Judge: Maryland can start counting mail-in ballots earlier

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A Maryland judge has granted an emergency petition filed by the Maryland State Board of Elections to enable the counting of mail-in ballots earlier than currently allowed by law.

Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge James Bonifant granted the petition on Friday. It will allow local elections officials across the state to begin canvassing mail-in ballots on October 1. The board says the ruling provides election officials with additional time to canvass and tabulate the ballots to ensure that all critical election-related deadlines are met.

The board says pre-Election Day canvassing will be conducted in public on published dates.

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