MARYLAND, USA — As Election Day comes to a close, several races in our area remain uncalled, leaving residents eagerly awaiting final results. Key local elections, including Montgomery County’s term limits ballot measure and congressional races, hinge on outstanding mail-in and provisional ballots. Here’s what to expect in the coming days as election officials work to ensure every vote is counted.
Election Night Results vs. Final Tally
While Election Day ballots are typically counted first, initial results don’t always capture the full picture. Maryland, for instance, allows mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be received and counted up to ten days after polls close. Provisional ballots, which allow voters who encountered registration issues or needed additional verification to still cast a vote, are counted later to ensure they meet eligibility standards.
Key Stages in the Counting Process
Mail-in ballots: Counting starts on Election Day and continues as ballots arrive over the following days. Due to an increase in mail-in voting, Montgomery County election officials are prepared for an extended counting period, particularly in closely contested races.
Provisional ballots: These ballots are reviewed after Election Day, ensuring that each voter’s eligibility is confirmed. Provisional ballots tend to be counted last, often within a week or so of the election, depending on volume and complexity.
Final results: Counties typically finalize and certify results within two weeks of Election Day, after all ballots have been processed. Certification dates may vary, but Maryland and other local jurisdictions aim to confirm all results by mid-November.
Deadlines in the DMV
VIRGINIA
- Mail-in ballots must be received by general registrar by Nov 8. They must be postmarked on or before Nov 5.
- Local electoral board will certify results by Nov 15
- State Board of Elections will certify results Dec 2.
MARYLAND
- Mail-in ballots must be received by 10 a.m. Nov. 15. They have to be postmarked on or before Nov. 5.
- Canvassing of ballots completed by Nov. 15
- State will certify results by Dec. 5
DC
- Mail-in ballots must be received by BOE by Nov. 15. They have to be postmarked on or before Nov. 5.
- Audit takes place Nov. 22
- DC will certify results Dec. 2