The Maryland State Board of Elections has authorized at least 270 ballot drop boxes to be set up prior to the Nov. 3 general election — up from the 75 made available during the primary.
The increase comes as several elections boards expressed concern about delayed delivery of mailed ballots by the U.S. Postal Service — of added importance amid the coronavirus pandemic with many wary of in-person voting, WTOP reported.
The state elections board will deliver the boxes to the local boards in late September. Starting Oct. 1, the local boards can begin canvassing, WTOP reported.
The local boards will decide when and where the boxes will be installed.
Absentee ballot applications to all registered voters will be mailed by the state board starting Aug. 24, with ballots expected to be ready by early October.