How to Share Information Safely with MDBayNews Investigations
MDBayNews relies on readers, public employees, volunteers, and insiders who are willing to speak up when something is wrong.
If you have information about elections, government misconduct, public corruption, misused funds, abuse of power, or systemic failures in Maryland, this page explains how to reach us and how to minimize digital risk when you do.
We cannot promise perfect security, but we take confidentiality seriously and will never share your identity without your clear permission unless we are legally compelled to do so.
Who Should Use This Page
You may want to contact us if:
- You are a poll worker, election judge, or county staffer who has seen ballot errors, chain-of-custody issues, or irregular procedures.
- You are a public employee or contractor who has witnessed fraud, waste, or abuse of authority.
- You are a parent, teacher, or community member with documentation of problems inside Maryland schools or agencies.
- You are a voter or citizen with records, screenshots, or first-hand experience that contradict official statements.
If you’re not sure whether your information is “big enough,” you can still reach out. Often, small pieces from many people add up to a major story.
What to Send
The most useful tips usually include:
- Documents – emails, memos, contracts, letters, internal policies
- Screenshots – of systems, messages, portals, or records
- Photos or video – of physical locations, postings, equipment, or events
- Dates and details – who was involved, when it happened, which agency or department
- How you know – your role or connection (you can describe this without giving your full name up front)
You do not need to write a polished narrative. Bullet points with dates and attachments are often enough for us to understand the starting point.
How to Contact Us
1. Email (General Tips)
For most stories, email is the easiest way to reach us.
Email: tips@mdbaynews.com
In your message, you can:
- Briefly explain what happened
- List any documents you have
- Tell us how and when we can safely follow up
If you are using a work device or network that might be monitored, consider using a personal device on a non-work connection instead.
2. Encrypted or More Sensitive Tips
If your tip is especially sensitive, you may want to take extra steps to protect your identity.
- Use a personal device, not an employer-owned computer or phone.
- Use a home or public Wi-Fi network, not a work network.
- Consider creating a new email account that does not include your name (for example, using a privacy-focused provider).
- Avoid sending tips while physically at your workplace or on a government campus.
If you need a higher level of protection (for example, if you are risking your job by speaking out), mention that in your first message. We can adjust how we communicate with you and may suggest safer channels or slower, lower-risk follow-up.
How We Handle Confidentiality
- We do not sell or share your contact information.
- We will not publish your name or identifying details unless you explicitly agree and understand the risks.
- We may ask you for additional documents or clarification before we decide whether to pursue a story.
- Not every tip becomes an article, but every tip is reviewed.
If we need to quote or reference something that could indirectly identify you (for example, a unique job title in a small office), we will discuss that risk with you whenever possible.
What We Cannot Do
- We cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court.
- We cannot intervene in your case or force an agency to change its decision.
- We cannot guarantee that your employer or agency will not discover that you spoke with a journalist, especially if they already suspect leaks.
We are journalists. Our role is to investigate, verify, and report. Sometimes, the fact that a story becomes public can help drive accountability or reform—but that outcome can never be promised in advance.
If you are in immediate danger or facing a life-threatening emergency, do not contact us first. Call 911 or your local emergency number.
Tips for Staying Safer When Sharing Information
- Think before you forward. If forwarding an email would clearly reveal your identity, consider taking a screenshot or copying text into a separate document and removing metadata.
- Check your files. Some documents, photos, and PDFs contain hidden metadata (such as author names, device IDs, or locations). You can often print to PDF, export, or screenshot to reduce this, but nothing is perfect.
- Avoid work printers and copiers. Many are logged or monitored.
- Keep it need-to-know. Only tell trusted people that you have contacted a reporter—if you tell anyone at all.
Follow-Up and Response Time
We review tips as quickly as we can, but investigations can take time. In some cases, we may:
- Ask follow-up questions
- Request permission to use certain documents
- Contact additional witnesses or experts
- Submit records requests or public information requests based on your lead
If we decide not to pursue a story, that does not mean your concern isn’t real. It may simply mean we cannot independently verify it or cannot do it justice with current resources.
Thank You
Independent journalism in Maryland is only possible because people like you are willing to speak up when the system fails, when leaders abuse power, or when the public isn’t getting the full story.
If you have information Marylanders need to know, you can reach us at:
Your courage—and your documentation—can help us shine light where it’s needed most.