Early Voting Frustration: Maryland Voter’s Ballot Selection Changes Unexpectedly

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Written By Blue & Gold NLR Team

 

 

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. — A Maryland voter told WUSA9 she had an unsettling experience when voting early in Prince George’s County.

Thedosia Munford was eager to cast her ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris early. Instead, she walked away with many unanswered questions.

“I was scared; it turned to anger. I didn’t know what to do. I was confused. I couldn’t understand why that happened,” Munford, said.

She voted electronically on Friday at Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex in Fort Washington Maryland.

As she was about to submit her ballot, she said she was shocked and disappointed to see her candidate selection had changed from Kamala Harris to Jill Stein.

“It scared me. It really scared me because that was not who I voted for. I double checked before I moved to the next screen.” Munford, said.

She said she was eventually able to change her ballot but, still reported the issue and was even more shocked to hear their response.

“One of the judges said to me that it was another voter who had a similar experience.” Munford, said.

Credit: Thedosia Munford
The Maryland Board of Elections told WUSA9 voters have the option of using a touch screen or paper ballots.

They told WUSA9 the machines are always tested and safe but it’s still good practice to double check before you scan your ballot.

“That’s the point of touch screen. You have to review your ballot before it comes out. And you can review it again before you scan. If there is a mistake you can ask for a spoiled ballot and redo it.” Jared DeMarinis with the Maryland Board of Elections said.

“How many people are doing that [checking]? That’s the message that has to go out. You have to check your ballot before you submit it into the machine,” Munford said.

WUSA9 also spoke to another voter who also shared a similar early voting experience on Facebook. He told WUSA9 he voted electronically at a polling location off Regency Road in Suitland. He said he selected Vice President Kamala Harris but his selection changed just as he was about to submit his ballot.

“I reported it to the attendants where I voted in Maryland. I’d like to know who’s taking this seriously and what’s being done about it?” John Butler said.

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