Baltimore elections chief Armstead B.C. Jones Sr. intends to post signs at the city’s nearly 300 precincts for voters having trouble casting ballots during November’s general election. Jones outlined his plans before the Board of Elections Thursday, as officials continued to dissect problems from the April primary — some 400 election judges failed to show up to work, polling places opened late and unverified provisional ballots were counted. “We’re going to focus on lessons learned for the general election,” said Jones, who added that he looks for opportunities to improve the process after every city election. Jones also said he is working with the State Board of Elections to bring in an expert to organize the city’s election warehouse that one state official said left her “appalled.” His comments came during the city board’s monthly meeting, which lasted about an hour. The board did not accept public testimony at the meeting, citing time constraints.
The city’s administration of the election has been scrutinized in the weeks since the April 26 primary. The state board took the unusual step of decertifying the city’s results and concerned voters have filed a federal lawsuit calling for a new election.
State Sen. Catherine E. Pugh was named the Democratic nominee for mayor during the contest, topping former Mayor Sheila Dixon by about 2,400 votes. About 133,000 Democrats voted.
State elections administrator Linda H. Lamone has pledged to help the city recruit judges and offered to send an expert this month to help the city handle the logistics of operating its warehouse.
Full Article: Baltimore election board discusses lessons learned, prep for November election – Baltimore Sun.