Montgomery County’s plan to count ballots and release election results

The Montgomery County Board of Elections announced today its schedule of counting ballots and the reporting process for the November 3rd general election.

“Our goal is to provide updated election returns in as close to real time as we can,” said Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr., chair of the Montgomery County Board of Elections. “We have tripled the size of our Voter Services Office, purchased new counting machines, and are prepared for a safe and secure election. Once we begin counting, we’re not going to stop counting until we’re done.”

Polling places will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Those in line by 8:00 p.m. will be permitted to vote.

“Voters choosing to cast their vote in person are encouraged to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and make sure to wash their hands before and after visiting the polls,” said Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “Given that approximately 45 percent of Montgomery County registered voters have requested to vote by mail, we anticipate a much lower number of voters at our polling places compared with a typical presidential election.”

According to the announcement, Montgomery County has added additional staff and equipment to help process the election results. However, the county announcement shares that “Due to the large volume of mail-in votes received in Montgomery County, complete results will not be posted by the end of Election Night.”

Montgomery County will start tabulating the mail-in ballots it has received at 7:00 a.m. on November 3rd. Initial results of mail-in ballots are expected to be posted starting at 8:30 p.m. Mail-in ballots will continue to be opened and counted 24 hours a day until completed.

Results from precincts are expected to be received starting at approximately 9:00 p.m. on November 3rd and should be complete and posted by approximately 1:00 a.m. on November 4th.

You can follow the results from the county on its Election Results Map.