The Anne Arundel County Board of Elections warns of an absentee-ballot scam involving door-to-door ballot collectors.

The Anne Arundel County Board of Elections warns voters that “someone/group is unlawfully going door-to-door trying to collect completely filled out Presidential General Election Ballots.” The Board alleges that the scam revolves around the ballot drop boxes that the state added this year. Reportedly, these strangers visit homes and offer to collect filled-out ballots and drop them off at the nearest ballot box. While that might seem like a convenient service, or a kind thing to do, it is a scam and an attempt at fraud.

"The Anne Arundel County Board of Elections would never send anyone, be they an election judge (volunteers), election officials (employees), or voter registration volunteers to go into any neighborhoods to collect or help turn in ballots," a statement from the Board reads. It is unknown if this is the work of an individual or an organized group.

Notice To: Anne Arundel County Registered Voters. pic.twitter.com/ED9H4LTsRm

— Anne Arundel BOE (@annearundelboe) October 1, 2020

"DO NOT GIVE A STRANGER YOUR BALLOT TO TURN IN FOR YOU," the Board of Elections vehemently declared on Twitter and Facebook.  

Election officials ask anybody with information about the scam to call the board at (410) 222-6600.

Voters are advised to drop off their ballots themselves, or if they need assistance, to enlist the help of a trusted family member. 

Under Maryland state law, a voter can actually designate a "duly authorized agent" to collect their absentee ballot if they meet certain requirements. The agent cannot be a candidate on the ballot, cannot be a minor, and must be formally designated in writing and signed by the voter. Unless you've knowingly jumped through all those hoops, a person claiming to be an authorized collection agent is lying.

There are also other ways to vote—Marylanders can vote by mail, vote early at polls, or cast their ballot on election day. There are tons of resources out there to show you how; you can start at vote.org.

Have you heard of this scam going around? How are you voting this year? Leave a comment and let us know!