drop boxes to review the list of drop box locations and opening dates online.
Using authorized ballot drop boxes is a safe and easy way to exercise your right to vote during the pandemic. Drop boxes are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring voters can cast their ballots whenever it is convenient and also avoid crowds and lines.
For a list of all official ballot drop boxes locations in Maryland, click here.