Politics & Government

Absentee Ballot Scam Hits Anne Arundel County: Board Of Elections

Somebody is trying to illegally collect ballots in Anne Arundel County, the Board of Elections says. Patch explains how to avoid the scam.

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Somebody is trying to illegally collect absentee ballots in Anne Arundel County, the local Board of Elections warned on Thursday. Officials don't know whether this is the work of one person or a group of scammers.

The Board of Elections alleges the fraud involves the ballot drop boxes that the state added this year. In light of coronavirus, voters can request an absentee ballot and return it to one of 32 secure bins around the county.

At least one swindler is trying to take advantage of this new system. They are visiting homes and offering to take residents' completed ballots to the nearest drop-off, the board claims.

Find out what's happening in Anne Arundelfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"DO NOT GIVE A STRANGER YOUR BALLOT TO TURN IN FOR YOU," the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections posted on Facebook.

The board also reminds voters that it would never send an employee or volunteer to collect ballots. Election officials ask anybody with information about the scam to call the board at (410) 222-6600.

Find out what's happening in Anne Arundelfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Voters have three other election options this year. Marylanders can also vote by mail, head to the polls early or cast their ballot on election day. To learn about all the voting options, click here.

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