ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Tuesday is the last day to apply for an absentee ballot in Maryland by mail or by fax.
Applications by mail must be received by local elections boards by 4:30 p.m., state election officials said. Applications by fax must be received by 11:59 p.m.
State elections officials reminded voters that it's a receipt deadline, not a postmarked deadline.
Applications are available on the Maryland State Board of Elections Web site. After Tuesday, applications must be obtained in person at the State Board of Elections, or your local elections office.
As of last Wednesday, the Maryland State Board of Elections reported that there were 179,324 requests for absentee ballots.
Democrats submitted 103,056 applications. Republicans submitted 50,900 applications. The remaining applications came from supporters of third parties and independents.
State elections officials also reminded voters that it's more important than ever for residents to cast ballots in the precinct where they live on Election Day. A 2006 court ruling means their votes probably can't be counted if they are entered elsewhere. In the past, if a voter went to the wrong polling place, elections officials counted as much of the ballot as possible.
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The state could see a large increase in the number of provisional ballots if voters don't make sure they are at the right precinct, Maryland Elections Administrator Linda Lamone said.
Voters can check for their correct precinct by checking the Maryland State Board of Elections Web site or by calling 1-800-222-VOTE.
