Annapolis to Conduct Full Hand Count Audit After Primary Election Errors

The Annapolis Board of Canvassers has ordered a complete hand count audit of all ballots from the 2025 Primary Election following errors in the initial reporting of results. The decision came during an emergency meeting where members agreed that additional verification was necessary to restore voter confidence.

The audit will begin Thursday, September 25, at 10 a.m. at the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections offices in Glen Burnie. The session is open to the public. The review will include all in-person ballots cast on Election Day, as well as mail-in and drop box ballots. Officials will confirm that the certified results match the original voter-marked paper ballots.

The move comes after a transcription error on Primary Election Night in Ward 6. Unofficial totals were mistakenly assigned to the wrong candidate but were later corrected during the official canvass. The certified results were accurate, but the error prompted renewed scrutiny of the process.

“The integrity of City elections is our highest priority,” said Eileen Leahy, Chair of the Annapolis Board of Canvassers. “While the certification process worked as intended and the correct outcome was reported, we believe a full hand count audit will provide additional assurance to voters and demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accuracy. We appreciate our partnership with the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections and their willingness to demonstrate these values to both candidates and voters.”

https://www.eyeonannapolis.net/2025/09/annapolis-to-conduct-full-hand-count-audit-after-primary-election-errors/