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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hi All,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) is finalizing its selection of a new accessible Ballot Marking Device (BMD) for use in in-person federal and state elections beginning with the 2028 primary election. SBE has signaled its intent to the award the new contract to Elections Systems & Software (ES&S). The new BMD, though somewhat similar to the current BMD Maryland uses, is still nonetheless a little different. As part of the certification process, SBE is making available for testing by the public, including those with disabilities, the BMD it intends to use under the new contract. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is essentially the opportunity for us to put our hands on the new equipment and provide feedback about accessibility and usability.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We urge everyone to visit one of the three locations listed below on either March 23, 24, or 25, 2026 between 9AM and 5PM. Completing the RSVP form is strongly encouraged. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The demonstrations are free and open to the public. No reservations are required; however, to plan for space, please RSVP by filling out this </span><a href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019ce3821109765390f86354b0895183"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1155CC'>form</span></a><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:40.5pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:40.5pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> 401 W. Pratt St.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:40.5pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Baltimore, MD 21201<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:40.5pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:40.5pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Hilton Garden Inn Rockville-Gaithersburg<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:40.5pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> 14975 Shady Grove Rd.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:40.5pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Rockville, MD 20850<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:40.5pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:40.5pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Hilton Garden Inn Kent Island Marina<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:40.5pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> 3206 Main St.,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:40.5pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Grasonville, MD 21638<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thanks,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ronza<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Ronza Othman, </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>President</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>443-426-4110<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pronouns: she, her, hers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Need to meet with me? <a href="https://calendly.com/president-nfbmd/30min"><span style='color:#0563C1'>Please use this link to schedule through Calendly</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>