"SECURE" YOUR VOTE

We have talked about how much we hate the proliferation of mail-in ballots and how we fear that this expanding use invites fraud.  But perhaps we need to take the next step and examine how exactly this opportunity for fraud exists and why our own use of a mail-in ballot does not increase the risk of fraud but in fact might reduce that risk.

The greatest risk of the increased availability of mail-in ballots is that a nefarious character could request and submit the ballot of a registered voter unbeknownst to that voter.  Of course this risk of fraud is exacerbated by our erroneous voter rolls, with many voters listed who are no longer living residents eligible to vote.

The way that ballot counting is structured in Maryland, the 1^st ballot submitted by a voter is the one that is counted.  Subsequent ballots or requests to vote are treated as “provisional ballots” and eventually Not Counted!

So, when you show up on Election Day it is possible, and it does happen, you may be told that you have already voted and that your vote must now be submitted provisionally. The way the rules are set, your actual vote will end up not being counted.

But, guess what?  - you can eliminate this possibility the moment that you request a mail-in ballot. At that point, no one else can vote in your stead. So in the case of you, the honest voter, requesting a mail-in ballot can actually make your vote more secure.

How about that?!

You can get further information about easily requesting your mail-in ballot here.