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Delegates reject tightening absentee-ballot receipt rule; preserve postmark/10‑day approach with bifurcation option
Summary
An amendment that would require mailed absentee/mail‑in ballots be received by polls‑close to be counted for all races failed. Lawmakers instead defended Maryland’s postmarked‑by/evidence process and discussed mechanisms to count state/local races even if federal portions are later disqualified.
The House considered an amendment to a bill on absentee-ballot canvassing that would have required mailed ballots to be received by the close of polls to count in state and federal races. The amendment, offered by the delegate from Carroll County, sought to align state practice with a federal‑timing requirement for mailed ballots.
Supporters of the amendment said it would provide a single, bright‑line rule: ballots must be received by polls‑close. Opponents, including the…
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