The Maryland State Board of Elections has officially appointed Jared DeMarinis as the state’s new Administrator of Elections, effective September 1, 2024. DeMarinis, who previously served as the director of the candidacy and campaign finance division within the agency, succeeds Michael Buxton, who held the position on an interim basis following the retirement of long-time administrator Linda Lamone.
DeMarinis’s Path to State Administrator
Jared DeMarinis brings over two decades of experience to the role, having spent 20 years within the Maryland State Board of Elections. According to the board’s official announcement, his tenure as the director of candidacy and campaign finance saw him manage the complex regulatory framework surrounding state elections, including the oversight of campaign finance reporting and ballot access.
His appointment followed a nationwide search conducted by the bipartisan board. Board members cited his institutional knowledge and his leadership in navigating Maryland’s evolving election laws as primary factors in his selection. As Administrator, DeMarinis is responsible for overseeing the state’s voting systems, voter registration databases, and the administration of elections across all 24 local boards of elections in Maryland.
Transitioning Leadership at the State Board
The appointment marks a change in leadership following the 2023 retirement of Linda Lamone, who led the agency for 26 years. Michael Buxton served as the interim administrator during the transition period.
DeMarinis assumes the position during a period of heightened focus on election security and administrative transparency. His role involves coordinating with local election officials to ensure compliance with state and federal mandates, managing the state’s electronic poll books, and overseeing the certification of election results.
Key Responsibilities of the Administrator
The Administrator of Elections in Maryland serves at the pleasure of the State Board of Elections. The core responsibilities of the office include:
- Election Administration: Ensuring the uniform application of election laws across Maryland’s counties.
- Voter Registration: Maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the statewide voter registration list.
- System Oversight: Managing the procurement and maintenance of voting hardware and software used in polling locations.
- Regulatory Compliance: Enforcing campaign finance disclosure requirements and candidate filing procedures.
Outlook for Maryland Elections
DeMarinis takes charge of an agency tasked with managing the logistics of upcoming primary and general elections. His previous work in campaign finance has often placed him at the center of public discourse regarding transparency in Maryland politics, a background that the board noted will be essential as the state continues to modernize its voting infrastructure. With his appointment, the board aims to maintain continuity while addressing the logistical demands of administering statewide democratic processes.