reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 5 - Presidential Elections › Section 8-502 - Candidates for President -- Primary Election

(a)    This section applies to the placement on the ballot in the primary election of the names of individuals who are candidates for nomination by principal political parties to the office of President of the United States.
(b)    An individual who desires to run in the primary election may be placed on the ballot only:
(1)    by direction of the Secretary of State in accordance with subsection (c) of this section; or
(2)    by filing, in accordance with subsection (d) of this section, a petition containing the signatures of at least 400 registered voters from each congressional district in the State.
(c)    (1)    The Secretary of State shall certify to the State Board the names of candidates for nomination by a principal political party no later than 113 days before the primary election.
(2)    The Secretary of State shall certify the name of a presidential candidate on the ballot when the Secretary has determined, in the Secretary’s sole discretion and consistent with party rules, that the candidate’s candidacy is generally advocated or recognized in the news media throughout the United States or in Maryland, unless the candidate executes and files with the Secretary of State an affidavit stating without qualification that the candidate is not and does not intend to become a candidate for the office in the Maryland primary election.
(d)    A candidate who seeks to be placed on the ballot by the petition process specified in subsection (b)(2) of this section shall file the petition, in the form prescribed by the State Board, on the 95th day before the day of the election.
(e)    The State Board shall establish a procedure for the Democratic presidential primary through which votes may be cast as uncommitted to any presidential candidate.
(f)    The names of the candidates for President qualifying under this section shall be certified to the local boards by the State Board and shall be printed on all ballots used for the primary election.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 5 - Presidential Elections › Section 8-503 - Presidential Electors -- Nomination

(a)    Each political party shall nominate or provide for the nomination of candidates for presidential elector of the party in accordance with party rules.
(b)    The number of candidates nominated by each political party shall be the number that this State is entitled to elect.
(c)    (1)    The names and residential addresses of individuals nominated as candidates for presidential elector by a political party shall be certified to the State Board by the presiding officers of the political party.
(2)    The names and residential addresses of individuals nominated as candidates for presidential elector by a candidate for President of the United States who is nominated by petition shall be certified to the State Board by the candidate.
(3)    The electors shall be certified to the State Board at least 30 days before the general election.
(d)    If the number of presidential electors nominated is less than or greater than the State’s number of electoral votes, presidential electors shall be nominated as provided for under Article III of § 8–5A–01 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 5 - Presidential Elections › Section 8-504 - Presidential Electors -- Election

(a)    (1)    At the general election for President and Vice President of the United States there shall be elected, in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, the number of presidential electors to which this State is entitled.
(2)    Presidential electors shall be elected under the procedure provided in § 8–5A–01 of this title.
(b)    (1)    The names of the candidates for the office of presidential elector may not be printed on the ballot.
(2)    A vote for the candidates for President and Vice President of a political party shall be considered to be and counted as a vote for each of the presidential electors of the political party nominated in accordance with § 8–503 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 5 - Presidential Elections › Section 8-505 - Presidential Electors -- Meeting.

(a)    (1)    The individuals elected to the office of presidential elector shall meet in the State House in the City of Annapolis on the day provided by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
(2)    The conduct of the meeting shall be consistent with the requirements of federal law.
(b)    (1)    Before proceeding to perform the duties of their office, the presidential electors who are present shall fill any vacancy in the office of elector, whether the vacancy is caused by absence or other reason.
(2)    An individual appointed to fill a vacancy is entitled to all rights and privileges of the duly elected electors.
(c)    After taking the oath prescribed by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution before the Clerk of the Court of Appeals or, in the Clerk’s absence, before one of the Clerk’s deputies, the presidential electors shall cast their votes for the candidates for President and Vice President who received a plurality of the votes cast in the national popular vote total defined in § 8–5A–01 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 6 - United States Senators › Section 8-602 - Special Election to Fill Vacancy

(a)    (1)    (i)    If there is a vacancy in the office of United States Senator, the Governor shall appoint an eligible individual to fill the vacancy as provided in this paragraph.
(ii)    The Governor shall appoint one of three individuals whose names are submitted to the Governor in writing, within 30 days after the occurrence of the vacancy, by the State Central Committee of the political party, if any, with which the vacating Senator had been affiliated at the time of the Senator’s last election or appointment.
(iii)    Each individual whose name is submitted to the Governor must have been a registered voter affiliated with the political party of the vacating Senator on the date immediately preceding the date on which the vacancy occurred.
(iv)    The Governor shall make the appointment within 15 days after names are submitted by the State Central Committee of the appropriate political party.
(v)    If names are not submitted by the State Central Committee of the appropriate political party within 30 days after the occurrence of the vacancy, the Governor shall appoint within another period of 15 days any qualified individual who was a registered voter affiliated with the political party of the vacating Senator on the date immediately preceding the date on which the vacancy occurred.
(vi)    If the vacating Senator was not affiliated with a political party at the time of the Senator’s last election or appointment, the Governor shall appoint any qualified individual within 15 days after the occurrence of the vacancy.
(2)    Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the appointed individual shall serve until a successor is elected pursuant to subsection (b) of this section to fill the remainder of the term.
(3)    The appointed individual shall serve for the remainder of the term if the vacancy occurs after the date that is 21 days before the deadline for filing certificates of candidacy for the election that is held in the fourth year of the term.
(b)    If the vacancy occurs on or before the date that is 21 days before the deadline for filing certificates of candidacy for the next succeeding regular statewide election, the Governor shall issue a proclamation immediately after the occurrence of the vacancy declaring that a special primary election and a special general election shall be held at the same time as the next regular statewide primary election and regular statewide general election.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 7 - Representatives in Congress › Section 8-702 - First Congressional District

(a)    The first congressional district consists of the following counties:
(1)    Caroline County;
(2)    Cecil County;
(3)    Dorchester County;
(4)    Harford County;
(5)    Kent County;
(6)    Queen Anne’s County;
(7)    Somerset County;
(8)    Talbot County;
(9)    Wicomico County; and
(10)    Worcester County.
(b)    The district also includes the following parts of Baltimore County:
(1)    election district 7, precinct 2;
(2)    election district 10, precincts 1 and 3 through 6;
(3)    election district 11, precincts 1 through 3, 5, 20, 22 through 24, and 26;
(4)    election district 15, precincts 6 and 25;
(5)    that part of election district 7, precinct 1 that consists of census tract 4070.02, blocks 1000 through 1022, 2000 through 2045, 2049 through 2051, 2053, 3000 through 3013, and 3019;
(6)    that part of election district 7, precinct 3 that consists of census tract 4070.02, block 2055;
(7)    that part of election district 11, precinct 4 that consists of the following:
(i)    census tract 4111.02, blocks 2009, 2015, 2016, 2020 through 2026, and 2030; and
(ii)    census tract 4113.02, blocks 1000, 1001, 1004, 1005, 1009 through 1035, 1041, 1049, 1050, 1052, 1053, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2017 through 2021, 2024 through 2026, and 2028;
(8)    that part of election district 11, precinct 6 that consists of census tract 4114.06, blocks 1000 through 1009, 2000 through 2003, and 2008 through 2011; and
(9)    that part of election district 11, precinct 14 that consists of the following:
(i)    census tract 4113.08, blocks 1003 through 1005, 2000, 2001, 2003 through 2005, and 3000 through 3010; and
(ii)    census tract 4113.09, blocks 3007 through 3009.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 7 - Representatives in Congress › Section 8-704 - Third Congressional District

(a)    The third congressional district consists of Howard County.
(b)    The district also includes the following parts of Anne Arundel County:
(1)    election districts 2, 3, 5, and 6;
(2)    election district 1, precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, and 26;
(3)    election district 4, precincts 14 and 15;
(4)    that part of election district 1, precinct 23 that consists of census tract 7406.01, blocks 2000 through 2015, 2037, and 2038;
(5)    that part of election district 4, precinct 2 that consists of the following:
(i)    census tract 7403.03, block 2029; and
(ii)    census tract 7403.04, block 1003;
(6)    that part of election district 4, precinct 4 that consists of the following:
(i)    census tract 7408.00, blocks 1003 through 1005, 1007, 1008, 1011, 1013 through 1025, 1027, 1028, 2000 through 2006, 2014 through 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2022; and
(ii)    census tract 7517.00, blocks 1000 through 1011 and 1017 through 1019;
(7)    that part of election district 4, precinct 7 that consists of the following:
(i)    census tract 7403.05, block 1000;
(ii)    census tract 7406.01, blocks 2016 and 2017;
(iii)    census tract 7406.02, blocks 3000 and 3003; and
(iv)    census tract 7406.03, block 2001;
(8)    that part of election district 4, precinct 13 that consists of the following:
(i)    census tract 7408.00, blocks 1000 through 1002, 1009, 1010, 1012, and 1026; and
(ii)    census tract 7410.00, blocks 1000 through 1005, 1007, and 2014 through 2019; and
(9)    that part of election district 4, precinct 26 that consists of census tract 7403.03, blocks 2027 and 2028.
(c)    The district also includes the following parts of Carroll County:
(1)    election district 13;
(2)    election district 14, precincts 2 and 3; and
(3)    that part of election district 14, precinct 1 that consists of census tract 5141.00, blocks 1010 through 1012.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 7 - Representatives in Congress › Section 8-707 - Sixth Congressional District

(a)    The sixth congressional district consists of the following counties:
(1)    Allegany County;
(2)    Frederick County;
(3)    Garrett County; and
(4)    Washington County.
(b)    The district also includes the following parts of Montgomery County:
(1)    election districts 2, 3, and 11;
(2)    election district 6, precincts 7, 10, 11, 15, and 16;
(3)    election district 9, precincts 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 34, 35, 39, 40, and 41;
(4)    election district 12, precincts 2, 3, 4, and 5;
(5)    that part of election district 6, precinct 3 that consists of the following:
(i)    census tract 7006.04, blocks 3000 through 3009;
(ii)    census tract 7006.10, blocks 1000 through 1004, 1006, 1008 through 1018, 1022, 1026 through 1035, and 1037; and
(iii)    census tract 7006.14, block 3012;
(6)    that part of election district 6, precinct 5 that consists of census tract 7006.16, blocks 2000 and 3004;
(7)    that part of election district 6, precinct 13 that consists of census tract 7006.16, blocks 3002 and 3003;
(8)    that part of election district 9, precinct 2 that consists of the following:
(i)    census tract 7007.18, blocks 3000 through 3015 and 4004;
(ii)    census tract 7007.27, blocks 1000 through 1010;
(iii)    census tract 7007.28, blocks 2013 through 2015 and 2019 through 2024;
(iv)    census tract 7007.31, blocks 1000 through 1018;
(v)    census tract 7007.32, blocks 1000 through 1018 and 2000 through 2005;
(vi)    census tract 7008.37, blocks 1000, 3000, and 3001; and
(vii)    census tract 7008.39, blocks 3000, 3001, 3007, and 3008;
(9)    that part of election district 9, precinct 5 that consists of the following:
(i)    census tract 7007.13, block 1000;
(ii)    census tract 7008.12, blocks 1000 through 1006, 1010 through 1013, and 2009; and
(iii)    census tract 7008.13, blocks 2003, 2006, 3006, and 4000 through 4003;
(10)    that part of election district 9, precinct 10 that consists of census tract 7007.28, blocks 1001, 2000 through 2012, 2016 through 2018, and 2025 through 2033;
(11)    that part of election district 9, precinct 12 that consists of the following:
(i)    census tract 7008.10, blocks 1000 through 1007, 2000 through 2008, 2011, and 2012; and
(ii)    census tract 7008.11, blocks 1000, 1003, 1004, 2004, and 2005;
(12)    that part of election district 9, precinct 32 that consists of the following:
(i)    census tract 7007.20, block 2007; and
(ii)    census tract 7007.29, blocks 1004, 1005, and 1007;
(13)    that part of election district 9, precinct 33 that consists of the following:
(i)    census tract 7008.36, block 2000; and
(ii)    census tract 7008.38, blocks 2002 through 2008 and 2013; and
(14)    that part of election district 12, precinct 1 that consists of the following:
(i)    census tract 7002.04, blocks 1002, 1014, and 1016 through 1019;
(ii)    census tract 7002.06, blocks 3001 through 3004 and 3011; and
(iii)    census tract 7002.08, blocks 1000, 1003 through 1005, and 2000 through 2007.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 7 - Representatives in Congress › Section 8-711 - Congressional Vacancy -- Certification of Candidates and Nominees

(a)    At least 55 days before the special primary election, the State Board shall certify to the appropriate local boards the name, residence, and party affiliation of each candidate who qualifies to appear on the special primary election ballot.
(b)    At least 55 days before the special general election, the State Board shall certify to the appropriate local boards the name, residence, and party affiliation of each nominee who qualifies to appear on the special general election ballot.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 8 - Boards of Education › Section 8-802 - Nonpartisan Election

(a)    (1)    (i)    Members of boards of education shall be elected on a nonpartisan basis.
(ii)    In a primary election to nominate board of education candidates, any registered voter of the county, regardless of party affiliation or lack of party affiliation, is eligible to vote in those contests for nomination.
(2)    Candidates for election to boards of education shall, without party designation or regard to party affiliation:
(i)    file certificates of candidacy;
(ii)    be certified to the ballot;
(iii)    appear on the ballot;
(iv)    be voted on; and
(v)    be nominated and elected.
(b)    This section does not apply to candidates for nomination or election to a board of education if Title 3 of the Education Article requires a partisan election.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 8 - Boards of Education › Section 8-803 - Qualification for Candidacy

(a)    Before certifying the name of a board of education candidate to appear on the ballot, the local board shall determine whether the candidate qualifies as provided under Title 3 of the Education Article and Title 5 of this article.
(b)    Unless Title 3 of the Education Article requires a partisan election, an individual may not qualify as a board of education candidate or nominee by filing a petition or being nominated by a political party.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 8 - Boards of Education › Section 8-804 - Primary Elections

(a)    In each year that one or more members of a board of education are to be elected, candidates shall be nominated at the primary election.
(b)    (1)    If a candidate dies or becomes disqualified before the ballots are printed, or at a time when the ballots can be reprinted, the name of the candidate may not appear on the ballot.
(2)    If a candidate dies or becomes disqualified after the ballots are printed and too late for the ballot to be reprinted, any votes cast for that candidate may not be counted.
(c)    (1)    The candidates, equal in number to twice the number of offices to be filled, who receive the largest number of votes in the primary election shall be the nominated candidates.
(2)    If two or more candidates each receive the lowest number of votes necessary to qualify for nomination, creating a tie for the last nomination for the office to be filled, each shall be a nominated candidate.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 8 - Boards of Education › Section 8-805 - Vacancies in Nomination

(a)    (1)    If, after the primary election but before the general election, a nominee dies, declines the nomination, or becomes disqualified before the ballots are printed or at a time when the ballots can be reprinted, the name of the nominee may not appear on the ballot.
(2)    If the number of remaining nominees is less than the number of offices to be filled, a new nominee shall be appointed in the same manner as provided in the Education Article for filling a vacancy on the board of education.
(b)    If a nominee dies, declines the nomination, or is disqualified after the ballots are printed and too late for the ballot to be reprinted, and if that nominee receives sufficient votes to have been elected, the office shall be deemed vacant and shall be filled as if the vacancy had occurred during the term of office.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 8 - Elections › Subtitle 8 - Boards of Education › Section 8-806 - General Election

(a)    In a general election for board of education members, a voter may vote for a number of nominees equal to the number of members to be elected.
(b)    (1)    The nominees, equal in number to the number of offices to be filled, who receive the largest number of votes in a general election shall be declared elected.
(2)    (i)    If two or more nominees each receive the lowest number of votes necessary to qualify for election, creating a tie for the last office to be filled, the office shall be considered vacant.
(ii)    A vacancy occurring under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall be filled:
1.    as if the vacancy occurred during the term of office for which the election is being held; and
2.    by the selection of one of the nominees who ties in the general election.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 1 - Voting Systems › Section 9-101 - Use of Certified System in Polling Places and for Absentee Voting

(a)    The State Board, in consultation with the local boards, shall select and certify a voting system for voting in polling places and a voting system for absentee voting.
(b)    The voting system selected and certified for voting in polling places and the voting system selected and certified for absentee voting shall be used in all counties.
(c)    The State Board shall acquire:
(1)    the voting system selected and certified for voting in polling places; and
(2)    the voting system selected and certified for absentee voting.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 1 - Voting Systems › Section 9-103 - Decertification

(a)    The State Board:
(1)    may decertify a voting system previously certified if the State Board determines that the system no longer merits certification; and
(2)    shall decertify a previously certified voting system if the voting system no longer meets one or more of the standards in § 9–102(d)(1)(i) through (iii) of this subtitle.
(b)    The State Board shall determine the effective date and conditions of the decertification.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 1 - Voting Systems › Section 9-105 - Acquisition of Voting Systems

(a)    Acquisition of a voting system shall be by purchase, lease, or rental and shall be exempt from State, county, or municipal taxation.
(b)    (1)    A local board may lease a voting system to any governmental or nongovernmental entity within the county.
(2)    The local board shall determine the terms and conditions of the lease.
(3)    The local board shall pay to the governing body of the county, within 30 days of receipt, the proceeds of the lease.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 1 - Voting Systems › Section 9-106 - County to Pay Its Share of Uniform Statewide Voting System Costs

(a)    Each county shall pay for its share of 50% of the State’s cost of acquiring and operating the uniform statewide voting systems for voting in polling places and for absentee voting provided for in this title, including the cost of maintenance, storage, printing of ballots, technical support and programming, related supplies and materials, and software licensing fees.
(b)    A county’s share of the cost of acquiring and operating the uniform statewide voting systems shall be based on the county’s voting age population.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 2 - Ballots › Section 9-201 - In General

(a)    In any election conducted under this article:
(1)    all voting shall be by ballot; and
(2)    only votes cast on a ballot may be counted.
(b)    All ballots shall comply with the provisions of this subtitle.
(c)    A ballot may not be used for any purpose not authorized by this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 2 - Ballots › Section 9-202 - Responsibilities for Preparation

(a)    The State Board shall certify the content and the arrangement of each ballot to be used in an election that is subject to this article.
(b)    Each local board shall place questions, names of candidates, and other material on the ballot in that county in accordance with the content and arrangement prescribed by the State Board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 2 - Ballots › Section 9-203 - Standards

Each ballot shall:
(1)    be easily understandable by voters;
(2)    present all candidates and questions in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner;
(3)    permit the voter to easily record a vote on questions and on the voter’s choices among candidates;
(4)    protect the secrecy of each voter’s choices; and
(5)    facilitate the accurate tabulation of the choices of the voters.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 2 - Ballots › Section 9-204 - Uniformity

(a)    Subject to the other provisions of this subtitle and to different presentations required or made desirable by different voting systems, all ballots used in an election shall be as uniform as possible.
(b)    Except as otherwise specifically provided in this title, or unless a provision is clearly inappropriate to absentee ballots, the provisions of this subtitle relating to ballot content and arrangement shall apply to the arrangement of absentee ballots.
(c)    If applicable for the voting system in use, the appropriate components of the voting system shall be configured for a primary election to permit the voter to vote only for the candidates for which the voter is entitled to vote.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 2 - Ballots › Section 9-205 - Content

Each ballot shall contain:
(1)    a heading as provided in § 9-206(a) of this subtitle;
(2)    a statement of each question that has met all of the qualifications to appear on the ballot;
(3)    the title of each office to be voted on;
(4)    the name, as specified in the certificate of candidacy, or as otherwise provided in Title 5 of this article, of each candidate who has been certified by the State Board;
(5)    a party designation for certain candidates as provided in this subtitle;
(6)    a means by which a voter may cast write-in votes, as provided in this subtitle; and
(7)    instructions to voters as provided in this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 2 - Ballots › Section 9-206 - Arrangement -- Format

(a)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a heading shall be printed at the top of the ballot and shall contain, in the following order:
(1)    the words “Official Ballot”;
(2)    the type of election, i.e., regular or special, primary or general, and any other information required to identify the election being held;
(3)    the date of the election;
(4)    the words “State of Maryland” and the name of the county;
(5)    in a primary election, the name of the political party or the words “nonpartisan ballot”, as applicable, for which the ballot or a portion of the ballot is to be used; and
(6)    if more than one ballot style will be used in the county in the election, the ballot style indicator.
(b)    The provisions of subsection (a) of this section do not apply to a voting machine ballot if the State Board determines there is insufficient space.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 2 - Ballots › Section 9-207 - Ballots -- Certification; Display; Printing

(a)    The State Board shall certify and publicly display the content and arrangement of each ballot:
(1)    for a primary election, at least 64 days before the election;
(2)    for a general election, at least 64 days before the election;
(3)    for a special primary election, at least 55 days before the election; and
(4)    for a special general election, not later than a date specified in the Governor’s proclamation.
(b)    The Court of Appeals, on petition of the State Board, may establish a later date in extraordinary circumstances.
(c)    The State Board shall publicly display the content and arrangement of each certified ballot on its website.
(d)    Except pursuant to a court order under § 9–209 of this subtitle, or as provided in § 9–208 of this subtitle, the content and arrangement of the ballot may not be modified after the second day of the public display.
(e)    Unless a delay is required by court order, the State Board may begin to print the ballots after certification and 3 days of public display and correct any noted errors.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 2 - Ballots › Section 9-208 - Late Changes in Ballots

(a)    After the printing of ballots has begun and if an error or a change in circumstances affecting the ballots requires the State Board to implement a change in how a voter may cast a valid ballot, the State Administrator shall determine what measures a local board may take to notify voters of:
(1)    the error or change in circumstances; and
(2)    the manner in which the voters may cast valid ballots for that election.
(b)    The State Administrator shall immediately take all reasonable steps to notify all candidates on the ballot and any other persons whom the State Administrator considers appropriate:
(1)    on discovery of any change or correction affecting the ballots after the printing of ballots has begun; or
(2)    when the State Administrator implements a change under subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 2 - Ballots › Section 9-209 - Judicial Review

(a)    Within 2 days after the content and arrangement of the ballot are certified under § 9–207 of this subtitle, a registered voter may seek judicial review of the content and arrangement, or to correct any administrative error, by filing a sworn petition with the circuit court for Anne Arundel County.
(b)    The circuit court may require the State Board to:
(1)    correct an administrative error;
(2)    show cause why an administrative error should not be corrected; or
(3)    take any other action required to provide appropriate relief.
(c)    If an administrative error is discovered after the ballots have been publicly displayed, and the State Administrator fails to correct the administrative error, a registered voter may seek judicial review not later than the 62nd day preceding the election.
(d)    (1)    A judicial proceeding under this section shall be conducted in accordance with the Maryland Rules, except that:
(i)    the case shall be heard and decided without a jury and as expeditiously as the circumstances require; and
(ii)    an appeal shall be taken directly to the Court of Appeals within 5 days of the date of the decision of the circuit court.
(2)    The Court of Appeals shall give priority to hear and decide an appeal brought under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection as expeditiously as the circumstances require.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 2 - Ballots › Section 9-211 - Arrangement of Ballots -- Questions

(a)    Questions to be voted upon shall be placed on the ballot in the following order:
(1)    those relating to the creation or adoption of a new State Constitution;
(2)    those proposing amendments to the Maryland Constitution;
(3)    those relating to other enactments of the General Assembly;
(4)    those relating to the creation or adoption of, or the amendment or other change in, the charter of a county;
(5)    those relating to other enactments by the governing body of a county; and
(6)    other questions.
(b)    The numbering of questions on a ballot shall be as provided in Title 7 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 2 - Ballots › Section 9-214 - Specimen Ballots

Each local board shall provide specimen ballots, so labeled, for all ballots to be used in each election:
(1)    for mailing to registered voters under Title 8 of this article, if mailing of specimen ballots is chosen or required in the county; and
(2)    for other informational purposes in accordance with the provisions of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 2 - Ballots › Section 9-215 - Printing

(a)    Each ballot shall be printed:
(1)    in plain, clear type in black ink; and
(2)    on material of the size and arrangement that is required to fit the needs of the voting system.
(b)    Each local board shall arrange to have printed a supply of ballots that is at least the number that is the product of:
(1)    the percentage of voters in the county who voted in the election that was 4 years prior, plus 10%; multiplied by
(2)    the current number of registered voters in the county.
(c)    The regulations adopted by the State Board for the use of each voting system shall provide standards for the printing of ballots, which assure that:
(1)    the ballots will be printed and received in a timely fashion;
(2)    the ballots will be suitable for use in the election;
(3)    the ballots are clear and legible; and
(4)    the printing and paper stock employed are durable.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 2 - Ballots › Section 9-216 - Ballot Accountability

(a)    Consistent with the regulations adopted by the State Board for the voting system or systems used in the county, and subject to the approval of the State Board, each local board shall establish and maintain a system to account for, and maintain control over, the ballots from the beginning of production through postelection storage and disposition.
(b)    The State Board shall monitor and periodically review the performance of the local boards in their compliance with subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 2 - Ballots › Section 9-217 - Prohibited Practices

(a)    A person may not use, distribute, possess, print, or reproduce a ballot other than as authorized in this article.
(b)    A person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be subject to the penalties provided in Title 16 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting › Section 9-301 - In General

(a)    This subtitle applies to every election governed by this article.
(b)    The State Board shall prescribe all forms required to comply with:
(1)    this subtitle; and
(2)    any requirements of relevant federal law.
(c)    The State Board and each local board shall:
(1)    notwithstanding the use of the term “absentee” in this article, refer to absentee ballots as “mail–in ballots” and absentee voting as “mail–in voting” in all communications with voters and the general public; and
(2)    include in public communications regarding “mail–in voting” a statement that “mail–in voting” is referred to as absentee voting in the Maryland Constitution, the Annotated Code of Maryland, and the Code of Maryland Regulations.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting › Section 9-302 - Documentation by Local Boards

Each local board shall maintain a full record of absentee voting in the county, including, for each absentee voter:
(1)    the date and time of the board’s receipt of an application for an absentee ballot;
(2)    the action taken with regard to the application;
(3)    the appropriate ballot style;
(4)    the date of issuance of a ballot;
(5)    if mailed, the address to which the ballot is sent;
(6)    the date and time of the receipt of a voted absentee ballot; and
(7)    any other information specified by the State Board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting › Section 9-303 - Guidelines

(a)    The State Board shall establish guidelines for the administration of absentee voting by the local boards.
(b)    The guidelines shall provide for:
(1)    the application process;
(2)    late application for absentee ballots;
(3)    ballot security, including storage of returned ballots;
(4)    determining timeliness of receipt of applications and ballots, including applications and ballots for overseas voters;
(5)    the canvass process;
(6)    notice of the canvass to candidates, political parties, campaign organizations, news media, and the general public;
(7)    observers of the process;
(8)    review of voted ballots and envelopes for compliance with the law and for machine tabulation acceptability;
(9)    standards for disallowance of ballots during the canvass;
(10)    storage and retention of ballots following canvass and certification; and
(11)    the permanent absentee ballot list.
(c)    The State Board shall:
(1)    in consultation with the local boards, assess the guidelines before each primary election; and
(2)    revise the guidelines if indicated.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting › Section 9-305 - Applications for Absentee Ballot

(a)    A voter may request an absentee ballot by completing and submitting:
(1)    the State Board approved absentee ballot application;
(2)    a form provided under federal law;
(3)    subject to subsection (b) of this section, a written request that includes:
(i)    the voter’s name, residence address, and signature; and
(ii)    the address to which the ballot is to be mailed, if different from the residence address; or
(4)    the accessible online absentee ballot application provided by the State Board.
(b)    A voter who uses the online absentee ballot application to request that an absentee ballot be sent by any method or who uses any method to request to receive a blank absentee ballot through the Internet shall provide the following information:
(1)    a Maryland driver’s license number or Maryland identification card number, the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number, and other information identified by the State Board that is not generally available to the public but is readily available to the applicant; or
(2)    if the applicant is an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter as defined in the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act or a voter with a disability and does not have a Maryland driver’s license or Maryland identification card, the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number.
(c)    The State–approved absentee ballot application shall include a statement explaining the process for returning a completed absentee ballot if the voter chooses to receive an absentee ballot by facsimile transmission or the Internet.
(d)    An application for an absentee ballot must be received by a local board:
(1)    if the voter requests the absentee ballot be sent by mail or facsimile transmission, not later than the Tuesday preceding the election, at the time specified in the guidelines;
(2)    if the voter requests the absentee ballot be sent by the Internet, not later than the Friday preceding the election, at the time specified in the guidelines; or
(3)    if the voter or the voter’s duly authorized agent applies for an absentee ballot in person at the local board office, not later than the closing of the polls on election day.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting › Section 9-306 - Review of Application; Issuance or Rejection

(a)    Promptly after receipt of an application, the election director shall review the application and determine whether the applicant qualifies to vote by absentee ballot.
(b)    If the applicant qualifies to vote by absentee ballot, the local board shall provide the ballot by one of the following methods requested by the voter:
(1)    mail;
(2)    facsimile transmission;
(3)    the Internet; or
(4)    by hand during an in–person transaction.
(c)    Once ballots are available, the local board shall provide the ballot to a qualified applicant:
(1)    as soon as practicable after receipt of the request; or
(2)    immediately for an in–person transaction with a voter or the voter’s duly authorized agent.
(d)    (1)    If the members of the local board determine that the applicant is not entitled to vote by absentee ballot, the local board shall notify the applicant as soon as practicable after receipt of the application of the reasons for the rejection.
(2)    (i)    The local board may delegate the determination under paragraph (1) of this subsection to the staff of the local board.
(ii)    If the determination has been delegated, the applicant may appeal the rejection to the members of the local board, who shall decide the appeal as expeditiously as practicable.
(e)    Not more than one absentee ballot may be issued to a voter unless the election director of the local board has reasonable grounds to believe that an absentee ballot previously issued to the voter has been lost, destroyed, or spoiled.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting › Section 9-307 - Use of an Agent in Absentee Ballot Process

(a)    A qualified applicant may designate a duly authorized agent to pick up and deliver an absentee ballot under this subtitle.
(b)    An agent of the voter under this section:
(1)    must be at least 18 years old;
(2)    may not be a candidate on that ballot;
(3)    shall be designated in a writing signed by the voter under penalty of perjury; and
(4)    shall execute an affidavit under penalty of perjury that the ballot was:
(i)    delivered to the voter who submitted the application;
(ii)    marked and placed in an envelope by the voter, or with assistance as allowed by regulation, in the agent’s presence; and
(iii)    returned to the local board by the agent.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting › Section 9-308 - Assistance in Marking Ballot

(a)    A voter who requires assistance in casting an absentee ballot by reason of disability, inability to write, or inability to read the ballot may be assisted by any individual other than:
(1)    a candidate who is on that ballot;
(2)    the voter’s employer or an agent of the employer; or
(3)    an officer or agent of the voter’s union.
(b)    An individual rendering assistance under this section shall execute a certification as prescribed by the State Board and included in the instructions under § 9-309 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting › Section 9-308.1 - Online Ballot Marking Tool

(a)    In this section:
(1)    “online ballot marking tool” includes a system that allows a voter to:
(i)    access a blank ballot through the Internet;
(ii)    electronically mark the ballot with the voter’s selections; and
(iii)    print a paper copy of the marked ballot for mailing to a local board; and
(2)    “online ballot marking tool” does not include a system that is capable of storing, tabulating, or transmitting votes or voted ballots by electronic or electromagnetic means through the Internet.
(b)    The State Board may provide an accessible optional online ballot marking tool for use by a voter who requested to have the absentee ballot sent by the Internet.
(c)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the State Board shall certify that an online ballot marking tool satisfies all of the certification requirements under § 9–102(d) of this title before approving an online ballot marking tool for use by voters.
(2)    An online ballot marking tool is not required to satisfy the requirements of:
(i)    § 9–102(d)(2) of this title if the U.S. Election Assistance Commission has not approved specific performance and test standards for online ballot marking tools; or
(ii)    § 9–102(d)(1)(iii) of this title.
(d)    (1)    This subsection applies if an online ballot marking tool utilizes a bar code that is used to generate a ballot that is acceptable for machine tabulation.
(2)    A local board shall compare the vote in each contest on the ballot marked by the voter to the vote in each contest on the ballot generated from the bar code during the canvass.
(3)    If there is a discrepancy in any contest between the vote on the ballot marked by the voter and the vote on the ballot generated from the bar code, the vote on the ballot marked by the voter shall be considered valid and shall be counted.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting › Section 9-310 - Envelope, Oath, and Instructions

(a)    (1)    This subsection applies only to an absentee ballot that is sent by mail.
(2)    (i)    An absentee ballot shall be enclosed in specially printed envelopes, the form and content of which shall be prescribed by the State Board.
(ii)    The outgoing envelope shall include a statement, prominently placed, requesting that the recipient return the absentee ballot to the local board if the intended recipient no longer lives at that address.
(3)    (i)    A local board may use either two envelopes or three envelopes.
(ii)    If two envelopes are used, the inner envelope shall be designated the “ballot/return envelope”, and, when issued, it shall fit inside the envelope designated the “outgoing envelope”.
(iii)    If three envelopes are used, the innermost envelope shall be designated the “ballot envelope”, which shall fit inside the envelope designated the “return envelope”, both of which, when issued, shall fit inside the envelope designated the “outgoing envelope”.
(iv)    The ballot/return envelope described under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph and the return envelope described under subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph provided to a voter voting by absentee ballot shall include prepaid postage.
(4)    (i)    An absentee ballot shall be accompanied by instructions for postage of the ballot/return envelope or the return envelope.
(ii)    The instructions for postage shall include:
1.    a statement that the ballot/return envelope or return envelope includes prepaid postage and may be mailed as is; and
2.    directions for how a voter may attach postage for the purpose of reducing the costs of the local board.
(5)    When voted and returned to the local board, an absentee ballot shall be enclosed in a ballot envelope or ballot/return envelope, on which has been printed an oath prescribed by the State Board.
(b)    The State Board shall reimburse each local board for 50% of the cost of prepaid postage included on ballot/return envelopes or return envelopes provided to a voter voting by absentee ballot under subsection (a)(3)(iv) of this section.
(c)    If an absentee ballot is sent by the Internet or facsimile transmission, the local board shall provide the voter with an envelope template, the oath prescribed by the State Board, and instructions for marking and returning the absentee ballot.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 3 - Absentee Voting › Section 9-311 - Additional Compensation and Expenses

(a)    (1)    The members of a local board shall each be entitled to extra compensation, in addition to their regular compensation, for duties actually performed under this subtitle.
(2)    Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the amount of the extra compensation shall be $10 per day, or a greater amount set by the governing body of the county.
(3)    In Baltimore City, the members of the local board shall receive $200 per election for duties under this subtitle.
(b)    Subject to § 9–106 of this title, the governing body of a county shall provide to the local board of the county an amount that is reasonable and necessary to pay for expenses, including the employment of temporary personnel, required for performing the duties required under this subtitle.
(c)    Payments under this section shall be made by the county governing body in the same manner that other funding is provided to the local board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 4 - Provisional Ballots › Section 9-401 - In General

(a)    This subtitle applies to every election governed by this article.
(b)    The State Board shall prescribe all forms required to comply with:
(1)    this subtitle; and
(2)    any requirements of relevant federal law.
(c)    The budget of the State Board for each fiscal year shall include funding necessary to support any additional personnel costs associated with the implementation of the provisional ballot system required under this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 4 - Provisional Ballots › Section 9-402 - Documentation by Local Boards

Each local board shall maintain a full record of provisional ballot voting in the county, including, for each voter who votes using a provisional ballot:
(1)    the action taken with regard to the registration;
(2)    the appropriate ballot style; and
(3)    any other information specified by the State Board.