November 18th, 2025
Cecil County Elections Director Highlights Security, Accessibility, and Youth Engagement Ahead of 2026 Election
Cecil County, Md. — November 17, 2025
Cecil County Board of Elections Director Gary Holmes appeared on Cecil TV’s weekly program to discuss election preparedness, voting options, and community involvement ahead of Maryland’s 2026 primary and general elections. Speaking with host Rob Chirnside, Holmes emphasized the county’s commitment to safe, secure, and efficient elections for all voters.
Preparing for 2026 Elections
Although Cecil County did not hold elections in 2025, Holmes said his office remains busy year-round maintaining voter records and preparing for the upcoming cycle.
“We dot every ‘i’ and cross every ‘t’… there are so many checks and balances in place. People can feel very secure,” he said, noting bipartisan confidence in the county’s election procedures.
The next major election date is June 23, 2026, when the primary will be held.
Voting Options and Locations
Holmes outlined multiple ways for Cecil County residents to cast their ballots:
Early voting at two locations for both primary and general elections
Election Day voting at 19 polling sites
Mail-in ballots with five secure drop boxes, monitored by camera, regularly emptied, and locked
“You can mail it, drop it off, vote early, or wait for Election Day—there are options for everyone,” Holmes said.
Information on polling locations, deadlines, and services is available on the Cecil County government website or by contacting the Board of Elections directly.
Election Judges Needed — Paid Positions with Training
The Board of Elections requires approximately 350 workers per election. Roles include election judges, provisional judges, and chief judges. All positions are paid, and workers receive $50 for mandatory three-hour training, which is also compensated.
Chief judges, the most experienced, earn the highest pay and manage on-site oversight.
Paper Ballots and Digital Scanning
Holmes reaffirmed the county’s commitment to transparency and accuracy by continuing to use paper ballots, marked by hand and scanned electronically.
“All ballots are paper… counted by the scanner, which uploads totals to the state,” he said.
Mail-in ballots are processed during post-election canvassing, which Holmes noted can sometimes influence final results.
Youth Involvement Encouraged
Holmes highlighted several efforts to engage younger residents:
Election Page Program: Open to students aged 14–15, offering four-hour volunteer shifts on Election Day and community service hours
Eligible at 16 to become a paid election judge
“I Voted” Sticker Design Contest with winning entries from elementary, middle, and high school students to be used countywide and featured online
Strong Voter Participation
Holmes praised Cecil County voters for their high turnout in previous elections.
“We had one of the highest participation rates in the state,” he said.
Getting Involved
Residents interested in working as election judges or submitting sticker designs can contact the Board of Elections via:
Email:voting@cecilcountymd.gov
Phone: (410) 996-5310
Or visit the administrative building at 200 Chesapeake Blvd, Elkton.
Interview conducted in the Cecil TV studio on November 17, 2025, as part of our community election coverage.
