Election Law - Absentee Ballots - Signature Requirements and Verification

SB 838 requires local election boards in Maryland to verify signatures on absentee ballot return envelopes before counting them. It mandates that both the voter and a witness (except for active-duty military members overseas or their dependents living overseas) must sign the envelope, and boards must compare the voter's signature against their registration record. The bill directly affects absentee voters, election officials, and military personnel stationed abroad who vote by mail. It takes effect October 1, 2025, and amends Maryland election law to strengthen signature verification procedures for absentee ballots.