reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-105 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 1 - Voting Systems|Section 9-105 - Acquisition of Voting Systems

    (a)    Acquisition of a voting system shall be by purchase, lease, or rental and shall be exempt from State, county, or municipal taxation.    (b)    (1)    A local board may lease a voting system to any governmental or nongovernmental entity within the county.        (2)    The local board shall determine the terms and conditions of the lease.        (3)    The local board shall pay to the governing body of the county, within 30 days of receipt, the proceeds of the lease.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-201 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-201 - In General

    (a)    In any election conducted under this article:        (1)    all voting shall be by ballot; and        (2)    only votes cast on a ballot may be counted.    (b)    All ballots shall comply with the provisions of this subtitle.    (c)    A ballot may not be used for any purpose not authorized by this article.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-202 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-202 - Responsibilities for Preparation

    (a)    The State Board shall certify the content and the arrangement of each ballot to be used in an election that is subject to this article.    (b)    Each local board shall place questions, names of candidates, and other material on the ballot in that county in accordance with the content and arrangement prescribed by the State Board.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-203 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-203 - Standards

    Each ballot shall:         (1)    be easily understandable by voters;        (2)    present all candidates and questions in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner;        (3)    permit the voter to easily record a vote on questions and on the voter’s choices among candidates;        (4)    protect the secrecy of each voter’s choices; and        (5)    facilitate the accurate tabulation of the choices of the voters.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-204 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-204 - Uniformity

    (a)    Subject to the other provisions of this subtitle and to different presentations required or made desirable by different voting systems, all ballots used in an election shall be as uniform as possible.    (b)    Except as otherwise specifically provided in this title, or unless a provision is clearly inappropriate to absentee ballots, the provisions of this subtitle relating to ballot content and arrangement shall apply to the arrangement of absentee ballots.    (c)    If applicable for the voting system in use, the appropriate components of the voting system shall be configured for a primary election to permit the voter to vote only for the candidates for which the voter is entitled to vote.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-205 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-205 - Content

    Each ballot shall contain:         (1)    a heading as provided in § 9-206(a) of this subtitle;        (2)    a statement of each question that has met all of the qualifications to appear on the ballot;        (3)    the title of each office to be voted on;        (4)    the name, as specified in the certificate of candidacy, or as otherwise provided in Title 5 of this article, of each candidate who has been certified by the State Board;        (5)    a party designation for certain candidates as provided in this subtitle;        (6)    a means by which a voter may cast write-in votes, as provided in this subtitle; and        (7)    instructions to voters as provided in this subtitle.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-206 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-206 - Arrangement -- Format

    (a)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a heading shall be printed at the top of the ballot and shall contain, in the following order:        (1)    the words “Official Ballot”;        (2)    the type of election, i.e., regular or special, primary or general, and any other information required to identify the election being held;        (3)    the date of the election;        (4)    the words “State of Maryland” and the name of the county;        (5)    in a primary election, the name of the political party or the words “nonpartisan ballot”, as applicable, for which the ballot or a portion of the ballot is to be used; and        (6)    if more than one ballot style will be used in the county in the election, the ballot style indicator.    (b)    The provisions of subsection (a) of this section do not apply to a voting machine ballot if the State Board determines there is insufficient space.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-207 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-207 - Ballots -- Certification; Display; Printing

    (a)    The State Board shall certify and publicly display the content and arrangement of each ballot:        (1)    for a primary election, at least 64 days before the election;        (2)    for a general election, at least 64 days before the election;        (3)    for a special primary election, at least 55 days before the election; and        (4)    for a special general election, not later than a date specified in the Governor’s proclamation.    (b)    The Court of Appeals, on petition of the State Board, may establish a later date in extraordinary circumstances.    (c)    The State Board shall publicly display the content and arrangement of each certified ballot on its website.    (d)    Except pursuant to a court order under § 9–209 of this subtitle, or as provided in § 9–208 of this subtitle, the content and arrangement of the ballot may not be modified after the second day of the public display.    (e)    Unless a delay is required by court order, the State Board may begin to print the ballots after certification and 3 days of public display and correct any noted errors.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-208 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-208 - Late Changes in Ballots

    (a)    After the printing of ballots has begun and if an error or a change in circumstances affecting the ballots requires the State Board to implement a change in how a voter may cast a valid ballot, the State Administrator shall determine what measures a local board may take to notify voters of:        (1)    the error or change in circumstances; and        (2)    the manner in which the voters may cast valid ballots for that election.    (b)    The State Administrator shall immediately take all reasonable steps to notify all candidates on the ballot and any other persons whom the State Administrator considers appropriate:        (1)    on discovery of any change or correction affecting the ballots after the printing of ballots has begun; or        (2)    when the State Administrator implements a change under subsection (a) of this section.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-209 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-209 - Judicial Review

    (a)    Within 2 days after the content and arrangement of the ballot are certified under § 9–207 of this subtitle, a registered voter may seek judicial review of the content and arrangement, or to correct any administrative error, by filing a sworn petition with the circuit court for Anne Arundel County.    (b)    The circuit court may require the State Board to:        (1)    correct an administrative error;        (2)    show cause why an administrative error should not be corrected; or        (3)    take any other action required to provide appropriate relief.    (c)    If an administrative error is discovered after the ballots have been publicly displayed, and the State Administrator fails to correct the administrative error, a registered voter may seek judicial review not later than the 62nd day preceding the election.    (d)    (1)    A judicial proceeding under this section shall be conducted in accordance with the Maryland Rules, except that:            (i)    the case shall be heard and decided without a jury and as expeditiously as the circumstances require; and            (ii)    an appeal shall be taken directly to the Court of Appeals within 5 days of the date of the decision of the circuit court.        (2)    The Court of Appeals shall give priority to hear and decide an appeal brought under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection as expeditiously as the circumstances require.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-211 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-211 - Arrangement of Ballots -- Questions

    (a)    Questions to be voted upon shall be placed on the ballot in the following order:        (1)    those relating to the creation or adoption of a new State Constitution;        (2)    those proposing amendments to the Maryland Constitution;        (3)    those relating to other enactments of the General Assembly;        (4)    those relating to the creation or adoption of, or the amendment or other change in, the charter of a county;        (5)    those relating to other enactments by the governing body of a county; and        (6)    other questions.    (b)    The numbering of questions on a ballot shall be as provided in Title 7 of this article.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-212 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-212 - Ballots With Multiple Ballot Faces -- Instructions to Voters

    If applicable to the voting system and the requirements of the election, instructions shall be printed on each ballot stating that additional candidates or questions appear on the reverse side of the ballot face or on other ballot faces.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-213 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-213 - Absentee and Provisional Ballots -- Content

    The content of both an absentee ballot and a provisional ballot issued to a voter shall be identical to the ballot used in the polling place of the voter’s residence.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-214 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-214 - Specimen Ballots

    Each local board shall provide specimen ballots, so labeled, for all ballots to be used in each election:         (1)    for mailing to registered voters under Title 8 of this article, if mailing of specimen ballots is chosen or required in the county; and        (2)    for other informational purposes in accordance with the provisions of this article.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-215 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-215 - Printing

    (a)    Each ballot shall be printed:        (1)    in plain, clear type in black ink; and        (2)    on material of the size and arrangement that is required to fit the needs of the voting system.    (b)    Each local board shall arrange to have printed a supply of ballots that is at least the number that is the product of:        (1)    the percentage of voters in the county who voted in the election that was 4 years prior, plus 10%; multiplied by        (2)    the current number of registered voters in the county.    (c)    The regulations adopted by the State Board for the use of each voting system shall provide standards for the printing of ballots, which assure that:        (1)    the ballots will be printed and received in a timely fashion;        (2)    the ballots will be suitable for use in the election;        (3)    the ballots are clear and legible; and        (4)    the printing and paper stock employed are durable.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-216 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-216 - Ballot Accountability

    (a)    Consistent with the regulations adopted by the State Board for the voting system or systems used in the county, and subject to the approval of the State Board, each local board shall establish and maintain a system to account for, and maintain control over, the ballots from the beginning of production through postelection storage and disposition.    (b)    The State Board shall monitor and periodically review the performance of the local boards in their compliance with subsection (a) of this section.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-217 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 2 - Ballots|Section 9-217 - Prohibited Practices

    (a)    A person may not use, distribute, possess, print, or reproduce a ballot other than as authorized in this article.    (b)    A person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be subject to the penalties provided in Title 16 of this article.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-301 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting|Section 9-301 - In General

    (a)    This subtitle applies to every election governed by this article.    (b)    The State Board shall prescribe all forms required to comply with:        (1)    this subtitle; and        (2)    any requirements of relevant federal law.    (c)    The State Board and each local board shall:        (1)    notwithstanding the use of the term “absentee” in this article, refer to absentee ballots as “mail–in ballots” and absentee voting as “mail–in voting” in all communications with voters and the general public; and        (2)    include in public communications regarding “mail–in voting” a statement that “mail–in voting” is referred to as absentee voting in the Maryland Constitution, the Annotated Code of Maryland, and the Code of Maryland Regulations.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-302 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting|Section 9-302 - Documentation by Local Boards

    Each local board shall maintain a full record of absentee voting in the county, including, for each absentee voter:         (1)    the date and time of the board’s receipt of an application for an absentee ballot;        (2)    the action taken with regard to the application;        (3)    the appropriate ballot style;        (4)    the date of issuance of a ballot;        (5)    if mailed, the address to which the ballot is sent;        (6)    the date and time of the receipt of a voted absentee ballot; and        (7)    any other information specified by the State Board.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-303 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting|Section 9-303 - Guidelines

    (a)    The State Board shall establish guidelines for the administration of absentee voting by the local boards.    (b)    The guidelines shall provide for:        (1)    the application process;        (2)    late application for absentee ballots;        (3)    ballot security, including storage of returned ballots;        (4)    determining timeliness of receipt of applications and ballots, including applications and ballots for overseas voters;        (5)    the canvass process;        (6)    notice of the canvass to candidates, political parties, campaign organizations, news media, and the general public;        (7)    observers of the process;        (8)    review of voted ballots and envelopes for compliance with the law and for machine tabulation acceptability;        (9)    standards for disallowance of ballots during the canvass; and        (10)    storage and retention of ballots following canvass and certification.    (c)    The State Board shall:        (1)    in consultation with the local boards, assess the guidelines before each primary election; and        (2)    revise the guidelines if indicated.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-304 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting|Section 9-304 - Permissible Unless Federal Preemption

    An individual may vote by absentee ballot except to the extent preempted under an applicable federal law.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-305 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting|Section 9-305 - Applications for Absentee Ballot

    (a)    A voter may request an absentee ballot by completing and submitting:        (1)    the State Board approved absentee ballot application;        (2)    a form provided under federal law;        (3)    subject to subsection (b) of this section, a written request that includes:            (i)    the voter’s name, residence address, and signature; and            (ii)    the address to which the ballot is to be mailed, if different from the residence address; or        (4)    the accessible online absentee ballot application provided by the State Board.    (b)    A voter who uses the online absentee ballot application to request that an absentee ballot be sent by any method or who uses any method to request to receive a blank absentee ballot through the Internet shall provide the following information:        (1)    a Maryland driver’s license number or Maryland identification card number, the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number, and other information identified by the State Board that is not generally available to the public but is readily available to the applicant; or        (2)    if the applicant is an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter as defined in the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act or a voter with a disability and does not have a Maryland driver’s license or Maryland identification card, the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number.    (c)    An application for an absentee ballot must be received by a local board:        (1)    if the voter requests the absentee ballot be sent by mail or facsimile transmission, not later than the Tuesday preceding the election, at the time specified in the guidelines;        (2)    if the voter requests the absentee ballot be sent by the Internet, not later than the Friday preceding the election, at the time specified in the guidelines; or        (3)    if the voter or the voter’s duly authorized agent applies for an absentee ballot in person at the local board office, not later than the closing of the polls on election day.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-306 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting|Section 9-306 - Review of Application; Issuance or Rejection

    (a)    Promptly after receipt of an application, the election director shall review the application and determine whether the applicant qualifies to vote by absentee ballot.    (b)    If the applicant qualifies to vote by absentee ballot, the local board shall provide the ballot by one of the following methods requested by the voter:        (1)    mail;        (2)    facsimile transmission;        (3)    the Internet; or        (4)    by hand during an in–person transaction.    (c)    Once ballots are available, the local board shall provide the ballot to a qualified applicant:        (1)    as soon as practicable after receipt of the request; or        (2)    immediately for an in–person transaction with a voter or the voter’s duly authorized agent.    (d)    (1)    If the members of the local board determine that the applicant is not entitled to vote by absentee ballot, the local board shall notify the applicant as soon as practicable after receipt of the application of the reasons for the rejection.        (2)    (i)    The local board may delegate the determination under paragraph (1) of this subsection to the staff of the local board.            (ii)    If the determination has been delegated, the applicant may appeal the rejection to the members of the local board, who shall decide the appeal as expeditiously as practicable.    (e)    Not more than one absentee ballot may be issued to a voter unless the election director of the local board has reasonable grounds to believe that an absentee ballot previously issued to the voter has been lost, destroyed, or spoiled.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-307 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting|Section 9-307 - Use of an Agent in Absentee Ballot Process

    (a)    A qualified applicant may designate a duly authorized agent to pick up and deliver an absentee ballot under this subtitle.    (b)    An agent of the voter under this section:        (1)    must be at least 18 years old;        (2)    may not be a candidate on that ballot;        (3)    shall be designated in a writing signed by the voter under penalty of perjury; and        (4)    shall execute an affidavit under penalty of perjury that the ballot was:            (i)    delivered to the voter who submitted the application;            (ii)    marked and placed in an envelope by the voter, or with assistance as allowed by regulation, in the agent’s presence; and            (iii)    returned to the local board by the agent.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-308 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting|Section 9-308 - Assistance in Marking Ballot

    (a)    A voter who requires assistance in casting an absentee ballot by reason of disability, inability to write, or inability to read the ballot may be assisted by any individual other than:        (1)    a candidate who is on that ballot;        (2)    the voter’s employer or an agent of the employer; or        (3)    an officer or agent of the voter’s union.    (b)    An individual rendering assistance under this section shall execute a certification as prescribed by the State Board and included in the instructions under § 9-309 of this subtitle.
MD. Election Law Code Ann. §  9-308.1 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Election Law|Title 9 - Voting|Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting|Section 9-308.1 - Online Ballot Marking Tool

    (a)    In this section:        (1)    “online ballot marking tool” includes a system that allows a voter to:            (i)    access a blank ballot through the Internet;            (ii)    electronically mark the ballot with the voter’s selections; and            (iii)    print a paper copy of the marked ballot for mailing to a local board; and        (2)    “online ballot marking tool” does not include a system that is capable of storing, tabulating, or transmitting votes or voted ballots by electronic or electromagnetic means through the Internet.    (b)    The State Board may provide an accessible optional online ballot marking tool for use by a voter who requested to have the absentee ballot sent by the Internet.    (c)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State Board shall certify that an online ballot marking tool satisfies all of the certification requirements under § 9–102(d) of this title before approving an online ballot marking tool for use by voters.        (2)    An online ballot marking tool is not required to satisfy the requirements of:            (i)    § 9–102(d)(2) of this title if the U.S. Election Assistance Commission has not approved specific performance and test standards for online ballot marking tools; or            (ii)    § 9–102(d)(1)(iii) of this title.    (d)    (1)    This subsection applies if an online ballot marking tool utilizes a bar code that is used to generate a ballot that is acceptable for machine tabulation.        (2)    A local board shall compare the vote in each contest on the ballot marked by the voter to the vote in each contest on the ballot generated from the bar code during the canvass.        (3)    If there is a discrepancy in any contest between the vote on the ballot marked by the voter and the vote on the ballot generated from the bar code, the vote on the ballot marked by the voter shall be considered valid and shall be counted.