Hogan Reassures MD Election Is Safe, Preps FBI Just In Case

ANNAPOLIS, MD — On the first day of early voting, many Marylanders still question the security of this year's election. With more than a million residents voting by mail or dropbox, some fear ballot tampering.

Gov. Larry Hogan reassured the state Monday that the election is as secure as possible. The governor said that Maryland has partnered with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Service to bolster the state's election oversight.

Hogan said there is no evidence of a disruption in the state's election system. That means there are no signs that anybody can prevent voting, change votes, or interrupt vote counts on Nov. 3.

"Elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure Marylanders are able to cast their vote safely and securely," Hogan said in a Monday press release. "Over the last several weeks, we have been engaged in planning exercises with our federal partners to discuss potential issues and scenarios."

Maryland has kept in touch with the Baltimore branch of the FBI. The agency is ready to investigate and disrupt any election-related crimes, including voter fraud and suppression.

"The FBI recognizes that we are only as strong as our partnerships," Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Boone said, mentioning the FBI's collaborative election preparation.

The Department of Homeland Security is ready to thwart cyber threats to the state's election. The Maryland State Police will also be on-call to respond to Election Day complaints.

The U.S. Postal Service expects an influx of ballots to travel through the mail in Maryland. The post office is stepping up its investigatory operations in anticipation of this spike.

"U.S. postal inspectors are committed to ensuring U.S. mail is a safe and secure method for voters to participate in America’s elections," said Peter Rendina, the inspector in charge of the Washington Division.

U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur asked voters to keep an eye out for election misinformation. He urged residents to report suspicious activity to local police, the FBI or the Department of Homeland Security.

"We will continue to closely coordinate our efforts through Election Day," Hogan said. "Marylanders can be confident in the integrity of our electoral system."

For reliable information, head to the State Board of Elections website.

RELATED:

• Long Line Stretches Around Poll On MD's 1st Day Of Early Voting
• Maryland Early Voting Draws Long Lines On First Day
• Anne Arundel Voter Guide 2020: Candidates, How To Vote, Deadlines
• Absentee Ballot Scam Hits Anne Arundel County: Board Of Elections
• Tell Patch If You See Election Shenanigans In Anne Arundel County

Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.