# COMAR Title 33 — State Board of Elections

## Subtitle 11 — Absentee Ballots

### Chapter 06 — Post-Election Procedures

#### Regulation .01 Storage of Materials.

*COMAR 33.11.06.01*

A. After completing canvassing procedures, a local board shall retain all voted ballots in a sealed ballot box labeled with a batch label until they are authorized to be opened and removed for an audit, recount, judicial challenge, storage, or disposal.

B. Document Retention. A local board shall retain for 22 months after an election:

  (1) Absentee ballot applications;

  (2) Voted absentee ballots;

  (3) Return envelopes; and

  (4) Certificates of assistance.

C. Disposal of Unvoted Ballots.

  (1) A local board may dispose of any unvoted absentee ballots at least 30 days after State certification of an election or the conclusion of a recount, whichever is later.

  (2) A local board is not required to shred unvoted absentee ballots.