reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 6 - Resolution of Registration Disputes and Challenges › Section 3-601.1 - Clerical Error

(a)    In this section, “clerical error” means an inadvertent mistake in a voter registration record made by an election official or an automatic voter registration agency.
(b)    The State Administrator or an election director shall make the determination whether an error in a voter registration record is a clerical error.
(c)    If the State Administrator or election director determines that a clerical error has been made, the State Administrator or election director shall:
(1)    cause the error to be corrected; and
(2)    promptly notify the voter of the correction.
(d)    (1)    On election day, if it is alleged that the name of a registered voter is missing from the precinct register because of a clerical error, the chief election judge shall contact the State Board or local board to determine whether a clerical error has been made.
(2)    If the State Administrator or election director determines that the absence of the name from the precinct register is the result of a clerical error, the State Administrator or election director shall authorize the chief election judge to:
(i)    issue a blank voter authority card to the affected voter; and
(ii)    allow the affected voter to vote after the affected voter completes the voter authority card and provides any other documentation required by the State Board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 3 - Voter Registration › Subtitle 6 - Resolution of Registration Disputes and Challenges › Section 3-602 - Administrative Complaint

(a)    Under the procedures established by the State Board, an administrative complaint may be filed by:
(1)    a person who feels aggrieved by an action of a local board regarding voter registration; or
(2)    a local board with reason to believe that a registration has been erroneously added to or omitted from the statewide voter registration list other than by clerical error.
(b)    In determining whether an individual is or is not a resident of an election district or precinct, the presumption shall be that an individual shown to have acquired a residence in one locality retains that residence until it is affirmatively shown that the individual has acquired a residence elsewhere.
(c)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a final determination issued under the administrative complaint procedures established by the State Board is not subject to judicial review.
(2)    Any final determination regarding the eligibility of an individual to register to vote or remain registered to vote is subject to judicial review.
(i)    1.    A petition for judicial review shall be filed with the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County.
2.    The petition may be brought at any time, except that it may not be later than the third Tuesday preceding the next succeeding election.
(ii)    1.    The court, on presentation of satisfactory evidence, may, in its discretion, dispose of the matter summarily or otherwise set the matter for hearing.
2.    On appropriate order of the court, the State Board shall make the required corrections.
(d)    (1)    An appeal may be taken from any ruling of the circuit court to the Court of Special Appeals.
(2)    The appeal shall be taken within 5 days from the date of the decision by the circuit court, and the appeal shall be heard and decided by the Court of Special Appeals as soon after the transmission of the record as practicable.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 4 - Political Parties › Subtitle 1 - Formation of Political Parties › Section 4-103 - Loss of Status as a Political Party

(a)    (1)    Unless extended pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a new political party shall retain its status as a political party until December 31 in the year of the second statewide general election following the party’s qualification under § 4-102 of this subtitle.
(2)    The political party shall retain its status as a political party through either of the following:
(i)    if the political party has nominated a candidate for the highest office on the ballot in a statewide general election, and the candidate receives at least 1% of the total vote for that office, the political party shall retain its status through December 31 in the year of the next following general election; or
(ii)    if the State voter registration totals, as of December 31, show that at least 1% of the State’s registered voters are affiliated with the political party, the political party shall retain its status until the next following December 31.
(b)    The State Board shall promptly notify the State chairman of a group that loses its status as a political party.
(c)    A group that loses its status as a political party may regain that status only by complying with all the requirements for qualifying as a new party under § 4-102 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 4 - Political Parties › Subtitle 2 - Political Party Governing Bodies › Section 4-201 - Political Party State Central Committees

(a)    Each political party shall have a State central committee that:
(1)    is the governing body of the political party; and
(2)    may be composed of the members of the central committees of the counties during their terms in office.
(b)    (1)    A party’s State central committee shall select the chair or cochairs of the party State central committee.
(2)    The chair or cochairs shall be residents of the State during their tenure in office.
(c)    A party’s State central committee shall determine its own rules of procedure, not inconsistent with the provisions of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 4 - Political Parties › Subtitle 2 - Political Party Governing Bodies › Section 4-204 - Constitution and Bylaws

(a)    Except as otherwise provided in this article, each political party shall adopt and be governed by a constitution and all bylaws and rules adopted in accordance with the constitution.
(b)    (1)    The constitution and bylaws of each political party shall provide:
(i)    for such matters as in its opinion are necessary for the proper conduct of party affairs;
(ii)    for the selection of a State governing body;
(iii)    for the calling of regular meetings, advance notification of meetings, and special notice for special meetings;
(iv)    for the establishment of a quorum;
(v)    a method of amending the political party’s constitution and bylaws;
(vi)    procedures for filling a vacancy in a nomination for public office;
(vii)    for a principal political party, for the convening of a meeting of the central committee within 45 days after the primary election in each gubernatorial election year;
(viii)    for a political party that is not a principal political party, procedures for selecting nominees for a public office; and
(ix)    for the adoption of rules governing the political party.
(2)    The Republican Party State Central Committee may adopt provisions in its constitution and bylaws providing for the removal of members of the Republican State Central Committee who fail to discharge the minimum responsibilities of a State central committee member.
(c)    (1)    In accordance with the constitution and bylaws of a principal political party, the central committee of that party for each county shall adopt a constitution, bylaws, and rules.
(2)    Until a central committee adopts a constitution, bylaws, and rules, the central committee shall be governed by the State central committee.
(d)    (1)    Within 30 days after the adoption or amendment by a political party of a constitution, bylaw, or rule, the political party shall file a copy of the constitution, bylaw, or rule with the State Board.
(2)    Within 30 days after the adoption or amendment by a central committee of any county of a constitution, bylaw, or rule, the local central committee shall file a copy of the constitution, bylaw, or rule with the State central committee and the State Board.
(e)    (1)    The constitution and bylaws adopted by a new political party shall conform to the requirements of subsections (a), (b), and (c)(1) of this section.
(2)    If a new political party decides to form local central committees, the political party shall notify the State Board of the number and size of the local central committees within 6 months after the date the State Board notified the political party that it is considered a State political party.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 4 - Political Parties › Subtitle 2 - Political Party Governing Bodies › Section 4-205 - Prohibited Practices

(a)    A political party in the State may not incorporate under the general laws of the State providing for the formation of a corporation.
(b)    Unless it is the party State central committee, an organization may not represent that it is the official organization or governing body of any political party.
(c)    A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to the penalties provided in Title 16 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 5-101 - In General

(a)    This subtitle governs the process by which an individual becomes a candidate for a public or party office in an election governed by this article.
(b)    An individual’s name may not be placed on the ballot and submitted to the voters at an election unless the individual complies with the requirements of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 2 - Qualifications › Section 5-203 - Voter Registration and Party Affiliation

(a)    (1)    This subsection does not apply to a candidate for:
(i)    President or Vice President of the United States; or
(ii)    any federal office who seeks nomination by petition.
(2)    Unless the individual is a registered voter affiliated with the political party, an individual may not be a candidate for:
(i)    an office of that political party; or
(ii)    except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, nomination by that political party.
(b)    The requirements for party affiliation specified under subsection (a) of this section do not apply to a candidate for:
(1)    a judicial office; or
(2)    a county board of education.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 2 - Qualifications › Section 5-204 - Candidacy for More Than One Office

(a)    An individual simultaneously may not be a candidate for more than one public office.
(b)    An individual simultaneously may not be a candidate for more than one office of a political party.
(c)    Unless otherwise prohibited by rule of the applicable political party, an individual simultaneously may be a candidate for a party office and a public office.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 2 - Qualifications › Section 5-205 - Governor and Lieutenant Governor Unit

(a)    In accordance with Article II of the Maryland Constitution, when a candidate for nomination for Governor files a certificate of candidacy for that office, the candidate shall designate a candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
(b)    The candidates for nomination for Governor and Lieutenant Governor each shall file for nomination and be considered a unit for nomination to the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
(c)    (1)    The names of the candidates of a unit for Governor and Lieutenant Governor shall be listed jointly on the ballot.
(2)    A vote cast for a candidate for Governor also shall be a vote cast for the candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 3 - Certificate of Candidacy › Section 5-302 - Filing

(a)    A certificate of candidacy shall be filed under oath on the prescribed form.
(b)    The certificate of candidacy shall be filed with the State Board if the candidacy is for:
(1)    an office to be voted upon by the voters of the entire State;
(2)    the General Assembly of Maryland;
(3)    Representative in Congress;
(4)    the office of judge of the circuit court for a county; or
(5)    an office of elected delegate to a presidential national convention provided for under Title 8, Subtitle 5 of this article.
(c)    (1)    If the candidacy is for an office other than an office described in subsection (b) of this section, the certificate of candidacy shall be filed with the local board of the applicable county.
(2)    In accordance with regulations adopted by the State Board, each local board shall provide the name and other required information for each candidate to the State Board.
(d)    The State Administrator may designate satellite locations for a temporary period to receive a certificate of candidacy.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 3 - Certificate of Candidacy › Section 5-303 - When Filed

(a)    Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section:
(1)    in the year in which the Governor is elected, a certificate of candidacy shall be filed not later than 9 p.m. on the last Tuesday in February in the year in which the primary election will be held; and
(2)    for any other regularly scheduled election, a certificate of candidacy shall be filed not later than 9 p.m. on the 95th day before the day on which the primary election will be held.
(b)    Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a certificate of candidacy for an office to be filled by a special election under this article shall be received and filed in the office of the appropriate board not later than 5 p.m. on the first Monday that is 3 weeks or 21 days after the issuance of the proclamation by the Governor for the special primary election.
(c)    Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the certificate of candidacy for the election of a write–in candidate shall be filed by the earlier of:
(1)    7 days after a total expenditure of at least $51 is made to promote the candidacy by a campaign finance entity of the candidate; or
(2)    5 p.m. on the 7th day preceding the start of early voting for which the certificate is filed.
(d)    The certificate of candidacy for a special election of a write–in candidate shall be filed by the earlier of:
(1)    7 days after a total expenditure of at least $51 is made to promote the candidacy by any authorized candidate campaign committee of the candidate; or
(2)    5 p.m. on the 7th day preceding the start of voting at a precinct polling place or, if the election is being conducted by mail, the voting center established under § 9–503 of this article for which the certificate is filed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 3 - Certificate of Candidacy › Section 5-304 - Manner of Filing

(a)    (1)    A certificate of candidacy may be filed:
(i)    in person; or
(ii)    if authorized by subsection (b) of this section, by certified mail, personal messenger, or other delivery service designated by the filer.
(2)    A certificate of candidacy may not be filed by facsimile service or other electronic transmission.
(b)    A certificate of candidacy may be filed as permitted under subsection (a)(1)(ii) of this section, if:
(1)    the individual filing the certificate is unable to do so in person because of illness, military service, or temporary absence from the State; and
(2)    the certificate is accompanied by an affidavit signed by the individual filing the certificate setting forth fully the facts that prevent that individual from filing the certificate in person.
(c)    On the certificate of candidacy form prescribed by the State Board, the candidate shall specify:
(1)    the office, including, if applicable, the party, district, and circuit to which the candidacy relates;
(2)    the year of the election;
(3)    the name of the individual filing the certificate;
(4)    the address on the statewide voter registration list or the current address of that individual;
(5)    a statement that the individual satisfies the requirements of law for candidacy for the office for which the certificate is being filed; and
(6)    any information requested by the State Board to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the individual under this subsection.
(d)    The certificate of candidacy shall be accompanied by:
(1)    a filing fee satisfying the requirements of § 5–401 of this title;
(2)    a separate form, unless such a form has previously been filed, establishing a campaign finance entity under Title 13 of this article;
(3)    evidence that the individual has filed:
(i)    a financial disclosure statement with the State Ethics Commission in accordance with the requirements of Title 5, Subtitle 6 of the General Provisions Article; or
(ii)    any other financial disclosure report required by law; and
(4)    any additional information required by the State Board.
(e)    The appropriate board shall accept the certificate of candidacy if it determines that all requirements are satisfied.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 3 - Certificate of Candidacy › Section 5-305 - Petition to Challenge Residency of Certain Candidates

(a)    This section applies only to a petition that will affect the right of a candidate to have the candidate’s name appear on the ballot in a primary or general election.
(b)    A registered voter who is a resident of the district or other geographic area in which a candidate is seeking office may file a petition with the circuit court for that district or geographic area to challenge the candidate’s residency as provided in § 5–202 of this title.
(c)    The petition must be filed 15 days after the filing dates provided in § 5–303 of this subtitle and §§ 5–703(c) and 5–703.1(c) of this title for which the candidate filed a certificate of candidacy.
(d)    (1)    Judicial review of any petition that is filed under subsection (b) of this section shall be expedited by the circuit court that hears the cause to the extent necessary in consideration of the deadlines established by law, and in no case longer than 7 days from the date the petition is filed.
(2)    A judicial proceeding under this section shall be conducted in accordance with the Maryland Rules, except that:
(i)    the case shall be heard and decided without a jury and as expeditiously as the circumstances require; and
(ii)    an appeal shall be taken directly to the Court of Appeals within 5 days after the date of the decision of the circuit court.
(3)    The Court of Appeals shall give priority to hear and decide an appeal brought under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection as expeditiously as the circumstances require.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 4 - Filing Fees › Section 5-401 - Amount

(a)    (1)    This section does not apply to a write–in candidate.
(2)    Unless exempted under subsection (c) of this section, an individual who files a certificate of candidacy shall pay a filing fee at the time the certificate of candidacy is filed.
(b)    The filing fee shall be as follows:
(1)    President and Vice President of the United States    No fee
(2)    Governor or Lieutenant Governor    $290 each
(3)    Comptroller of the Treasury    $290
(4)    Attorney General    $290
(5)    United States Senator    $290
(6)    Representative in Congress    $100
(7)    Member of the General Assembly    $50
(8)    Mayor of the City of Baltimore    $150
(9)    Comptroller of the City of Baltimore    $150
(10)    City Council of Baltimore:
(i)    President    $150
(ii)    member at large voted on by the voters of the entire City of Baltimore……………………………………………………………………………………….$150
(iii)    member voted on by less than the entire City of Baltimore………………………………………………………………………………………...$50
(11)    offices of the City of Baltimore, not specified in items (8), (9), and (10) of this subsection, that are voted on by the voters of the entire City of Baltimore……………………………………………………………………………………….$150
(12)    any other public office    $25
(13)    member of a party central committee    $10
(c)    (1)    A candidate may petition for a waiver of the filing fee in accordance with this subsection.
(2)    The filing fee required by this section shall be waived if the candidate establishes inability to pay the fee.
(3)    A candidate may demonstrate inability to pay the filing fee by attaching to the certificate of candidacy when it is filed a sworn statement on the form prescribed by the State Board of inability to pay which sets forth:
(i)    the nature, extent, and liquidity of the candidate’s assets; and
(ii)    the candidate’s disposable net income.
(4)    At its discretion and in order to conduct any investigation of the petition for waiver, the appropriate board may request that the candidate provide additional information concerning the candidate’s financial status.
(5)    If the appropriate board determines that the candidate is unable to pay the required filing fee, the certificate of candidacy shall be issued without payment of the fee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 4 - Filing Fees › Section 5-402 - Return of Filing Fees

(a)    Upon request, a candidate who pays a filing fee is entitled to a return of the filing fee upon the filing of the certificate of withdrawal on the form prescribed by the State Board if the candidate enters into active duty with the armed services of the United States during the period between the last date allowed for the withdrawal of candidacy and the printing of the ballots.
(b)    Subject to the approval of the State Board, the filing fee paid by a candidate may be returned to the candidate for good cause.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 5 - Withdrawal of Candidacy After Filing but Before Primary Election › Section 5-502 - Time for Withdrawal

(a)    Subject to § 5–402 of this title, an individual who has filed a certificate of candidacy may withdraw the candidacy by filing a certificate of withdrawal on the form prescribed by the State Board within 10 days after the filing date established under § 5–303 of this title.
(b)    An individual who has filed a certificate of candidacy for the special election to fill a vacancy for Representative in Congress may withdraw the certificate on the prescribed form within 2 days after the filing date established in the proclamation issued by the Governor.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 5 - Withdrawal of Candidacy After Filing but Before Primary Election › Section 5-503 - Place and Manner of Withdrawal

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the certificate of withdrawal shall be filed with the appropriate board with which the individual filed the certificate of candidacy.
(b)    The proclamation issued by the Governor under § 8-710 of this article for a special election to fill a vacancy for Representative in Congress shall allow any individual who has filed a certificate of candidacy to withdraw the candidacy as provided under the terms of the proclamation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 5 - Withdrawal of Candidacy After Filing but Before Primary Election › Section 5-504 - Effect of Withdrawal of Candidacy

(a)    If a certificate of withdrawal is filed under this subtitle:
(1)    the certificate of candidacy to which the certificate of withdrawal relates is void;
(2)    the name of the candidate may not be submitted to the voters for nomination and election to the office to which the certificate relates unless the individual files a new certificate of candidacy within the time limit prescribed for filing; and
(3)    except as provided in § 5-402 of this title, the filing fee for the certificate of candidacy may not be refunded.
(b)    Except for the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor, the name of any individual who files a certificate of candidacy and does not withdraw shall appear on the primary election ballot unless, by the 10th day after the filing deadline specified under § 5-303 of this title, the individual’s death or disqualification is known to the applicable board with which the certificate of candidacy was filed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 6 - Qualification for Primary Election Ballot › Section 5-601 - Candidates Qualifying

The name of a candidate shall remain on the ballot and be submitted to the voters at a primary election if:
(1)    the candidate has filed a certificate of candidacy in accordance with the requirements of § 5-301 of this title and has satisfied any other requirements of this article relating to the office for which the individual is a candidate, provided the candidate:
(i)    has not withdrawn the candidacy in accordance with Subtitle 5 of this title;
(ii)    has not died or become disqualified, and that fact is known to the applicable board by the deadline prescribed in § 5-504(b) of this title;
(iii)    does not seek nomination by petition pursuant to the provisions of § 5-703 of this title; or
(iv)    is not a write-in candidate; or
(2)    the candidate has qualified to have the candidate’s name submitted to the voters in a presidential primary election under Title 8, Subtitle 5 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 7 - Nomination › Section 5-701 - In General

Nominations for public offices that are filled by elections governed by this article shall be made:
(1)    by party primary, for candidates of a principal political party;
(2)    by petition, for candidates not affiliated with any political party; or
(3)    in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of the political party, for candidates of a political party that does not nominate by party primary.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 7 - Nomination › Section 5-702 - Nomination by Primary Election

A candidate for public office of a political party shall be nominated in accordance with the requirements of Subtitles 2 through 4 of this title unless the candidate is:
(1)    nominated by:
(i)    petition under § 5-703 of this subtitle; or
(ii)    political party under § 5-703.1 of this subtitle; or
(2)    a write-in candidate under § 5-704 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 7 - Nomination › Section 5-703 - Nomination by Petition

(a)    Except for a candidate for a nonpartisan county board of education, this section applies to any candidate for public office subject to this title.
(b)    A candidate for a public office may be nominated by petition under this subtitle if the candidate is not affiliated with any political party.
(c)    (1)    A candidate for public office who seeks nomination by petition shall file a declaration of intent to seek nomination by petition.
(2)    The declaration of intent shall be filed with the board at which the candidate files a certificate of candidacy under Subtitle 3 of this title.
(3)    The declaration of intent shall be filed as follows:
(i)    not later than the first Monday in July; and
(ii)    for a special election to fill a vacancy for Representative in Congress, by the date and time specified in the Governor’s proclamation.
(4)    A candidate who seeks nomination by petition may not be charged a fee for filing the declaration of intent.
(d)    (1)    A candidate for public office who seeks nomination by petition shall file a certificate of candidacy not later than 5 p.m. on the first Monday in August in the year of the general election for the office.
(2)    Except for the time of filing, the certificate of candidacy for a candidate who seeks nomination by petition shall comply with the requirements for a certificate of candidacy under Subtitle 3 of this title.
(e)    (1)    A candidate who seeks nomination by petition may not have the candidate’s name placed on the general election ballot unless the candidate files with the appropriate board petitions signed by the lesser of 10,000 registered voters or 1% of the total number of registered voters who are eligible to vote for the office for which the nomination by petition is sought, except that the petitions shall be signed by at least 250 registered voters who are eligible to vote for the office.
(2)    The petitions shall be filed as required in Title 6 of this article.
(3)    The number of registered voters required to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be determined as of January 1 of the year of the primary election for which the nomination is sought.
(f)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a petition that contains the required number of signatures specified under subsection (e)(1) of this section shall be filed with the appropriate board by 5 p.m. on the first Monday in August in the year in which the general election is held.
(2)    In a special election to fill a vacancy in the office of Representative in Congress, a petition that contains the required number of signatures shall be filed with the State Board by 5 p.m. on the day of the special primary election.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 7 - Nomination › Section 5-703.1 - Nomination by Political Party Not Required to Nominate Candidates by Party Primary

(a)    Except for a candidate for a nonpartisan county board of education, this section applies to any candidate for public office subject to this title.
(b)    A candidate for a public office may be nominated by a political party under this subtitle if the political party is not required to nominate its candidates by party primary.
(c)    (1)    This subsection does not apply to a candidate nominated by a new political party under § 4–102(f) of this article.
(2)    A candidate for public office who seeks political party nomination under this section shall file a declaration of intent to seek political party nomination.
(3)    The declaration of intent shall be filed with the board at which the candidate files a certificate of candidacy under Subtitle 3 of this title.
(4)    The declaration of intent shall be filed as follows:
(i)    not later than the first Monday in July; and
(ii)    for a special election to fill a vacancy:
1.    for Representative in Congress, by the date and time specified in the Governor’s proclamation; or
2.    for a local public office, by the date and time specified in the county proclamation.
(5)    A candidate who seeks nomination by political party may not be charged a fee for filing the declaration of intent.
(d)    (1)    A candidate for public office who seeks nomination by political party shall file a certificate of candidacy not later than 5 p.m. on the first Monday in August in the year of the general election for the office.
(2)    Except for the time of filing, the certificate of candidacy for a candidate who seeks nomination by political party shall comply with the requirements for a certificate of candidacy under Subtitle 3 of this title.
(e)    (1)    A candidate for nomination by political party may not have the candidate’s name placed on the general election ballot unless the candidate files with the appropriate board, on a form the State Board prescribes, a certificate of nomination signed by the officers of the political party.
(2)    In a special election to fill a vacancy in the office of Representative in Congress, a certificate of nomination shall be filed with the State Board by 5 p.m. on the day of the special primary election.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 7 - Nomination › Section 5-705 - Certificate of Nomination or Election After Primary Election

(a)    A certificate of nomination that entitles a candidate for public office to have the candidate’s name listed on the general election ballot and submitted to the voters at the general election shall be issued in accordance with this section.
(b)    (1)    Subject to § 13–332.1 of this article, the State Board shall issue a certificate of nomination to each candidate who files a certificate of candidacy with the State Board and who qualifies for the nomination.
(2)    Subject to § 13–332.1 of this article, the local board with which a candidate files a certificate of candidacy shall issue a certificate of nomination to each candidate who qualifies for the nomination.
(3)    A political party may have only one candidate as its nominee for any position to be filled in a general election.
(4)    A certificate of nomination may not contain the name of more than one nominee for each office to be filled at the election.
(c)    Following the certification of the primary elections returns by the board responsible for the certification of the results of that election, that board shall issue a certificate of election to:
(1)    each candidate for delegate to a national party convention who is certified by the State Board to have been elected in accordance with the party’s rules; and
(2)    each candidate to a party central committee who is certified by the local board to have been elected to that position.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 7 - Nomination › Section 5-706 - Candidate Defeated in Primary Election

(a)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    a candidate selected by a political party to fill a vacancy in nomination under Subtitle 9 or Subtitle 10 of this title; or
(2)    a candidate defeated in a presidential preference primary.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the name of a candidate who is defeated for the nomination for a public office may not appear on the ballot at the next succeeding general election as a candidate for any office.
(2)    A candidate who is defeated for the nomination for a public office may not file a certificate of candidacy as a write–in candidate at the next succeeding general election as a candidate for any office.
(c)    The name of a candidate for the office of judge of the circuit court who is defeated in the primary election in each contest for the office of circuit court judge in which the candidate appears on the ballot may not appear on the ballot at the succeeding general election as a candidate for any office.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 8 - Declination of Nomination › Section 5-801 - Declination of Nomination

(a)    A nominee may decline the nomination by filing a certificate of declination on the prescribed form.
(b)    The certificate of declination shall be under oath and filed:
(1)    with the board at which the certificate of candidacy was filed; and
(2)    (i)    in the year of a gubernatorial election, by the first Tuesday in August immediately preceding the general election; or
(ii)    in the year of a presidential election, by the first Tuesday in August immediately preceding the general election.
(c)    If a certificate of declination is filed under this section:
(1)    the certificate of nomination to which the certificate of declination relates is void;
(2)    a vacancy in nomination is created to be filled in accordance with the provisions of Subtitle 10 of this title;
(3)    the name of the individual who declined the nomination may not appear on the ballot unless the individual is selected to fill that vacancy; and
(4)    the filing fee for the certificate of candidacy of that individual may not be refunded.
(d)    The name of each individual who does not decline a nomination shall appear on the general election ballot unless, by the 85th day preceding the general election, the individual’s death or disqualification is known to the board with which the certificate of candidacy was filed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 9 - Vacancies in Candidacy Occurring Before a Primary Election › Section 5-902 - Governor and Lieutenant Governor -- Vacancy in Candidacy Before the Filing Deadline

(a)    If either of the candidates of a Governor and Lieutenant Governor unit dies, withdraws the candidacy, or becomes disqualified for any reason prior to the deadline for filing a certificate of candidacy for a primary election under § 5-303 of this title, the remaining candidate may:
(1)    designate a successor candidate who shall file a certificate of candidacy before the later of:
(i)    the deadline specified under § 5-303 of this title; or
(ii)    the fifth day following the death, withdrawal, or disqualification of the former candidate;
(2)    withdraw under Subtitle 5 of this title; or
(3)    after withdrawing under paragraph (2) of this subsection, form a successor unit for the candidacy for the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor by filing a certificate of candidacy by the date specified under subsection (b) of this section.
(b)    The candidates of the successor unit for Governor and Lieutenant Governor formed under subsection (a)(3) of this section each shall file a certificate of candidacy as a successor unit before the later of:
(1)    the deadline for filing a certificate of candidacy for the primary election under § 5-303 of this title; or
(2)    the fifth day following the death, withdrawal, or disqualification of the former candidate.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 9 - Vacancies in Candidacy Occurring Before a Primary Election › Section 5-903 - Lieutenant Governor -- Vacancy in Candidacy Occurring After the Filing Deadline

(a)    (1)    If a candidate for Lieutenant Governor dies, withdraws the candidacy, or becomes disqualified for any reason after the deadline for filing a certificate of candidacy for a primary election under § 5–303 of this title, the remaining candidate for Governor of that unit may designate a successor candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
(2)    Provided the successor candidate for Lieutenant Governor files a certificate of candidacy in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, the name of the successor candidate for Lieutenant Governor shall appear on the ballot.
(b)    (1)    The successor candidate for Lieutenant Governor designated by the candidate for Governor under subsection (a) of this section shall file a certificate of candidacy with the State Board.
(2)    The certificate of candidacy shall be filed:
(i)    by the fifth day following the withdrawal deadline specified under § 5–502 of this title, if the former Lieutenant Governor candidate files a certificate of withdrawal; or
(ii)    by the fifth day following the death or disqualification of the former Lieutenant Governor candidate, if that former candidate dies or is disqualified less than 70 days before the day of the primary election.
(3)    A certificate of candidacy for a successor candidate for Lieutenant Governor under subsection (b)(2)(ii) of this section may not be filed less than 65 days before the day of the primary election.
(c)    If the death or disqualification of a former Lieutenant Governor candidate occurs less than 65 days before the day of the primary election, the existing Governor and Lieutenant Governor unit whose filing is complete:
(1)    shall remain on the ballot; and
(2)    if nominated, a vacancy in the nomination of the candidate for Lieutenant Governor shall be declared and be filled under § 5–1005(b) of this title as if the death or disqualification had occurred after the primary election.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 9 - Vacancies in Candidacy Occurring Before a Primary Election › Section 5-904 - Governor -- Vacancy in Candidacy After the Filing Deadline When More Than One Governor and Lieutenant Governor Unit Files for Nomination

(a)    This section does not apply if only one Governor and Lieutenant Governor unit files a certificate of candidacy for the nomination of a political party for those offices in a primary election.
(b)    (1)    If a candidate for Governor dies, withdraws the candidacy, or becomes disqualified for any reason after the deadline for filing a certificate of candidacy for a primary election under § 5–303 of this title, the remaining candidate for Lieutenant Governor of that unit may:
(i)    designate the Lieutenant Governor candidate as the successor candidate for Governor and appoint a successor candidate for Lieutenant Governor; or
(ii)    designate a successor candidate for Governor.
(2)    The names of any Governor and Lieutenant Governor candidate unit that is designated under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be listed jointly on the primary election ballot.
(c)    (1)    The successor candidate for Governor designated by the Lieutenant Governor candidate under subsection (b)(1)(ii) of this section, or the former candidate for Lieutenant Governor who subsequently is designated as the candidate for Governor together with the candidate appointed as the successor candidate for Lieutenant Governor under subsection (b)(1)(i) of this section, each shall file a certificate of candidacy with the State Board.
(2)    The certificate of candidacy shall be filed:
(i)    by the fifth day following the withdrawal deadline specified under § 5–502 of this title, if the former candidate for Governor files a certificate of withdrawal; or
(ii)    by the fifth day following the day of the death or disqualification of the former candidate for Governor, if that former candidate dies or is disqualified less than 70 days before the day of the primary election.
(3)    A certificate of candidacy may not be filed under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection less than 65 days before the day of the primary election.
(d)    If the death or disqualification of a former candidate for Governor occurs less than 65 days before the day of the primary election, the existing Governor and Lieutenant Governor unit whose filing is complete:
(1)    shall remain on the ballot; and
(2)    if nominated, a vacancy in the office of Governor shall be declared and filled under § 5–1005 of this title as if the death or disqualification had occurred after the primary election.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 9 - Vacancies in Candidacy Occurring Before a Primary Election › Section 5-905 - Governor and Lieutenant Governor -- Vacancy in Candidacy After the Filing Deadline When Only One Governor and Lieutenant Governor Unit Files for Nomination

(a)    If only a single Governor and Lieutenant Governor unit files for the nomination of a political party, and the candidate for Governor dies, withdraws the candidacy, or is disqualified for any reason after the filing deadline specified under § 5–303 of this title, the remaining candidate for Lieutenant Governor is disqualified.
(b)    (1)    In the event of a vacancy in nomination under subsection (a) of this section, the State central committee of the political party to which the candidates belong shall select a successor candidate for Governor.
(2)    The State central committee shall make its selection by the 10th day following the death, withdrawal, or disqualification of the gubernatorial candidate.
(3)    The candidate disqualified for the office of Lieutenant Governor under subsection (a) of this section is eligible to be chosen as the successor candidate for Governor.
(c)    (1)    The successor candidate for Governor selected by the State central committee under subsection (b) of this section promptly shall select a successor candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
(2)    If the former candidate for Lieutenant Governor is not selected as the successor candidate for Governor, that individual is eligible to be selected again as the candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
(d)    By the deadline date specified under subsection (b)(2) of this section for the selection of the successor candidate for Governor by the appropriate State central committee, in accordance with Subtitle 3 of this title:
(1)    the State central committee making the selection shall file a certificate of designation for those offices with the State Board for:
(i)    its successor candidate for Governor; and
(ii)    the successor candidate for Lieutenant Governor designated under subsection (c)(1) of this section; and
(2)    the successor candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor each shall file a certificate of candidacy for those offices with the State Board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 10 - Filling Vacancies in Nomination After a Primary Election › Section 5-1001 - Certificate of Nomination to Fill Vacancies

(a)    When a local board receives a certificate of designation and a certificate of candidacy to fill a vacancy in nomination under this subtitle, it shall notify the State Board of the change by the end of the next business day following the receipt of the certificates.
(b)    When the State Board is notified by a local board of a change in nomination under subsection (a) of this section or when a certificate of designation and a certificate of candidacy to fill a vacancy in nomination is filed directly with the State Board under this subtitle, the State Board shall:
(1)    certify the nomination and substitute, for the name of the original nominee, the name of the individual who has been designated and determined to be qualified to have that individual’s name placed on the ballot as a successor nominee; and
(2)    certify the new nomination to the appropriate local boards.
(c)    If the State Board has already issued a certificate of nomination for a nominee under this section, it promptly shall certify to the appropriate local boards:
(1)    the name and residence of the individual designated by the State central committee of the political party as the successor nominee to fill the vacancy;
(2)    the office for which the successor nominee is nominated;
(3)    the political party the successor nominee represents; and
(4)    the name of the individual for whom the successor nominee is substituted.
(d)    If a successor nominee to fill a vacancy in office is certified by the State Board under this section, the certificate of nomination for the prior nominee is void.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 5 - Candidates › Subtitle 10 - Filling Vacancies in Nomination After a Primary Election › Section 5-1002 - Statewide Offices

(a)    This section applies only to a nominee for statewide office, except for a Governor and Lieutenant Governor unit.
(b)    (1)    (i)    A vacancy in nomination that occurs because a nominee declines the nomination shall be filled by the State central committee of the political party to which the nominee belongs by the 88th day before the general election.
(ii)    A vacancy in nomination that occurs because a nominee dies or is disqualified for any cause shall be filled by the State central committee of the political party to which the nominee belongs by the 81st day before the general election.
(2)    (i)    The State central committee shall file a certificate of designation for the nominee with the State Board.
(ii)    The successor nominee designated by the State central committee under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall file a certificate of candidacy with the State Board.