Election Law - Pretrial Detainees - Absentee Ballots

HB 253 requires Maryland to automatically mail absentee ballots to eligible voters in pretrial detention at Baltimore City's centralized booking facility, eliminating the need for them to submit separate applications. It mandates a secure, 24/7 monitored ballot drop box at the facility, along with written instructions for voters on how to submit absentee ballots and other election materials. The State Board of Elections must provide the drop box and materials, while Baltimore City election officials will collect ballots weekly and submit them to the appropriate election office. An annual report detailing ballot submissions will be submitted to legislative committees.