The Virginia-based law firm Consovoy McCarthy PLLC has issued a formal notice to Maryland’s State Administrator of Elections, Jared DeMarinis, on behalf of the Republican National Committee, the Maryland Republican Party, and concerned Maryland voters. The letter outlines alleged violations of Section 8 of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), citing major deficiencies in Maryland’s voter list maintenance practices.
Backed by legislative audits, federal data, and independent research, the firm contends that Maryland’s voter rolls are bloated with deceased, duplicate, and moved voters, threatening election integrity. The letter serves as a 90-day legal notice: if the issues identified are not addressed, litigation will follow.
Highlights from the Consovoy McCarthy Letter:
Voter Rolls Inflated Beyond Eligible Population:
– Several counties, including Howard and Montgomery, reported more active registered voters than eligible citizens.
– Maryland’s statewide active registration rate of 94.5% significantly exceeds national averages of 75–80%, indicating systemic problems.
Audit Confirms Procedural Failure Across the Board:
– A 2023 Maryland legislative audit found thousands of potential duplicate and deceased voters remained registered.
– Maryland Department of Health failed to provide complete death records to the State Board of Elections (SBE).
– Local Boards of Elections not being held accountable for correcting errors.
– Maryland does not track or remove voters who move, deceased, convicted felons or otherwise ineligible to vote.
Counties with “Impossible” Registration Rates:
– Howard County: 101.2% registration rate in 2020.
– Montgomery County: 100.4% in 2020 and 100.1% in 2022.
– Almost all counties reporting rates over 95%.
Legal Action Pending Without Corrective Measures:
– Letter serves as statutory notice of intent to sue if issues aren’t resolved within 90 days.
– Request for a formal response within 45 days, detailing corrective plans and timelines.
– Maryland SBE and counties are instructed to preserve emails, registration data, and inter-agency communications related to voter list maintenance.
Failure to comply could be costly, Maryland may be held responsible for legal fees and expenses under federal law.
This letter from Consovoy McCarthy PLLC adds significant legal pressure to a growing chorus of scrutiny surrounding Maryland’s voter registration system. Combined with recent findings from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Maryland General Assembly’s audit, it paints a troubling picture of widespread failures in maintaining accurate, up-to-date voter rolls. As 2026 federal elections approach, the demand for accountability is clear: Maryland must take immediate, transparent, and comprehensive action to restore public confidence and comply with federal law—or face legal consequences.
