Maryland voters and community members are invited to a free, in‑person forum that aims to clarify the most pressing questions surrounding the 2026 midterm elections. The event, titled “Lock the Vote: Confronting Confusion and Chaos in the Midterm Elections,” will take place on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the SNF Agora Institute on the Homewood Campus of Johns Hopkins University.
Who’s speaking
Jared DeMarinis, Administrator of the Maryland State Board of Elections, will open the discussion by outlining the state’s current redistricting maps, the legal standards governing them, and the Board’s ongoing efforts to ensure fair representation. He will also address recent claims of voter fraud, explaining what evidence exists and how the Board monitors election integrity.
Joining him is Anton Dahbura, Executive Director of the Johns Hopkins University Information Security Institute. Dahbura will explain the technical safeguards that protect vote‑counting machines and voter‑registration databases, and he will debunk common myths about electronic voting vulnerabilities.
Why the forum matters
As the nation heads toward the 2026 midterms, misinformation about election processes has surged. Maryland’s own experience with redistricting battles and heightened security concerns makes it a microcosm of the national conversation. By bringing together election officials and cybersecurity experts, the forum provides a factual baseline for voters who may be hearing conflicting messages from partisan outlets.
Both speakers emphasize that protecting the ballot is a shared responsibility. DeMarinis stresses that Maryland’s election laws are designed to prevent fraud while expanding access for eligible voters, and he encourages citizens to verify their registration status well before Election Day. Dahbura adds that robust encryption, multi‑factor authentication, and independent audits are standard practice in Maryland’s voting infrastructure, countering unfounded claims that the system is “rigged.”
How to participate
The event will be moderated by Tom Hall, a Visiting Fellow at the SNF Agora Institute. Attendees may submit questions live or via a pre‑event email form, ensuring that concerns ranging from polling‑place accessibility to the handling of absentee ballots are addressed.
Admission is free, and the venue is wheelchair‑accessible. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available on the Johns Hopkins website, with a recorded version posted afterward for later viewing.
What’s at stake
Accurate information about redistricting, voter fraud, and election security directly impacts voter confidence and turnout. When citizens understand the safeguards in place, they are more likely to participate confidently in the democratic process. The forum’s goal is to empower Maryland voters with the knowledge they need to cast their ballots without fear or confusion.
Community leaders, faith‑based organizations, and local schools are encouraged to share the event details with their members. By fostering a well‑informed electorate, Maryland can set an example for other states grappling with similar challenges.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
