reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 10 - Filling Vacancies in Nomination After a Primary Election › Section 5-1003 - Shared District Candidates -- More Than One County in a Congressional or General Assembly District

(a)    This section applies to a vacancy in nomination for Representative in Congress, State Senator, or member of the House of Delegates, if the district includes more than one county.
(b)    (1)    A vacancy in nomination under this section that occurs because the nominee dies, withdraws the candidacy, or is disqualified for any reason shall be filled by:
(i)    a vote of the central committees of the political party in each of the counties included in the district of that nominee; or
(ii)    a State central committee for a nonprincipal political party that does not have local central committees.
(2)    The central committee of each county shall cast a vote that is proportionate to its share of the total registered voters in that district as reported in the most recent statistical report by the State Board and promptly notify its State central committee of the results of its vote.
(3)    (i)    If no person receives a majority of the votes cast under paragraph (2) of this subsection, or if there is a tie vote by the central committees, the vacancy in nomination shall be filled by the State central committee.
(ii)    In the event of a tie vote, the nominee selected by the State central committee shall be one of the candidates involved in the tie.
(4)    Following the declination of the nominee, by the 88th day before the general election:
(i)    the State central committee shall file a certificate of designation for the nominee with the State Board; and
(ii)    the successor nominee designated by the State central committee under item (i) of this paragraph shall file a certificate of candidacy with the State Board.
(5)    Following the death or disqualification of the nominee, by the 81st day before the general election:
(i)    the State central committee shall file a certificate of designation for the nominee with the State Board; and
(ii)    the successor nominee designated by the State central committee under item (i) of this paragraph shall file a certificate of candidacy with the State Board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 10 - Filling Vacancies in Nomination After a Primary Election › Section 5-1004 - Local Offices and Districts Entirely Within One County

(a)    A vacancy in nomination for an office that is entirely in one county shall be filled by:
(1)    a central committee in that county as provided in this section; or
(2)    a State central committee for a nonprincipal political party that does not have a local central committee.
(b)    (1)    If a nominee for an office that is entirely in one county declines the nomination or gains a tie vote with another candidate in a primary election, the vacancy in nomination shall be filled by the 88th day before the general election.
(2)    If a nominee for an office that is entirely in one county dies or becomes disqualified, the vacancy in nomination shall be filled by the 81st day before the general election.
(c)    (1)    The vacancy shall be filled by the central committee of the same political party as the individual vacating the nomination.
(2)    If the office is to be voted on by the voters of the entire county, the vacancy shall be filled by the central committee of that county.
(3)    If the office is voted on only by the voters of one legislative district and the central committee is elected by legislative district, the vacancy shall be filled by the members of the central committee of that legislative district.
(4)    If the office is for Representative in Congress and is a district that is wholly within one county, the vacancy shall be filled by the central committee for that county.
(5)    By the deadline prescribed in subsection (b) of this section:
(i)    the applicable central committee shall file a certificate of designation with the applicable board; and
(ii)    the successor nominee designated by the applicable central committee under item (i) of this paragraph shall file a certificate of candidacy with the applicable board.
(d)    If the vacancy results because of a tie vote between two or more candidates, the nominee selected by the central committee under this section shall be one of those candidates.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 12 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 5-1201 - Effect of Failure to Designate Successor Candidate and File Certificate

(a)    (1)    Except as otherwise specifically provided in this title, if either nominee of a Governor and Lieutenant Governor unit dies, declines the nomination, or is disqualified, the remaining nominee shall cease to be a candidate if:
(i)    a successor nominee is not designated or selected under this subtitle; and
(ii)    the certificate of designation and certificate of candidacy required under this subtitle are not filed in a timely manner.
(2)    If a successor nominee for Governor or Lieutenant Governor is not designated or selected as required under this subtitle, the name of the remaining nominee may not appear on the ballot.
(b)    If an individual designated as a successor nominee for an office other than Governor or Lieutenant Governor does not file the certificate of candidacy required under this subtitle or otherwise fails to comply with the requirements of this title, the name of that individual may not appear on the ballot.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 12 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 5-1202 - Certificate of Candidacy and Payment of Filing Fee Required of Successor Candidates

An individual selected or designated to fill a vacancy in candidacy or nomination under this title shall:
(1)    file a certificate of candidacy with the appropriate board in accordance with Subtitle 3 of this title; and
(2)    unless exempted under this title, pay the filing fee specified under § 5-401 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 12 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 5-1203 - Qualifying for General Election Ballot

(a)    At each general election, the names of the following nominees shall be submitted to the voters:
(1)    each candidate nominated under this title who has satisfied the requirements of this article or other provisions of law, provided the candidate has not:
(i)    declined the nomination; or
(ii)    died or become disqualified and the provisions of this article do not require that the name of the nominee nonetheless be submitted to the voters;
(2)    each nominee who has qualified for a presidential election under Title 8, Subtitle 5 of this article; and
(3)    each incumbent judge of the Court of Appeals or the Court of Special Appeals whose name is required to be submitted to the voters for continuance in office under Article IV, § 5A of the Maryland Constitution.
(b)    In accordance with Title 9, Subtitle 2 of this article, the State Board shall certify to each local board the name of each nominee who has qualified for the general election ballot as the nominee’s name is to appear on the ballots in that county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 13 - Late Vacancies Before the General Election › Section 5-1301 - Applicable to Offices Other Than Governor or Lieutenant Governor

(a)    Except for a candidate or nominee to fill a vacancy for the office of Governor or Lieutenant Governor, this subtitle applies to a candidate or nominee to fill a vacancy for any public office subject to this title.
(b)    A nominee to fill a vacancy for Governor or Lieutenant Governor is subject to the requirements of Subtitle 10 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 13 - Late Vacancies Before the General Election › Section 5-1302 - Deadline for Filing Certificate of Designation and Consequence of Vacancy Occurring After Deadline

(a)    A certificate of designation may not be filed later than 10 days before the day of the general election.
(b)    If the name of a nominee who has died, declined the nomination, or been disqualified appears on the ballot and receives a number of votes that would have been sufficient for election if the nominee had not died, declined, or been disqualified for the nomination, the vacancy thereby created shall be:
(1)    deemed to have occurred after the day of the general election; and
(2)    filled in accordance with this article or other provisions of law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 13 - Late Vacancies Before the General Election › Section 5-1303 - Canvass and Certification of Votes When Late Vacancy Occurs

(a)    (1)    If a nominee dies, declines the nomination, or is disqualified after the primary election but before a certificate of nomination is issued by the appropriate board with which candidates for that office must file a certificate of candidacy under § 5-302 of this title, the canvass and certification of the primary election results shall proceed as though the candidate had not died, declined the nomination, or been disqualified.
(2)    If, following the canvass and certification, the individual who is certified as the nominee has died, declined the nomination, or been disqualified, a successor nominee may be named in the manner provided by law.
(b)    (1)    If a winning candidate dies, declines the office, or becomes disqualified after the general election but before the certification of the general election results, the canvass and certification shall proceed as though the candidate had not died, declined the office, or been disqualified.
(2)    If, following the canvass and certification of the general election results, the individual who is declared elected has died, declined the office, or been disqualified, the office shall be declared vacant and filled in the manner provided by law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 6 - Petitions › Subtitle 1 - Definitions and General Provisions › Section 6-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Affidavit” means a statement executed under penalty of perjury.
(c)    “Chief election official” means:
(1)    as to the State Board, the State Administrator; or
(2)    as to a local board, the election director.
(d)    “Circulator” means an individual who attests to one or more signatures affixed to a petition.
(e)    “Election authority” means:
(1)    the State Board; or
(2)    as to a local petition, the local board for that county.
(f)    “Legal authority” means:
(1)    the Attorney General; or
(2)    as to a local petition, the counsel to the local board appointed under § 2-205 of this article for that county.
(g)    “Local petition” means a petition:
(1)    on which the signatures from only one county may be counted; and
(2)    that does not seek to:
(i)    refer a public local law enacted by the General Assembly; or
(ii)    nominate an individual for an office for which a certificate of candidacy is required to be filed with the State Board.
(h)    “Page” means a piece of paper comprising a part of a petition.
(i)    “Petition” means all of the associated pages necessary to fulfill the requirements of a process established by the law by which individuals affix their signatures as evidence of support for:
(1)    placing the name of an individual, the names of individuals, or a question on the ballot at any election;
(2)    the creation of a new political party; or
(3)    the appointment of a charter board under Article XI-A, § 1A of the Maryland Constitution.
(j)    “Sponsor” means the person who coordinates the collection of signatures for a petition and who, if the petition is filed, is named on the information page as required by § 6-201 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 6 - Petitions › Subtitle 1 - Definitions and General Provisions › Section 6-102 - Applicability

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this title applies to any petition authorized by law to place the name of an individual or a question on the ballot or to create a new political party.
(b)    This title does not apply to a petition filed pursuant to Division II of the Local Government Article.
(c)    This title may not be interpreted to conflict with any provision relating to petitions specified in the Maryland Constitution.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 6 - Petitions › Subtitle 1 - Definitions and General Provisions › Section 6-103 - Regulations; Guidelines; Forms

(a)    (1)    The State Board shall adopt regulations, consistent with this title, to carry out the provisions of this title.
(2)    The regulations shall:
(i)    prescribe the form and content of petitions;
(ii)    specify procedures for the circulation of petitions for signatures;
(iii)    specify procedures for the verification and counting of signatures; and
(iv)    provide any other procedural or technical requirements that the State Board considers appropriate.
(b)    (1)    The State Board shall:
(i)    prepare guidelines and instructions relating to the petition process; and
(ii)    design and arrange to have sample forms available to the public conforming to this title for each purpose for which a petition is authorized by law.
(2)    The guidelines, instructions, and forms shall be provided to the public, on request, without charge.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 6 - Petitions › Subtitle 2 - Content and Process of Petitions › Section 6-201 - Content of Petitions

(a)    A petition shall contain:
(1)    an information page; and
(2)    signature pages containing not less than the total number of signatures required by law to be filed.
(b)    The information page shall contain:
(1)    a description of the subject and purpose of the petition, conforming to the requirements of regulations;
(2)    identification of the sponsor and, if the sponsor is an organization, of the individual designated to receive notices under this subtitle;
(3)    the required information relating to the signatures contained in the petition;
(4)    the required affidavit made and executed by the sponsor or, if the sponsor is an organization, by an individual responsible to and designated by the organization; and
(5)    any other information required by regulation.
(c)    Each signature page shall contain:
(1)    a description of the subject and purpose of the petition, conforming to the requirements of regulations;
(2)    if the petition seeks to place a question on the ballot, either:
(i)    a fair and accurate summary of the substantive provisions of the proposal; or
(ii)    the full text of the proposal;
(3)    a statement, to which each signer subscribes, that:
(i)    the signer supports the purpose of that petition process; and
(ii)    based on the signer’s information and belief, the signer is a registered voter in the county specified on the page and is eligible to have his or her signature counted;
(4)    spaces for signatures and the required information relating to the signers;
(5)    a space for the name of the county in which each of the signers of that page is a registered voter;
(6)    a space for the required affidavit made and executed by the circulator; and
(7)    any other information required by regulation.
(d)    If the petition seeks to place a question on the ballot and the sponsor elects to print a summary of the proposal on each signature page as provided in subsection (c)(2)(i) of this section:
(1)    the circulator shall have the full text of the proposal present at the time and place that each signature is affixed to the page; and
(2)    the signature page shall state that the full text is available from the circulator.
(e)    A signature page shall satisfy the requirements of subsections (c) and (d)(2) of this section before any signature is affixed to it and at all relevant times thereafter.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 6 - Petitions › Subtitle 2 - Content and Process of Petitions › Section 6-202 - Advance Determinations

(a)    (1)    The format of the petition prepared by a sponsor may be submitted to the chief election official of the appropriate election authority, in advance of filing the petition, for a determination of its sufficiency.
(2)    In making the determination under this subsection, the chief election official may seek the advice of the legal authority.
(b)    (1)    When determining the sufficiency under subsection (a) of this section of a petition that seeks to place a question regarding a local law or charter amendment on a ballot, the election director of the local board shall determine the sufficiency of any summary of the local law or charter amendment that is contained in the petition.
(2)    If the election director determines that the summary of the local law or charter amendment is insufficient, the election director shall provide the sponsor with a clear, concise, and understandable explanation of the reasons for the determination.
(3)    In making the determination under this subsection, the election director may seek the advice of:
(i)    the counsel to the local board; or
(ii)    the Attorney General.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 6 - Petitions › Subtitle 2 - Content and Process of Petitions › Section 6-203 - Signers; Information Provided by Signers

(a)    To sign a petition, an individual shall:
(1)    sign the individual’s name as it appears on the statewide voter registration list or the individual’s surname of registration and at least one full given name and the initials of any other names; and
(2)    include the following information, printed or typed, in the spaces provided:
(i)    the signer’s name as it was signed;
(ii)    the signer’s address;
(iii)    the date of signing; and
(iv)    other information required by regulations adopted by the State Board.
(b)    The signature of an individual shall be validated and counted if:
(1)    the requirements of subsection (a) of this section have been satisfied;
(2)    the individual is a registered voter assigned to the county specified on the signature page and, if applicable, in a particular geographic area of the county;
(3)    the individual has not previously signed the same petition;
(4)    the signature is attested by an affidavit appearing on the page on which the signature appears;
(5)    the date accompanying the signature is not later than the date of the affidavit on the page; and
(6)    if applicable, the signature was affixed within the requisite period of time, as specified by law.
(c)    (1)    A signature may be removed:
(i)    by the signer upon written application to the election authority with which the petition will be filed if the application is received by the election authority prior to the filing of that signature; or
(ii)    prior to the filing of that signature, by the circulator who attested to that signature or by the sponsor of the petition, if it is concluded that the signature does not satisfy the requirements of this title.
(2)    A signature removed pursuant to paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection may not be included in the number of signatures stated on the information page included in the petition.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 6 - Petitions › Subtitle 2 - Content and Process of Petitions › Section 6-204 - Circulators; Affidavit of the Circulator

(a)    Each signature page shall contain an affidavit made and executed by the individual in whose presence all of the signatures on that page were affixed and who observed each of those signatures being affixed.
(b)    The affidavit shall contain the statements, required by regulation, designed to assure the validity of the signatures and the fairness of the petition process.
(c)    A circulator must be at least 18 years old at the time any of the signatures covered by the affidavit are affixed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 6 - Petitions › Subtitle 2 - Content and Process of Petitions › Section 6-205 - Filing of Petitions

(a)    (1)    Unless otherwise required by the Maryland Constitution, a petition shall be filed, in person by or on behalf of the sponsor, in the office of the appropriate election authority.
(2)    If the Maryland Constitution provides that a petition shall be filed with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State shall deliver the petition to the State Board within 24 hours.
(3)    If the Maryland Constitution provides that a petition shall be filed with an official or a governmental body of a county, the official or governmental body, after determining that the petition is in conformance with the requirements of law, shall dispatch the petition to the local board for that county within 24 hours.
(4)    A petition forwarded under paragraph (2) or (3) of this subsection shall be processed under this subtitle as if it had been filed with the election authority.
(b)    The regulations adopted by the State Board may provide that the signature pages of a petition required to be filed with the State Board be delivered by the sponsor, or an individual authorized by the sponsor, to the appropriate local board or boards for verification and counting of signatures.
(c)    A petition may not be accepted for filing unless the information page indicates that the petition satisfies any requirements established by law for the time of filing and for the number and geographic distribution of signatures.
(d)    Subsequent to the filing of a petition under this subtitle, but prior to the deadline for filing the petition, additional signatures may be added to the petition by filing an amended information page and additional signature pages conforming to the requirements of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 6 - Petitions › Subtitle 2 - Content and Process of Petitions › Section 6-206 - Determinations at Time of Filing

(a)    Promptly upon the filing of a petition with an election authority, the chief election official of the election authority shall review the petition.
(b)    Unless a determination of deficiency is made under subsection (c) of this section, the chief election official shall:
(1)    make a determination that the petition, as to matters other than the validity of signatures, is sufficient; or
(2)    defer a determination of sufficiency pending further review.
(c)    The chief election official shall declare that the petition is deficient if the chief election official determines that:
(1)    the petition was not timely filed;
(2)    after providing the sponsor an opportunity to correct any clerical errors, the information provided by the sponsor indicates that the petition does not satisfy any requirements of law for the number or geographic distribution of signatures;
(3)    an examination of unverified signatures indicates that the petition does not satisfy any requirements of law for the number or geographic distribution of signatures;
(4)    the requirements relating to the form of the petition have not been satisfied;
(5)    based on the advice of the legal authority:
(i)    the use of a petition for the subject matter of the petition is not authorized by law; or
(ii)    the petition seeks:
1.    the enactment of a law that would be unconstitutional or the election or nomination of an individual to an office for which that individual is not legally qualified to be a candidate; or
2.    a result that is otherwise prohibited by law; or
(6)    the petition has failed to satisfy some other requirement established by law.
(d)    A determination under this section may not be inconsistent with an advance determination made under § 6-202 of this subtitle.
(e)    Notice of a determination under this section shall be provided in accordance with § 6-210 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 6 - Petitions › Subtitle 2 - Content and Process of Petitions › Section 6-207 - Verification of Signatures

(a)    (1)    Upon the filing of a petition, and unless it has been declared deficient under § 6-206 of this subtitle, the staff of the election authority shall proceed to verify the signatures and count the validated signatures contained in the petition.
(2)    The purpose of signature verification under paragraph (1) of this subsection is to ensure that the name of the individual who signed the petition is listed as a registered voter.
(b)    The State Board, by regulation, shall establish the process to be followed by all election authorities for verifying and counting signatures on petitions.
(c)    (1)    The process established under subsection (b) of this section shall provide for optional verification of a random sample of signatures contained in a petition.
(2)    Verification by random sample may only be used, with the approval of the State Board:
(i)    for a single-county petition containing more than 500 signatures; or
(ii)    in the case of a multicounty petition, by a local board that receives signature pages containing more than 500 signatures.
(3)    Verification under this subsection shall require the random selection and verification of 500 signatures or 5% of the total signatures on the petition, whichever number is greater, to determine what percentage of the random sample is composed of signatures that are authorized by law to be counted. That percentage shall be applied to the total number of signatures in the petition to establish the number of valid signatures for the petition.
(4)    (i)    If the random sample verification establishes that the total number of valid signatures does not equal 95% or more of the total number required, the petition shall be deemed to have an insufficient number of signatures.
(ii)    If the random sample verification establishes that the total number of valid signatures exceeds 105% of the total number required, the petition shall be deemed to have a sufficient number of signatures.
(iii)    If the random sample verification establishes that the total number of valid signatures is at least 95% but not more than 105% of the total number required, a verification of all the signatures in the petition shall be conducted.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 6 - Petitions › Subtitle 2 - Content and Process of Petitions › Section 6-208 - Certification

(a)    At the conclusion of the verification and counting processes, the chief election official of the election authority shall:
(1)    determine whether the validated signatures contained in the petition are sufficient to satisfy all requirements established by law relating to the number and geographical distribution of signatures; and
(2)    if it has not done so previously, determine whether the petition has satisfied all other requirements established by law for that petition and immediately notify the sponsor of that determination, including any specific deficiencies found.
(b)    If a petition sponsor’s ballot issue committee fails to provide proof of filing the report required under § 13–309(e) of this article, the chief election official may not certify the petition.
(c)    If the chief election official determines that a petition has satisfied all requirements established by law relating to that petition, the chief election official shall certify that the petition process has been completed and shall:
(1)    with respect to a petition seeking to place the name of an individual or a question on the ballot, certify that the name or question has qualified to be placed on the ballot;
(2)    with respect to a petition seeking to create a new political party, certify the sufficiency of the petition to the chairman of the governing body of the partisan organization; and
(3)    with respect to the creation of a charter board under Article XI–A, § 1A of the Maryland Constitution, certify that the petition is sufficient.
(d)    Notice of a determination under this section shall be provided in accordance with § 6–210 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 6 - Petitions › Subtitle 2 - Content and Process of Petitions › Section 6-209 - Judicial Review

(a)    (1)    A person aggrieved by a determination made under § 6–202, § 6–206, or § 6–208(a)(2) of this subtitle may seek judicial review:
(i)    in the case of a statewide petition, a petition to refer an enactment of the General Assembly pursuant to Article XVI of the Maryland Constitution, or a petition for a congressional or General Assembly candidacy, in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County; or
(ii)    as to any other petition, in the circuit court for the county in which the petition is filed.
(2)    The court may grant relief as it considers appropriate to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
(3)    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 after the date of the decision of the circuit court.
(4)    The Court of Appeals shall give priority to hear and decide an appeal brought under paragraph (3)(ii) of this subsection as expeditiously as the circumstances require.
(b)    Pursuant to the Maryland Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act and upon the complaint of any registered voter, the circuit court of the county in which a petition has been or will be filed may grant declaratory relief as to any petition with respect to the provisions of this title or other provisions of law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 7 - Questions › Section 7-101 - Applicability

This title applies to the following types of ballot questions:
(1)    a question relating to:
(i)    the creation or adoption of a new Constitution or the calling of a constitutional convention; or
(ii)    an amendment pursuant to Article XIV of the Maryland Constitution;
(2)    referral of an enactment of the General Assembly pursuant to Article XVI of the Maryland Constitution;
(3)    a question pursuant to Article XI–A of the Maryland Constitution relating to:
(i)    the creation of a charter home rule county government;
(ii)    the approval of a county charter; or
(iii)    the amendment of a county charter;
(4)    a question relating to the creation of a code home rule county government pursuant to Article XI–F of the Maryland Constitution;
(5)    a question relating to the alteration of county boundaries or the creation of a new county pursuant to Article XIII of the Maryland Constitution;
(6)    a question referred to the voters pursuant to an enactment of the General Assembly;
(7)    a question on an enactment of a charter county pursuant to § 9–205 of the Local Government Article or a code county pursuant to §§ 9–310 through 9–313 of the Local Government Article;
(8)    a question relating to the incorporation of a new municipality pursuant to § 4–204 of the Local Government Article;
(9)    a question on the issuance of a bond pursuant to § 9–934 of the Environment Article; and
(10)    any other question that will be voted on in an election conducted pursuant to this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 7 - Questions › Section 7-102 - Qualification of Questions

(a)    (1)    A question relating to the holding of a constitutional convention qualifies for the ballot automatically every 20 years pursuant to Article XIV, § 2 of the Maryland Constitution.
(2)    A question relating to the adoption of a new or altered Constitution qualifies upon its adoption by a duly constituted convention pursuant to Article XIV, § 2 of the Maryland Constitution.
(3)    An amendment to the Constitution qualifies upon its passage by the General Assembly pursuant to Article XIV, § 1 of the Maryland Constitution.
(b)    A question on an act of the General Assembly pursuant to Article XVI of the Maryland Constitution qualifies upon the certification under Title 6 of this article, that the petition has satisfied all the requirements established by Article XVI.
(c)    (1)    A question relating to the creation of a home rule county government qualifies upon either:
(i)    a determination by the appropriate local authority that the applicable petition has satisfied all the requirements established by law relating to the creation of a charter board; or
(ii)    the adoption by the governing body of a county of an enactment proposing that the county become a code county.
(2)    A question relating to the approval of a county charter qualifies upon the adoption of a proposed charter by a charter board pursuant to the requirements prescribed by Article XI-A of the Maryland Constitution.
(3)    A question relating to the amendment of a county charter shall qualify either upon:
(i)    the passage by the governing body of the county of a resolution proposing the amendment; or
(ii)    a determination by the governing body of the county that a petition submitted has satisfied all the requirements established by law relating to petitions initiating charter amendments.
(d)    A question relating to the creation of a new county or the alteration of county boundaries qualifies upon the enactment of the implementing public general law.
(e)    A question referred to the voters as provided in an enactment of the General Assembly qualifies upon the enactment of the law calling for the question.
(f)    (1)    A question on an enactment by a charter county qualifies pursuant to local law and § 9–205 of the Local Government Article.
(2)    A question on an enactment by a code county qualifies pursuant to local law and §§ 9–310 through 9–313 of the Local Government Article.
(g)    A question relating to the incorporation of a new municipal corporation qualifies upon the determination by the county governing body that the applicable petition has satisfied all the requirements established by law for that petition.
(h)    A referendum on a question of issuance of a bond pursuant to § 9-934 of the Environment Article qualifies upon submission of the question to the appropriate local board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 7 - Questions › Section 7-104 - Petitions Relating to Questions

(a)    A petition for the election of a charter board may not be filed unless all of the signatures attached to the petition have been written by the signers within 6 months of the date when the petition is presented to the board.
(b)    A petition relating to a question arising under Article XI–A of the Maryland Constitution shall be filed with the appropriate governmental body or officer not later than the 99th day before the general election at which the question is to be voted on.
(c)    (1)    The responsible officers of a petition sponsor’s ballot issue committee shall be a party to any proceeding to test the validity of the petition.
(2)    The proceeding shall be filed in the county where the petition sponsor resides or maintains its principal place of business.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 7 - Questions › Section 7-105 - Publication of Questions

(a)    A local board shall provide notice of each question to be submitted statewide and each question to be submitted to the voters of the county, by:
(1)    specimen ballot mailed at least 1 week before any early voting period before the general election; or
(2)    publication or dissemination by mass communication during the 3 weeks immediately preceding the general election at which a question will appear on the ballot.
(b)    (1)    For any question submitted under Article XIV or Article XVI of the Maryland Constitution, the notice required by subsection (a) of this section shall contain the information specified in § 7–103(b) of this title and a brief statement, prepared in clear and concise language, devoid of technical and legal terms to the extent practicable, summarizing the question.
(2)    The statement required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be:
(i)    prepared by the Department of Legislative Services;
(ii)    approved by the Attorney General; and
(iii)    submitted to the State Board by the first Monday in August.
(3)    The statement required under paragraph (1) of this subsection is sufficient if it is:
(i)    contained in an enactment by the General Assembly, and the enactment clearly specifies that the statement is to be used on the ballot; or
(ii)    consistent with some other process mandated by the Maryland Constitution.
(c)    The State Board shall adopt regulations governing notice of questions to appear on the ballot, including the use and content of specimen ballots and the publication or dissemination of notice by mass communication.
(d)    (1)    The complete text of a question shall be posted or available for public inspection in the office of the State Board and each applicable local board for 65 days prior to the general election.
(2)    Copies of the complete text of all statewide questions shall be furnished by the State Board to the local boards in quantities as determined by the State Board, including quantities sufficient to provide one copy of each for posting in each polling place and in each local board office.
(3)    An individual may receive without charge a copy of the complete text of all constitutional amendments and questions from a local board, either in person, by mail, or electronically.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 1 - Elections Generally › Section 8-101 - Conduct and Uniformity of Elections

(a)    Under the supervision of the State Board, and in accordance with regulations and procedures adopted by the State Board, a local board shall conduct all elections held under this article in the county in which the board is located.
(b)    Except where it would be inappropriate, or as otherwise provided in this article, the electoral process for primary elections, general elections, and special elections shall be uniform.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 1 - Elections Generally › Section 8-102 - Notice of Elections

(a)    Except as required under subsection (d) of this section, a local board shall provide notice of each election in its county to the registered voters of the county by either:
(1)    specimen ballot mailed at least 1 week before the first day of any early voting period before the election; or
(2)    publication or dissemination by mass communication during the calendar week preceding the election.
(b)    The notice shall include:
(1)    the time and place of the election; and
(2)    the offices, candidate names, and questions contained on the ballot.
(c)    (1)    If a local board provides notice by mailing specimen ballots, a specimen ballot shall be mailed to all registered voters in the county who are eligible to vote in the election.
(2)    The specimen ballot shall be a facsimile of the ballot that the voter is entitled to vote in the election.
(d)    (1)    In Prince George’s County for the general election, the Board shall:
(i)    provide notice by mailing specimen ballots; and
(ii)    mail a specimen ballot to the household of each registered voter in the county.
(2)    The costs for mailing specimen ballots in Prince George’s County shall be included in the county’s annual budget appropriation to the local board.
(e)    (1)    Unless a local board mails a specimen ballot to its registered voters in accordance with subsection (c) or (d) of this section, the local board shall give notice of the election by newspaper publication or other means of mass communication.
(2)    The notice of election under this subsection shall be arranged, if practicable, in the same order and form as the ballot.
(3)    (i)    If newspaper publication is used in a county, the notice shall be advertised in at least two newspapers of general circulation that are published in the county.
(ii)    In a county in which only one newspaper is published, the notice shall be published in that newspaper.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 1 - Elections Generally › Section 8-103 - Emergencies

(a)    In the event of a state of emergency, declared by the Governor in accordance with the provisions of law, that interferes with the electoral process, the emergency proclamation may:
(1)    provide for the postponement, until a specific date, of the election in part or all of the State;
(2)    specify alternate voting locations; or
(3)    specify alternate voting systems.
(b)    (1)    If emergency circumstances, not constituting a declared state of emergency, interfere with the electoral process, the State Board or a local board, after conferring with the State Board, may petition a circuit court to take any action the court considers necessary to provide a remedy that is in the public interest and protects the integrity of the electoral process.
(2)    The State Board shall develop guidelines concerning methods for addressing possible emergency situations.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 2 - Primary Elections › Section 8-201 - Date of the Primary

(a)    (1)    There shall be a statewide primary election in every even–numbered year.
(2)    A primary election shall be held:
(i)    in the year in which the Governor is elected, on the last Tuesday in June; and
(ii)    in the year in which the President of the United States is elected, on the fourth Tuesday in April.
(b)    In Baltimore City, there shall be a primary election for municipal offices on the fourth Tuesday in April in the year in which the President of the United States is elected.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 2 - Primary Elections › Section 8-202 - Political Parties Using the Primary

(a)    A principal political party, as determined by the statement of registration issued by the State Board:
(1)    shall use the primary election to:
(i)    nominate its candidates for public office; and
(ii)    elect all members of the local central committees of the political party; and
(2)    may use the primary election in the year of a presidential election to elect delegates to a national presidential nominating convention.
(b)    Except for a nominee for President or Vice President, the name of a nominee of a principal political party may not appear on the ballot in a general election if the individual has not:
(1)    been nominated in the primary election; or
(2)    been designated to fill a vacancy in nomination in accordance with Title 5 of this article.
(c)    If a political party chooses to permit voters not affiliated with the party to vote in the party’s primary election, the chairman of the party’s State central committee shall so notify the State Board at least 6 months before the date of the primary election.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 2 - Primary Elections › Section 8-203 - Certification of Candidates

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, in accordance with Title 9, Subtitle 2 of this article, the State Board shall certify to the local board of a county the names of candidates on the primary election ballots in that county.
(b)    This section does not apply to a special primary election for the office of Representative in Congress.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 3 - General Elections › Section 8-301 - Date of General Election

(a)    (1)    There shall be a statewide general election in each even–numbered year.
(2)    A statewide general election shall be held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November.
(b)    In Baltimore City, there shall be a general election for municipal offices on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November in the year in which the President of the United States is elected.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 4 - Special Elections › Section 8-401 - Time of Special Elections

(a)    A special primary election and a special general election may be held at a time other than the date of a regular primary election and a regular general election:
(1)    to fill a vacancy in the office of Representative in Congress; or
(2)    to fill a vacancy in the county council or in the office of chief executive officer or county executive if the charter of that county provides for special elections.
(b)    (1)    Special elections to fill a vacancy in the office of Representative in Congress shall be held at the time specified in Subtitle 7 of this title.
(2)    (i)    Special elections to fill vacancies in a county council or in the office of chief executive officer or county executive shall be held as provided in the county charter.
(ii)    The date set for the special election to fill a vacancy under this paragraph shall allow at least 45 days between the date a local board makes an absentee ballot available to an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter, as defined under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, and the date of the special election.
(c)    An election to fill a vacancy in the office of United States Senator shall be held concurrently with a regular election as provided in Subtitle 6 of this title.
(d)    The State Board shall adopt regulations to establish requirements concerning:
(1)    notice to absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters concerning a special election; and
(2)    the process for absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters to:
(i)    request an absentee ballot for a special election; and
(ii)    return an absentee ballot by mail in a timely manner.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 5 - Presidential Elections › Section 8-501 - Selection of Convention Delegates and Alternate Delegates

(a)    Delegates and alternate delegates to the national presidential nominating convention of a political party shall be selected as provided in the national party rules of the party.
(b)    The State central committee of each political party shall certify to the State Board, not later than October 1 in the year preceding the election:
(1)    the number of delegates and alternate delegates to be selected in the State and the mode or modes of selection; and
(2)    in the case of a principal political party:
(i)    if delegates are to be elected by district, the number of delegates to be elected from each district;
(ii)    provisions for placing on the ballot the name of a presidential candidate, or the word “uncommitted”, adjacent to the name of each candidate for delegate;
(iii)    provisions for how, if a candidate for delegate withdraws in accordance with § 5–502 of this article and the withdrawing candidate’s name would have appeared on the ballot adjacent to the name of a presidential candidate, that presidential candidate will designate a replacement candidate for delegate no later than 5 days after the deadline established in § 5–502 of this article; and
(iv)    any other provisions of the national party rules of the party that relate to the election of delegates or alternate delegates at the primary election.