reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 2 - Powers and Duties of the State and Local Boards › Subtitle 1 - State Board › Section 2-107 - Maryland Election Modernization Fund

(a)    (1)    There is a Maryland Election Modernization Fund.
(2)    The Fund is established as a continuing fund for programs relating to the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 and related expenditures.
(3)    The Fund is a special, continuing, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(4)    The Treasurer shall separately hold and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(5)    The Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other State funds.
(6)    Any investment earnings shall be retained to the credit of the Fund.
(b)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    moneys appropriated in the State budget to the Fund;
(2)    moneys otherwise appropriated for the purposes of the Fund, which may be transferred to the Fund by an approved budget amendment; and
(3)    moneys received by the State from the federal government under the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002 or under other federal programs for similar purposes.
(c)    Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with an appropriation for:
(1)    complying with requirements of the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002;
(2)    improving the administration of elections for federal office;
(3)    educating voters regarding voting procedures, voting rights, and voting technology;
(4)    training election officials, poll workers, and election volunteers;
(5)    developing the State plan required by the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002;
(6)    improving, acquiring, leasing, modifying, or replacing voting systems and technology and methods for casting and counting votes;
(7)    improving the quantity and accessibility of polling places, including providing physical access for individuals with disabilities, nonvisual access for individuals with visual impairments, and access for individuals with limited proficiency in the English language;
(8)    establishing toll-free telephone hotlines that voters may use to report possible voting fraud and voting rights violations, to obtain general election information, and to access detailed automated information on their own voter registration status, specific polling place locations, and other relevant information; and
(9)    any other uses that may be allowed for funds received under the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 2 - Powers and Duties of the State and Local Boards › Subtitle 2 - Local Boards › Section 2-203 - Local Government Funding

Each county shall appropriate the funds essential for the operations of its local board to enable the local board to pay the reasonable expenses incurred by the local board to exercise the powers and perform the duties prescribed for it by law, including:
(1)    personnel expenses, such as compensation, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance;
(2)    subject to § 9–106 of this article, polling place operation expenses; and
(3)    subject to § 9–106 of this article, supplies and equipment required under § 2–202(b)(3) of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 2 - Powers and Duties of the State and Local Boards › Subtitle 2 - Local Boards › Section 2-204 - Compensation of Local Board Members

(a)    Each regular member of a local board shall receive the salary and reimbursement of expenses provided in the county budget, but in no event may the annual compensation be less than the following amounts:
(1)    in Allegany County, the amount set by the County Commissioners under Title 28, Subtitle 1 of the Local Government Article;
(2)    in Anne Arundel County, $5,000 for the president and $4,500 for other regular members;
(3)    in Baltimore City, $11,000 for the president and $10,000 for other regular members;
(4)    in Baltimore County, $4,000 for the president and $3,000 for other regular members;
(5)    in Calvert County, $3,000 and reimbursement for expenses in the performance of their duties;
(6)    in Caroline County, $3,250 for the president, $3,000 for other regular members, and reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of election duties in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations;
(7)    in Carroll County, $3,000;
(8)    in Cecil County, $1,250 for the president, $1,000 for other regular members, and reimbursement for actual expenses incurred in the performance of election activities which occur outside the county;
(9)    in Charles County, $800;
(10)    in Dorchester County, $3,000 and expenses as authorized by the County Commissioners;
(11)    in Frederick County, $5,500 for the president and $5,000 for other regular members;
(12)    in Garrett County, the amount set by the County Commissioners under Chapter 91 of the Public Local Laws of Garrett County;
(13)    in Harford County, $2,000 for the president and $1,700 for other regular members;
(14)    in Howard County, $2,800 for the president and $2,000 for other regular members;
(15)    in Kent County, $1,500 for the president and $1,500 for other regular members;
(16)    in Montgomery County, $5,000 for the president and $4,500 for other regular members;
(17)    in Prince George’s County, $5,000 for the president and $4,500 for other regular members;
(18)    in Queen Anne’s County, $1,500 for the president and $1,200 for other regular members;
(19)    in St. Mary’s County, $3,000;
(20)    in Somerset County, $1,000;
(21)    in Talbot County, $600;
(22)    in Washington County, the amount set by the County Commissioners;
(23)    in Wicomico County, $2,400 for the president and $1,800 for other regular members; and
(24)    in Worcester County, $1,500 for the president and $1,200 for other regular members.
(b)    (1)    Consistent with paragraph (2) of this subsection, each substitute member shall be compensated for each day of service as provided in the county budget.
(2)    A substitute member shall be compensated at a rate of at least $25 for each meeting of the local board that the substitute member attends.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 2 - Powers and Duties of the State and Local Boards › Subtitle 2 - Local Boards › Section 2-205 - Counsel to Local Board

(a)    Each local board may appoint or retain as counsel an individual who is:
(1)    a registered voter of its county; and
(2)    admitted to practice law in the State.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the salary of counsel shall be set by the local board in accordance with the county budget.
(2)    (i)    In Anne Arundel County, the counsel may not be compensated less than the salary of a local board member.
(ii)    In Baltimore County, the counsel may not be compensated less than $2,000 annually.
(iii)    In Montgomery County, the counsel shall receive an annual salary of $2,000.
(iv)    In Prince George’s County, the counsel shall receive an annual salary of $4,500.
(v)    In Worcester County, the counsel shall receive an annual salary as provided in the county budget, but not less than $800.
(c)    In accordance with the county budget and in addition to the compensation specified in subsection (b) of this section, each local board may provide counsel with appropriate additional compensation for services that the local board determines are necessary.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 2 - Powers and Duties of the State and Local Boards › Subtitle 2 - Local Boards › Section 2-206 - Election Director

Subject to the requirements of this article and the policies and guidance of the local board, the election director may:
(1)    appoint the employees of the local board;
(2)    train judges of election;
(3)    give notice of elections;
(4)    upon the request of an elderly or disabled voter whose polling place is not structurally barrier free, provide an alternate polling place to the voter;
(5)    issue voter notification cards;
(6)    receive certificates of candidacy;
(7)    verify petitions;
(8)    in consultation with the local board, conduct the canvass following an election; and
(9)    subject to § 9–306 of this article, process and reject absentee ballot applications.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 2 - Powers and Duties of the State and Local Boards › Subtitle 2 - Local Boards › Section 2-207 - Local Board Employees

(a)    (1)    This section applies to each employee of a local board.
(2)    This section does not apply to:
(i)    local board counsel; or
(ii)    an election judge.
(b)    This section does not alter in any manner the method by which the salary of an employee of a local board is funded by the county in which the employee is employed.
(c)    (1)    Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, if the employees of a local board are covered by its county merit system:
(i)    the employees shall be classified employees under the county merit system; and
(ii)    the employees may be appointed and removed subject to the personnel regulations of the county in which the local board is located.
(2)    If the employees of a local board are not covered by its county merit system:
(i)    the employees shall be in the skilled service or professional service of the State Personnel Management System;
(ii)    appointment and removal of the employees shall be in accordance with the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article that govern skilled service or professional service employees; and
(iii)    notwithstanding § 4-201 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article, upon recommendation of the State Administrator, the State Board shall determine the fixed rate of compensation of the employees.
(d)    Each classified employee shall be a registered voter of the State.
(e)    An employee of a local board is subject to the restrictions and requirements of § 2–301 of this title.
(f)    The election director in Prince George’s County shall be in the exempt service under the Prince George’s County Personnel System.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 2 - Powers and Duties of the State and Local Boards › Subtitle 3 - Provisions Generally Applicable › Section 2-301 - Bar to Political Activities

(a)    This section applies to:
(1)    a member of the State Board;
(2)    a regular or substitute member of a local board;
(3)    the State Administrator;
(4)    an employee of the State Board or of a local board, including the election director of a board;
(5)    counsel appointed under § 2–205 of this title; and
(6)    an election judge.
(b)    (1)    An individual subject to this section may not, while holding the position:
(i)    hold or be a candidate for any elective public or political party office or any other office created under the Constitution or laws of this State;
(ii)    use the individual’s official authority for the purpose of influencing or affecting the result of an election; or
(iii)    except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, as to any candidate or any matter that is subject to an election under this article:
1.    be a campaign manager;
2.    be a treasurer or subtreasurer for a campaign finance entity; or
3.    take any other active part in political management or a political campaign.
(2)    Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection, an election judge may engage in the activities of a political campaign, except:
(i)    while performing official duties on election day; and
(ii)    by serving as a campaign manager for a candidate or as the treasurer for a campaign finance entity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 2 - Powers and Duties of the State and Local Boards › Subtitle 3 - Provisions Generally Applicable › Section 2-302 - Hours of Business

(a)    (1)    The State Board shall be open for business during regular business hours on each State government workday.
(2)    The State Board shall remain open until 9 p.m. on the last day for
the filing of a certificate of candidacy for each election conducted under this article.
(b)    (1)    Each local board shall be open for business:
(i)    on each day that is a county government workday in its county;
(ii)    on each election day; and
(iii)    until 9 p.m. on the last day for the filing of a certificate of candidacy for an election conducted in the county, if a certificate can be filed with the local board.
(2)    The members of each local board shall be available as needed on an election day and during the canvass of each election.
(3)    The hours that a local board is open for business:
(i)    may be the same as the regular business hours of its county government; or
(ii)    for the convenience of the public, may be different from the regular business hours of its county government, except that the number of business hours the office is open each business day must be at least equivalent to the number of business hours that the county government is open.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 2 - Powers and Duties of the State and Local Boards › Subtitle 3 - Provisions Generally Applicable › Section 2-304 - Factors Considered When Locating Ballot Drop Box -- Designation of Drop Box Placement -- Proposed Locations Submitted to State Administrator

(a)    A local board shall consider the following factors when determining the location of a ballot drop box:
(1)    the accessibility of the ballot drop box to historically disenfranchised communities, including voters with disabilities, cultural groups, ethnic groups, and minority groups;
(2)    proximity of the ballot drop box to dense concentrations of voters;
(3)    accessibility of the ballot drop box by public transportation;
(4)    equitable distribution of ballot drop boxes throughout the county; and
(5)    maximizing voter participation, including through placement of ballot drop boxes at community centers and public gathering places.
(b)    Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a local board shall designate locations in the county at which a ballot drop box will be placed in accordance with the factors set forth in subsection (a) of this section.
(c)    (1)    Each local board shall submit the proposed locations in the county for each ballot drop box to the State Administrator for approval.
(2)    The State Administrator shall approve a ballot drop box location that meets the factors established under subsection (a) of this section.
(3)    If a proposed ballot drop box location does not meet the factors, the State Administrator shall:
(i)    require that the local board reconsider the proposed location for one or more ballot drop boxes; and
(ii)    provide to the local board a detailed explanation of why the proposed location does not meet the factors.
(4)    If the State Administrator finds that the proposed ballot drop box locations submitted to the State Administrator after reconsideration by the local board under paragraph (3) of this subsection do not meet the factors, the State Administrator may add ballot drop box locations in the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 2 - Powers and Duties of the State and Local Boards › Subtitle 3 - Provisions Generally Applicable › Section 2-305 - Security Measures for Ballot Drop Boxes -- Daily Removal of Election-Related Materials -- Chain of Custody Procedures

(a)    (1)    A local board shall ensure the security of ballot drop boxes, including through the use of the following:
(i)    monitoring by security cameras at all times; and
(ii)    periodic in–person visits by appropriate personnel.
(2)    A local board shall have immediate access or access within a reasonable amount of time to a security camera used for monitoring a ballot drop box under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection.
(b)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided in law, a local board shall remove the election–related materials from each ballot drop box at least once each day that the ballot drop box is open in accordance with the chain of custody procedures established in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(2)    The State Board shall establish chain of custody procedures governing removal of election–related materials from ballot drop boxes and the return of the materials to the local board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 1 - Registration -- Generally › Section 3-101 - Statewide Voter Registration List

(a)    There shall be a statewide voter registration list.
(b)    The statewide voter registration list shall:
(1)    be the official voter registration list for the State;
(2)    contain the name and other information for every legally registered voter in the State;
(3)    allow each local board to obtain immediate electronic access to the information contained in the list;
(4)    be coordinated with other agency databases in the State;
(5)    be used to produce precinct registers for use in polling places on election day; and
(6)    include voting history information on a current basis for a period covering at least the 5 preceding years.
(c)    The State Administrator shall:
(1)    define, maintain, and administer the statewide voter registration list;
(2)    with the local boards, ensure the currency and accuracy of each individual voter’s registration record;
(3)    instruct the local boards on:
(i)    processing voter registration applications and name and address changes;
(ii)    entering voter registration information into the statewide voter registration list; and
(iii)    removing from the statewide voter registration list information about voters who are no longer eligible to be registered voters; and
(4)    subject to relevant federal law and to regulations adopted by the State Board, establish and conduct a program to identify voters who have changed their addresses.
(d)    Registration shall be conducted continuously under the supervision of the State Administrator and in accordance with the provisions of this title, applicable federal law, and regulations adopted by the State Board.
(e)    (1)    A State agency shall provide any data to the State Board that the State Administrator determines is necessary to maintain an accurate statewide voter registration list.
(2)    Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the State Board may not disclose data provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection except as provided in Title 4 of the General Provisions Article.
(3)    (i)    The State Board may enter into agreements with other states to exchange any data that the State Administrator determines is relevant to maintaining accurate voter registration lists.
(ii)    The State Board may exchange data that is not subject to public disclosure under Title 4 of the General Provisions Article with other persons as the State Administrator determines is necessary for the sole purpose of maintaining accurate voter registration lists.
(iii)    A person who receives data that is not subject to public disclosure under Title 4 of the General Provisions Article under this paragraph may not use or redisclose that data except for the purpose of maintaining accurate voter registration lists.
(f)    A registered voter:
(1)    shall remain registered when the voter moves to another county in the State; and
(2)    may not be required to register again unless the voter’s registration is canceled in accordance with Subtitle 5 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 1 - Registration -- Generally › Section 3-102 - Qualifications for Voter Registration

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, an individual may become registered to vote if the individual:
(i)    is a citizen of the United States;
(ii)    is at least 16 years old;
(iii)    is a resident of the State as of the day the individual seeks to register; and
(iv)    registers pursuant to this title.
(2)    Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection, an individual under the age of 18 years:
(i)    may vote in a primary election in which candidates are nominated for a general or special election that will occur when the individual is at least 18 years old; and
(ii)    may not vote in any other election.
(b)    An individual is not qualified to be a registered voter if the individual:
(1)    has been convicted of a felony and is currently serving a court–ordered sentence of imprisonment for the conviction;
(2)    is under guardianship for mental disability and a court of competent jurisdiction has specifically found by clear and convincing evidence that the individual cannot communicate, with or without accommodations, a desire to participate in the voting process; or
(3)    has been convicted of buying or selling votes.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 1 - Registration -- Generally › Section 3-103 - Website Information for Voting by Students Enrolled in Institutions of Higher Education

The State Board shall maintain a page on its website that:
(1)    explains in plain, easily understandable language the requirements for students enrolled in institutions of higher education to register to vote in the State; and
(2)    includes links to information regarding voter registration requirements and voting by absentee ballot in other states in which students enrolled in institutions of higher education may reside.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 2 - Methods of Application › Section 3-201 - Applying to Register to Vote

(a)    An individual may apply to become a registered voter:
(1)    at a local board office or the State Board office;
(2)    at a registration site administered by a local board;
(3)    by mail;
(4)    when applying to the Motor Vehicle Administration for the issuance, renewal, or modification of a driver’s license or identification card;
(5)    when applying for services at a voter registration agency;
(6)    through the State Board’s online voter registration system; or
(7)    with the assistance of a volunteer authorized by the State or local board.
(b)    An individual who is at least 18 years old or will be 18 years old on or before the day of the next succeeding general or special election may be a volunteer under subsection (a)(7) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 2 - Methods of Application › Section 3-202 - Voter Registration Applications

(a)    (1)    The statewide voter registration application shall:
(i)    require the signature of the applicant, subject to the penalties of perjury, by which the applicant swears or affirms that the information contained in the registration application is true and that the applicant meets all of the qualifications to become a registered voter;
(ii)    state the penalties for the submission of a false application; and
(iii)    provide the applicant with the opportunity to cancel a current registration.
(2)    The following information shall be made available to each applicant who is completing a statewide voter registration application:
(i)    the qualifications to become a registered voter;
(ii)    if an individual declines to register, this fact will remain confidential and be used only for voter registration purposes;
(iii)    if an individual registers to vote, the office at which the application is submitted will remain confidential and will be used only for voter registration purposes; and
(iv)    notification to the applicant that submission of the form to an individual other than an official, employee, or agent of a local board does not assure that the form will be filed or filed in a timely manner.
(3)    The statewide voter registration application may not require:
(i)    notarization or other formal authentication; or
(ii)    any additional information, other than the information necessary to enable election officials to determine the eligibility of the applicant and to administer voter registration and other parts of the election process.
(4)    In the section of the statewide voter registration application that asks the voter whether the voter wants to affiliate with a political party, the application shall list the recognized political parties in the State and include the following statement: “You must register with a political party if you want to take part in that political party’s primary election, caucus, or convention. Check one box only.”.
(5)    (i)    A statewide voter registration application shall be produced exclusively by the State Board.
(ii)    No other registration form may be used for registration purposes except:
1.    a voter registration application produced by a local board with the approval of the State Board;
2.    as provided in subsection (b) of this section;
3.    as provided in § 3–203(b) of this subtitle;
4.    any other form prescribed by federal law for voter registration; or
5.    a federal write–in absentee ballot if used by a voter authorized to vote a federal write–in absentee ballot under federal law.
(b)    The voter registration application form prescribed pursuant to the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 shall satisfy the requirements prescribed under subsection (a) of this section and be accepted by the appropriate election official for purposes of voter registration.
(c)    The application described in this section may be used by a registered voter to change the voter’s name, address, or party affiliation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 2 - Methods of Application › Section 3-202.1 - Common Access Cards and Federal Post Card Application

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Common access card” means the identification card issued by the U.S. Department of Defense to active–duty military personnel, eligible reserve personnel, Department of Defense civilian employees, and eligible Department of Defense contractor personnel.
(3)    “Federal post card application” means the form prescribed under 52 U.S.C. § 20301(b)(2) that may be used by absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters to simultaneously apply to register to vote and apply for an absentee ballot.
(b)    The State Board shall establish a process for an individual to:
(1)    submit the federal post card application electronically; and
(2)    use a common access card to sign the federal post card application.
(c)    The process required to be established under subsection (b) of this section:
(1)    may allow the use of a common access card only for the purpose of verifying identity and allowing an individual to fulfill the signature requirement on the federal post card application; and
(2)    may not allow an individual to apply to register to vote solely using the common access card.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 2 - Methods of Application › Section 3-205 - Certain Acts by Voter Registration Volunteers or Individuals Assisting Others to Register Prohibited

A voter registration volunteer or any individual assisting another individual to register to vote may not:
(1)    copy or collect the following information contained on a voter registration application:
(i)    Maryland driver’s license number;
(ii)    Maryland identification number;
(iii)    Social Security number; or
(iv)    other information from a voter registration application that is protected from public disclosure;
(2)    use any voter registration information for a purpose inconsistent with § 3–506 of this title; and
(3)    receive any form of compensation, including bonuses, that is based on the number of voter registration applications collected.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 3 - Administration of Registration › Section 3-301 - Processing Voter Registration Applications

(a)    When a voter registration application is received by a local board, the local board shall:
(1)    if the applicant resides in the county of the local board, determine whether the applicant is qualified to become a registered voter; or
(2)    if the applicant resides in a different county in the State, immediately forward the application to the proper county.
(b)    The information contained in the voter registration application for a qualified applicant shall be electronically entered into the statewide voter registration list on an expedited basis at the time voter registration information is provided to the local board and shall be assigned to the county in which the applicant resides unless registration is closed pursuant to § 3–302 of this subtitle.
(c)    (1)    The election director in the county where an applicant resides shall send a voter acknowledgment notice, in a format prescribed by the State Board, to each applicant informing the applicant whether he or she is qualified to become registered, and, if not qualified, the reasons why.
(2)    (i)    A voter notification card sent to a qualified applicant may serve as a voter acknowledgment notice.
(ii)    1.    The voter notification card shall contain the name and address of the voter, the date of issue, and the district or ward and precinct of the voter.
2.    The card is evidence that the individual to whom it is issued is a registered voter on the date appearing on the card.
3.    The election director shall issue a replacement card on request of the voter and a new card when a relevant change is made in the voter’s registration record if the voter continues to reside in the county.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 3 - Administration of Registration › Section 3-302 - Registration Closing

(a)    (1)    Except as provided under §§ 3–305 and 3–306 of this subtitle, registration is closed during the period specified in this subsection.
(2)    Voter registration closes beginning on the 21st day preceding an election at:
(i)    5 p.m. for applications and changes to voter registration records submitted by a method other than through the State Board’s online voter registration system; and
(ii)    11:59 p.m. for applications and changes to voter registration records submitted through the State Board’s online voter registration system.
(3)    Voter registration reopens on the 11th day after an election.
(b)    A voter registration application received when registration is closed shall be accepted and retained by a local board, but the registration of the applicant does not become effective until registration reopens.
(c)    A voter registration application that is received by the local board after the close of registration shall be considered timely received for the next election provided:
(1)    there is sufficient evidence, as determined by the local board pursuant to regulations adopted by the State Board, that the application was mailed on or before registration was closed for that election; or
(2)    the application was submitted by the voter to the Motor Vehicle Administration, a voter registration agency, another local board, or the State Board prior to the close of registration.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 3 - Administration of Registration › Section 3-303 - Change of Party Affiliation or to or From a Decline

(a)    Notification of a change of party affiliation or a change to or from a decline may be made:
(1)    by information provided on a voter registration application by the same methods provided for registration under Subtitle 2 of this title;
(2)    by written notice, signed by the voter and sent by mail or otherwise delivered to the local board in the county where the voter’s current voter registration address is located or to which the voter has moved;
(3)    by making application in person at the office of the local board in the county where the voter’s current voter registration address is located or to which the voter has moved;
(4)    by information on a voter authority card or other appropriate form filled out in a polling place; or
(5)    by changing a name or address with the Motor Vehicle Administration.
(b)    Party affiliation changes or changes to or from a decline:
(1)    shall be processed at any time that registration is open; and
(2)    except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, may not be processed when registration is closed.
(c)    If a local board receives a request for a party affiliation change after the close of registration, the local board shall make the change and it shall become effective for the next election provided:
(1)    there is sufficient evidence, as determined by the local boards pursuant to regulations adopted by the State Board, that the request was mailed on or before the close of registration for that election; or
(2)    the request was submitted by the voter to the Motor Vehicle Administration, a voter registration agency, another local board, or the State Board on or before the close of registration for that election.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 3 - Administration of Registration › Section 3-304 - Change of Name or Address

(a)    (1)    Notification of a change of address or of a change of name may be made:
(i)    by information provided on a voter registration application by the same methods provided for registration pursuant to Subtitle 2 of this title;
(ii)    by written notice, signed by the voter and sent by mail or otherwise delivered to the local board in the county where the voter’s current voter registration address is located or to which the voter has moved;
(iii)    by making application in person at the office of the local board in the county where the voter’s current voter registration address is located or to which the voter has moved;
(iv)    by information on a voter authority card or other appropriate form filled out in a polling place; or
(v)    by changing a name or address with the Motor Vehicle Administration.
(2)    Except as provided by regulations adopted by the State Board, name and address changes may not be processed when registration is closed.
(b)    The local board in the county in which the voter resides shall electronically enter the change of name or address into the statewide voter registration list on an expedited basis at the time the information is provided to the local board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 3 - Administration of Registration › Section 3-305 - Early Voting Registration

(a)    During early voting, an individual may appear in person at an early voting center in the individual’s county of residence and apply to register to vote or change the voter’s address on an existing voter registration.
(b)    (1)    When applying to register to vote during early voting, the applicant shall provide proof of residency.
(2)    The applicant shall prove residency by showing the election judge:
(i)    a Maryland driver’s license or Maryland identification card that contains the applicant’s current address; or
(ii)    if the applicant does not have a driver’s license or identification card that contains the applicant’s current address, a copy of an official document that:
1.    meets the requirements established by the State Board; and
2.    contains the applicant’s name and current address.
(c)    (1)    When an individual applies to register to vote at an early voting center, the election judge shall determine whether the applicant resides in the county in which the applicant applied and is qualified to become a registered voter.
(2)    If the voter is a resident of the county and is qualified to register to vote, the election judge shall:
(i)    issue the voter a voter authority card;
(ii)    have the voter sign the voter authority card; and
(iii)    issue the voter a ballot.
(d)    (1)    When a voter applies to change the voter’s address during early voting, the election judge shall determine whether the voter resides in the county in which the voter seeks to vote.
(2)    If the voter is a resident of the county, the election judge shall:
(i)    issue the voter a voter authority card;
(ii)    have the voter sign the voter authority card; and
(iii)    issue the voter the appropriate ballot for the voter’s new address.
(e)    The State Board shall adopt regulations and procedures in accordance with the requirements of this section for the administration of voter registration during early voting.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 3 - Administration of Registration › Section 3-306 - Application to Register to Vote on Election Day

(a)    On election day, an individual may appear at a precinct polling place in the individual’s county of residence and apply to register to vote.
(b)    (1)    When applying to register to vote on election day, the applicant shall provide proof of residency.
(2)    The applicant shall prove residency by showing the election judge:
(i)    a Maryland driver’s license or Maryland identification card that contains the applicant’s current address; or
(ii)    if the applicant does not have a driver’s license or identification card that contains the applicant’s current address, a copy of an official document that:
1.    meets the requirements established by the State Board; and
2.    contains the applicant’s name and current address.
(c)    (1)    When an individual applies to register to vote at a precinct polling place on election day, the election judge shall determine whether the applicant resides in the precinct in which the applicant applied and is qualified to become a registered voter.
(2)    If the voter is a resident of the precinct and is qualified to register to vote, the election judge shall:
(i)    issue the voter a voter authority card;
(ii)    have the voter sign the voter authority card; and
(iii)    issue the voter a regular ballot.
(3)    If the voter is a resident of the county but not the precinct, is qualified to register to vote, and chooses to vote in the precinct, the election judge shall:
(i)    issue the voter a voter authority card;
(ii)    have the voter sign the voter authority card; and
(iii)    issue the voter a provisional ballot.
(d)    (1)    Unless a local board elects to make the notification, the State Board shall take appropriate measures to notify potential registrants of the correct precinct polling place for the potential registrants’ residence addresses before each election.
(2)    The election judge shall notify an individual who applies to register to vote at the incorrect precinct for the voter’s residence address of the correct precinct for the voter’s residence address.
(e)    The State Board shall adopt regulations and procedures in accordance with the requirements of this section for the administration of voter registration on election day.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 4 - Municipal Registration › Section 3-401 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Universal registration” means an election administration in which the list of individuals eligible to vote in a municipal election includes those residents of the municipal corporation who are included on the statewide voter registration list at addresses within the municipal corporation.
(c)    “Voter registry” means the list provided by a local board of registered voters who are residents of the municipal corporation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 4 - Municipal Registration › Section 3-402 - Applicability

This subtitle does not apply to a municipal corporation that:
(1)    does not require voter registration for its elections;
(2)    prior to January 1, 1990, used the voter registry supplied by the local board as qualification for voting in municipal elections; or
(3)    provides for the local board to conduct municipal elections.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 5 - Statewide Voter Registration List › Section 3-501 - Removal of Voters From Registry

An election director may remove a voter from the statewide voter registration list only:
(1)    at the request of the voter, provided the request is:
(i)    signed by the voter;
(ii)    authenticated by the election director; and
(iii)    in a format acceptable to the State Board or on a cancellation notice provided by the voter on a voter registration application;
(2)    upon determining, based on information provided pursuant to  § 3–504 of this subtitle, that the voter is no longer eligible because:
(i)    the voter is not qualified to be a registered voter as provided in § 3–102(b) of this title; or
(ii)    the voter is deceased;
(3)    if the voter has moved outside the State, as determined by conducting the procedures established in § 3–502 of this subtitle; or
(4)    if, in accordance with the administrative complaint process under § 3–602 of this title, the State Administrator or the State Administrator’s designee has determined that the voter is not qualified to be registered to vote.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 5 - Statewide Voter Registration List › Section 3-502 - Change of Address Information; Procedures

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Confirmation notice” means a notice, approved by the State Board, that is sent by forwardable mail with a return card.
(3)    “Return card” means a postage prepaid and preaddressed card on which the voter may report the voter’s current address.
(b)    Upon receiving any information that a voter currently registered in the State has moved to a different address within the State, the appropriate election official shall change the voter’s record and send the voter a confirmation notice.
(c)    If it appears from information provided by the postal service or an agency specified in § 3-504(b) of this subtitle that a voter has moved to a different address outside the State, the election official in the county where the voter most recently resided in the State shall send the voter a confirmation notice informing the voter of his or her potential inactive status as described in § 3-503 of this subtitle.
(d)    Upon receipt of a return card, the election director shall:
(1)    make any needed corrections in the statewide voter registration list; and
(2)    in accordance with State Board guidelines, retain original voter registration documents.
(e)    The election director may not remove a voter from the statewide voter registration list on the grounds of a change of address unless:
(1)    the voter confirms in writing that the voter has changed residence to a location outside the State; or
(2)    (i)    the voter has failed to respond to a confirmation notice under subsection (c) of this section; and
(ii)    the voter has not voted or appeared to vote (and, if necessary, corrected the record of the voter’s address) in an election during the period beginning with the date of the notice through the next two general elections.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 5 - Statewide Voter Registration List › Section 3-503 - Inactive List

(a)    If a voter fails to respond to a confirmation notice under § 3–502(c) of this subtitle, the voter’s name shall be placed into inactive status on the statewide voter registration list.
(b)    A voter shall be restored to active status on the statewide voter registration list after completing and signing any of the following election documents:
(1)    a voter registration application;
(2)    a petition governed by Title 6 of this article;
(3)    a certificate of candidacy;
(4)    an absentee ballot application; or
(5)    a written affirmation of residence completed on election day to entitle the voter to vote either at the election district or precinct for the voter’s current residence or the voter’s previous residence, as determined by the State Board.
(c)    An inactive voter who fails to vote in an election in the period ending with the second general election shall be removed from the statewide voter registration list.
(d)    Registrants placed into inactive status may not be counted for official administrative purposes including establishing precincts and reporting official statistics.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 5 - Statewide Voter Registration List › Section 3-505 - Retention of Voter Registration Records

(a)    The State Board shall adopt regulations for the retention and storage of and reasonable access to original voter registration applications and other voter registration records the State Board considers appropriate.
(b)    (1)    Voter registration records stored and retained in a local board office shall be open to public inspection.
(2)    For the purpose of public inspection, original voter registration records:
(i)    subject to § 4–527(b) of the Family Law Article and § 7–309(b) of the State Government Article and except upon the special order of the local board, shall be available at all times when a local board is open; and
(ii)    may not be removed from the office of the local board except:
1.    on order of a court; or
2.    for temporary removal solely for purposes of data processing.
(c)    (1)    Consistent with regulations adopted by the State Board, local boards shall maintain for at least 2 years all records concerning programs to ensure the accuracy and currency of the statewide voter registration list.
(2)    Except for records concerning a declination to register or the identity of a voter registration agency through which a particular voter applies for registration, the records described in paragraph (1) of this subsection are accessible under Title 4 of the General Provisions Article (Access to Public Records).
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 5 - Statewide Voter Registration List › Section 3-506 - Copies of List

(a)    (1)    A copy of a list of registered voters shall be provided to a Maryland registered voter on receipt of:
(i)    a written application; and
(ii)    a statement, signed under oath, that the list is not intended to be used for:
1.    commercial solicitation; or
2.    any other purpose not related to the electoral process.
(2)    In consultation with the local boards, the State Board shall adopt regulations that specify:
(i)    the time for a list to be provided under this subsection;
(ii)    the authorization to be required for providing a list;
(iii)    the fee to be paid for providing a list;
(iv)    the information to be included on a list;
(v)    that the residence address of an individual who is a participant in an address confidentiality program may not be disclosed;
(vi)    that a participant in an address confidentiality program is not required to apply to the State Board to keep the individual’s residence address confidential;
(vii)    the format of the information; and
(viii)    the medium or media on which the information is to be provided.
(b)    (1)    The State Administrator or a designee shall provide a copy of the statewide voter registration list and voter registration records to a jury commissioner on request and without charge by means agreed to with the Administrative Office of the Courts.
(2)    On application of the Attorney General, a circuit court may compel compliance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(c)    A person who knowingly allows a list of registered voters, under the person’s control, to be used for any purpose not related to the electoral process is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to the penalties under Title 16 of this article.