Today’s special election in Maryland CD-7 tests state’s vote by mail system
Today, voters in Maryland’s 7th Congressional District decide who will fulfill the remainder of Congressman Elijah Cummings’ term of office.
Due to COVID-19, this election is being conducted primarily by mail. Ballots were mailed to voters, starting April 8. In 2018, less than 5% of votes were cast by mail; and about 2% of mailed ballots were rejected rather than counted. Maryland does not yet have a process for voters to “cure” or correct ballots that have been rejected for reasons such as missing signatures. The state’s next election will be the presidential preference primary on June 2nd, which will also be conducted primarily by mail.