How Vote By Mail Works

The voting system being used by the City of Rockville is the same system and equipment used by the State of Maryland for State and Federal Election. Maryland's election systems are secure, have built-in redundancies, and have been subject to security testing.

The City of Rockville is using a paper-based voting system. This means that there is a paper record of every vote cast, and these ballots can be re-tabulated if needed. The voting equipment is never connected to the internet. The network used to generate official election results is never connected to the internet. Physical access to the network is restricted and limited to election officials - all of whom have had a security background check - and all network transactions are logged.

How the Ballot is Handled

It is essential to the integrity of an election that ballot processing be accurate and transparent, while maintaining your right to a secret ballot. After you return your voted ballot, the secure ballot processing center follows this ballot counting process:

Assembling the Ballot Packet

The ballot packet is assembled about four weeks before they are mailed. Each ballot has a tracking code that is linked to the registered voter. The tracking code ensures that one ballot is sent to one voter.

Each ballot packet includes a ballot, a return envelope and informational inserts.

Ballots are Mailed to Registered Voters

A ballot will be mailed to every registered voter using the address on their voter registration. 
 
Ballots will be mailed on or before October 13, 2023.

Voting

Voters will have until Election Day, Nov. 7, to cast their vote. The ballot must be received by the city no later than 8 p.m. on Nov. 7. 

If a voter is unable to fill out their own ballot, a designated person can assist. The assisting person must complete the voter assistance form provided with the ballot and include the form in the return envelope.

Ballots can be dropped off at the two outdoor drop boxes located at City Hall and Montrose Community Center, or at the four indoor drop boxes located at the Senior Center, Lincoln Park Community Center, Twinbrook Community Center, and Thomas Farm Community Center only during hours of operation. 

Sorting the Ballots

Your ballot will be sorted by the city and delivered to the secured processing center. All ballots will be transported in a locked and secure vault.

Verifying the Ballot

Each outer return envelope is checked to ensure the oath is signed by the voter named on the envelope. Each ballot is signed by the voter and the signature is protected using a privacy cover. 

You are credited for voting in the election. This ensures that only one ballot from each voter is counted.

Reviewing the Ballot

The outer return envelope, which identifies you, is then separated from your voted ballot. Your ballot cannot be traced back to you, ensuring the secrecy of your vote.

Counting the Ballot

All ballots are inspected to make sure the tabulating machine will be able to read all votes. Tabulation equipment is tested before every election to make sure it is working accurately.