Annapolis Conducts Hand Count Audit for 2025 Primary Election

In a significant move to ensure electoral integrity, the Annapolis Board of Canvassers has voted to conduct a comprehensive hand count audit of all ballots cast in the 2025 Primary Election. This audit encompasses both in-person votes and those submitted via mail or drop boxes. The hand count is taking place at the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections offices in Glen Burnie.

The decision, made on September 25, 2025, reflects a commitment to transparency in the electoral process. Eileen Leahy, the Board of Supervisors of Elections for the City of Annapolis, and David Garreis, Director of the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections, provided instructions to volunteers participating in the audit.

Volunteers have been actively engaged in the process, opening sealed ballot bins and meticulously removing the ballots for counting. Each ballot is paired with its Ballot Activation Card (BAC) to ensure accurate tabulation. Volunteers are tasked with separating these components before conducting a thorough count.

The audit process is designed to verify the results of the primary election, which is critical for maintaining public trust in the electoral system. Observers, including community advocates and candidates such as Diesha Contee, are present to monitor the proceedings and ensure fairness throughout the hand count.

As volunteers continue their work, the transparency of the hand count audit reinforces the importance of accountability in elections. This initiative not only aims to confirm the accuracy of the vote totals but also serves to reassure the community that their votes are being counted accurately.

The hand count audit is expected to conclude in the coming days, with results released shortly thereafter. The Annapolis Board of Canvassers remains dedicated to ensuring that every ballot is counted and that the electoral process is conducted with integrity and openness.

In a time where electoral trust is paramount, this hand count audit represents a proactive step toward fostering confidence in the democratic process, ensuring that the voices of the electorate are heard and respected.