reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 13 - Campaign Finance › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts and Penalties › Section 13-604.2 - Civil Penalties -- Campaign Finance Violations

(a)    A candidate for election to the central committee of a political party shall pay a civil penalty of $1,000 in accordance with subsections (b) through (f) of this section if the candidate:
(1)    is not exempt from § 13–202 of this title and fails to conduct campaign finance activity through a campaign finance entity; or
(2)    violates § 13–221(c) or § 13–305.1 of this title.
(b)    (1)    If the State Prosecutor or the State’s Attorney with jurisdiction determines that a candidate is required to pay a civil penalty under subsection (a) of this section, the State Prosecutor, the State’s Attorney, or both shall issue to the candidate a civil citation that contains:
(i)    the name and address of the candidate cited;
(ii)    the nature, time, and place of the violation;
(iii)    the manner in which the violation occurred;
(iv)    the penalty for the violation;
(v)    the manner and time in which to pay the penalty;
(vi)    where to pay the penalty; and
(vii)    a statement that the candidate receiving the citation has a right to a trial in the District Court.
(2)    The prosecuting authority who issues a citation under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall file the citation in the District Court.
(c)    The citation shall be served in accordance with the Maryland Rules.
(d)    (1)    On receipt of the return of service, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the candidate named in the citation of the trial date.
(2)    The trial in the District Court shall be conducted in the same manner as set forth for municipal infractions under §§ 6–108, 6–109, and 6–111 through 6–115 of the Local Government Article.
(3)    An adjudication of a violation under this subsection:
(i)    is not a criminal conviction; and
(ii)    does not carry with it any of the civil disabilities that arise from a criminal conviction.
(e)    A candidate who is adjudicated in violation as set forth in a citation issued under subsection (b) of this section is liable for the cost of the District Court proceedings.
(f)    If a candidate who has been served with a citation fails to appear for trial, the District Court, at the request of the prosecutor, may dismiss the citation or enter a civil judgment against the candidate:
(1)    in favor of the State Board;
(2)    in accordance with the Maryland Rules; and
(3)    in an amount of $1,000.
(g)    Penalties collected under this section shall be distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 13 - Campaign Finance › Subtitle 6 - Prohibited Acts and Penalties › Section 13-605 - Injunction

(a)    The Secretary of State may seek an immediate injunction against any violation of this title.
(b)    A person who violates an injunction issued under this section:
(1)    is in criminal contempt; and
(2)    is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $250 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 14 - Disclosure by Persons Doing Public Business › Section 14-107 - Requirements; Notifications of Deficiencies; Amended Statements; Late Filing Fees; Violations

(a)    (1)    A governmental entity that has awarded a person a contract that causes the person to be doing public business shall:
(i)    require the person to certify that the person has filed the statement required under § 14–104(b)(1) of this title; and
(ii)    provide the State Board with the person’s name, address, and any other contact information required by the State Board.
(2)    (i)    A governmental entity may comply with paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection by sending to the State Board a quarterly report on a form provided by the State Board.
(ii)    A quarterly report sent under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall:
1.    include the required information for any person that was awarded a contract that caused the person to be doing public business with the governmental entity during the preceding calendar quarter; and
2.    be submitted to the State Board no later than 10 business days after the close of each calendar quarter.
(b)    (1)    If a person files a statement under § 14–104 of this title that does not include all the information required, the State Board shall notify the person in writing of the particular deficiencies.
(2)    Within 30 days after service of the notice under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the person shall file an amended statement that includes all the information required.
(c)    (1)    As provided in this subsection, the State Board may impose fees for late filing of:
(i)    a statement required under § 14–104 of this title; or
(ii)    an amended statement required under subsection (b) of this section.
(2)    The State Board may impose late filing fees in the same amounts and in the same manner as provided under §§ 13–331, 13–335, and 13–337 of this article for late filing of campaign finance reports.
(3)    Late filing fees imposed under this subsection shall be distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 14 - Disclosure by Persons Doing Public Business › Section 14-108 - Penalty for Violation Without Knowing Act Illegal -- Civil Citations -- Trial in District Court

(a)    (1)    A person who violates a provision of this title without knowing that the act is illegal shall pay a civil penalty in accordance with subsections (b) through (g) of this section.
(2)    A penalty imposed under this section may not exceed $5,000.
(3)    An infraction described in paragraph (1) of this subsection is a civil offense.
(b)    (1)    If the State Prosecutor determines that a person unintentionally, and without criminal intent, has violated a provision of this title, the State Prosecutor shall issue to the person a civil citation that contains:
(i)    the name and address of the person cited;
(ii)    the nature, time, and place of the violation;
(iii)    the manner in which the violation occurred;
(iv)    the maximum penalty for the violation;
(v)    the manner and time in which to pay the penalty;
(vi)    where to pay the penalty; and
(vii)    a statement that the person receiving the citation has a right to a trial in the District Court.
(2)    The State Prosecutor shall file the citation in the District Court.
(c)    The citation shall be served in accordance with the Maryland Rules.
(d)    (1)    On receipt of the return of service, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the person named in the citation of the trial date.
(2)    The trial in the District Court shall be conducted in the same manner as set forth for municipal infractions under §§ 6–108, 6–109, and 6–111 through 6–115 of the Local Government Article.
(3)    The District Court shall distribute all late fees collected to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
(4)    An adjudication of a violation under this subsection:
(i)    is not a criminal conviction; and
(ii)    does not carry with it any of the civil disabilities that arise from a criminal conviction.
(e)    A person who is adjudicated in violation as set forth in a citation issued under subsection (b) of this section is liable for the cost of the District Court proceedings.
(f)    If a person who has been served with a citation fails to appear for trial, the District Court, at the request of the State Prosecutor, may dismiss the citation or enter a civil judgment against the person:
(1)    in favor of the State Board;
(2)    in accordance with the Maryland Rules; and
(3)    in an amount not exceeding the maximum fine set forth in subsection (a) of this section and any late fees owed to the State Board.
(g)    A civil penalty imposed under this section shall be distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 14 - Disclosure by Persons Doing Public Business › Section 14-109 - Misdemeanor for Knowing and Willing Violations -- Penalties -- Restrictions on Statements Made Under Oath

(a)    A person who knowingly and willfully violates this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $25,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.
(b)    An officer or a partner of a business entity who knowingly authorizes or participates in a violation of this title by the business entity is subject to the penalty provided in subsection (a) of this section.
(c)    (1)    A person may not willfully make a false, fraudulent, or misleading statement or entry in any filing that is under oath and is required by this title.
(2)    A person may not make an electronic submission of a statement required under § 14–104 of this title or any other document required by this title on behalf of another person without that person’s express consent.
(3)    A person who violates this subsection is guilty of perjury and on conviction is subject to the penalty provided under the Criminal Law Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 15 - Public Financing Act › Section 15-101 - Purpose

The General Assembly recognizes that our system of representative government depends in part on guaranteeing that election campaigns are funded by and for the people and on eliminating the corrupting and undemocratic effects of large private contributions. Accordingly, the General Assembly finds and declares that an equitable means of public campaign financing is necessary in these times in order for representative democracy to continue to function effectively.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 15 - Public Financing Act › Section 15-102 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Comptroller” means the Comptroller of the State.
(c)    “Contribution card” means a document signed, including by electronic signature, by a donor attesting that the contribution made to a campaign is made with the personal funds of the donor.
(d)    “Eligible gubernatorial ticket” means a gubernatorial ticket that qualifies to receive a public contribution.
(e)    “Eligible private contribution” means a monetary private contribution from an individual who is a resident of the State that does not exceed $250 in the aggregate for the election cycle and is accompanied by a contribution card.
(f)    “Fund” means the “Fair Campaign Financing Fund”.
(g)    “Gubernatorial ticket” means a Governor–Lieutenant Governor unit.
(h)    “Private contribution” means a contribution or series of contributions from an individual that does not exceed $250 in the aggregate for the election cycle in which the contribution is made.
(i)    “Public contribution” means money distributed from the Fund to a gubernatorial ticket under this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 15 - Public Financing Act › Section 15-103 - Fair Campaign Financing Fund

(a)    There is a Fair Campaign Financing Fund.
(b)    The Comptroller shall administer the Fund in accordance with this section.
(c)    In accordance with this title, the Comptroller shall:
(1)    credit to the Fund:
(i)    all money collected or appropriated under this title;
(ii)    voluntary contributions to the Fund made electronically through the State Board’s website;
(iii)    fees, fines, and penalties assessed under this article or the General Provisions Article that are expressly allocated to the Fund by law;
(iv)    an anonymous contribution paid to the Fund under § 13–239 of this article;
(v)    an illegal contribution paid to the Fund under § 13–239.1 of this article;
(vi)    surplus campaign funds paid to the Fund under § 13–247 of this article; and
(vii)    contributions to the Fund made through the checkoff on the individual income tax return established under § 2–113.1 of the Tax – General Article;
(2)    subject to the usual investing procedures for State funds, invest the money in the Fund; and
(3)    make distributions from the Fund promptly on authorization by the State Board.
(d)    The Comptroller shall distribute public contributions:
(1)    only on authorization of the State Board; and
(2)    as to each eligible gubernatorial ticket, to the campaign account of a single campaign finance entity established under Title 13, Subtitle 2 of this article to receive public contributions.
(e)    The Comptroller shall submit a statement of the Fund’s balance to the State Board each month.
(f)    (1)    On or before June 30 of the third year immediately preceding a year of a gubernatorial election, the State Board shall determine whether the balance of the Fund is sufficient to provide for a full contribution for:
(i)    in a primary election, two gubernatorial tickets; and
(ii)    in a general election, one gubernatorial ticket.
(2)    If the balance of the Fund is determined to be insufficient to provide the public contributions described under paragraph (1) of this subsection:
(i)    on or before August 1 of the third year immediately preceding a year of a gubernatorial election, the State Board shall send a notice to the Governor of the amount of money needed to provide the public contributions described under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and
(ii)    the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill for the appropriate fiscal year an appropriation in an amount equal to the amount submitted to the Governor under item (i) of this paragraph.
(3)    For fiscal year 2023, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $4,000,000 to the Fund.
(g)    To pay costs directly related to the administration of this title, the State Board may expend in each fiscal year an amount of money in the Fund that does not exceed the lesser of:
(1)    3% of the Fund’s balance, as calculated on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year; or
(2)    $100,000.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 15 - Public Financing Act › Section 15-104 - Campaign Finance Entity for Gubernatorial Candidate -- Donations Accepted -- Qualifying Level of Donors and Donations

(a)    Before receiving a private contribution, a gubernatorial ticket shall:
(1)    on or before the deadline to file a certificate of candidacy under § 13–303 of this article, file with the State Board a notice of intent to participate as a publicly financed candidate for both the primary and general elections; and
(2)    establish a campaign finance entity for complying with the requirements of this title.
(b)    (1)    A campaign finance entity established under subsection (a)(2) of this section may accept only:
(i)    a private contribution;
(ii)    an eligible private contribution;
(iii)    a public contribution; and
(iv)    subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a contribution or loan from a member of a gubernatorial ticket or the spouse of a member of the gubernatorial ticket.
(2)    A member of a gubernatorial ticket or the spouse of a member of a gubernatorial ticket may not make a contribution of or lend a combined total of more than $50,000 to the campaign of the gubernatorial ticket.
(c)    To qualify as an eligible gubernatorial ticket, a gubernatorial ticket shall collect within the qualifying period at least:
(1)    1,500 eligible private contributions; and
(2)    an aggregate total of $120,000.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 15 - Public Financing Act › Section 15-105 - Qualifying Period for Gubernatorial Candidates to Collect Required Contributions

(a)    For principal political party candidates, the qualifying period is from the first day of the election cycle for a gubernatorial election until the first Monday in May, inclusive, of the election year.
(b)    For all other participating candidates, the qualifying period to qualify for only the general election is from the first day of the election cycle for a gubernatorial election until the first Monday in August, inclusive, of the election year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 15 - Public Financing Act › Section 15-106 - Eligible Gubernatorial Ticket -- Prohibited Campaign Finance Activities

(a)    After filing a notice of intent to qualify for a public contribution under this title, a gubernatorial ticket or a person acting on behalf of the gubernatorial ticket may not, for the benefit of any political committee or any person required to register with the State Board under § 13–306 or § 13–307 of this article or for a participating organization organized under § 13–309.2 of this article:
(1)    solicit contributions, including the authorized use of the names or images of the gubernatorial ticket in the solicitation; or
(2)    operate in coordination with any entity for fundraising activities.
(b)    After filing a notice of intent to qualify for a public contribution under this title, the members of a gubernatorial ticket may not be a member of a slate that does not receive a public contribution.
(c)    Until a final campaign finance report is filed with the State Board and any remaining funds of the public contribution distributed to a gubernatorial ticket are repaid to the Comptroller for redeposit in the Fund in accordance with § 15–109 of this title, any authorized candidate campaign committee organized under Title 13 of this article on behalf of the members of a gubernatorial ticket may not engage in campaign finance activity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 15 - Public Financing Act › Section 15-107 - Public Contributions -- Distributions

(a)    (1)    In accordance with subsection (c) of this section and regulations adopted by the State Board, the State Board shall authorize distribution of money in the Fund on a continuing basis on certification that the qualifications under § 15–104 of this title have been met.
(2)    Distributions shall begin not earlier than January 1 of the year of the election.
(b)    If the State Board determines that there is not, or may not be, sufficient money in the Fund to provide a full public contribution to all eligible gubernatorial tickets, the State Board shall allocate the available money so that each eligible gubernatorial ticket in that election receives a proportionate share of the full public contribution to which the gubernatorial ticket otherwise would be entitled.
(c)    (1)    The State Board shall authorize distribution of the money that is designated for distribution as provided in this subsection.
(2)    The State Board shall distribute a public contribution from the Fund to each gubernatorial ticket during the distribution period in matching dollars equal to:
(i)    $8 for each dollar of an eligible private contribution received for the first $50 of each eligible private contribution;
(ii)    $6 for each dollar of an eligible private contribution received for the second $50 of each eligible private contribution;
(iii)    $2 for each dollar of an eligible private contribution received for the third $50 of each eligible private contribution; and
(iv)    $0 for each dollar of an eligible private contribution received for the remaining $100 of each eligible private contribution.
(3)    The total public contribution payable to a gubernatorial ticket for either a primary or general election may not exceed $3,000,000.
(4)    The State Board may not distribute matching dollars from the Fund to a gubernatorial ticket for:
(i)    a contribution or loans from the gubernatorial ticket or the spouse of a member of the gubernatorial ticket; or
(ii)    an in–kind contribution of property, goods, or services.
(5)    A gubernatorial ticket that is unopposed in a primary election shall receive one–third of the public contribution amount the gubernatorial ticket would otherwise be entitled to receive.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 15 - Public Financing Act › Section 15-108 - Withdrawal as Publicly Funded Candidate -- Actions Necessary if Public Contributions Already Received

(a)    A gubernatorial ticket may withdraw from participation as a publicly funded candidate at any time before a public contribution is received by the gubernatorial ticket’s campaign finance entity.
(b)    If a public contribution has been received by an eligible gubernatorial ticket’s campaign finance entity, the eligible candidate may withdraw from participating if the gubernatorial ticket:
(1)    files a statement of withdrawal on a form prescribed by the State Board; and
(2)    repays to the Fund the full amount of any public contribution received, with interest established in regulation by the State Board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 15 - Public Financing Act › Section 15-109 - Public Contributions -- Use

(a)    A public contribution may be spent only:
(1)    in accordance with § 13–218 of this article;
(2)    to further the gubernatorial ticket’s nomination or election;
(3)    for expenses incurred not later than 45 days after the election for which the public contribution was made;
(4)    for purposes that do not violate State law; and
(5)    for an expenditure that is accompanied by a receipt.
(b)    An eligible gubernatorial ticket may not make:
(1)    a transfer; or
(2)    an expenditure relating to fundraising activity by any other political committee organized under this article.
(c)    (1)    Any part of a public contribution that is not spent shall be repaid to the Comptroller for redeposit in the Fund not later than 90 days after the election for which the public contribution was made.
(2)    In computing whether part of a public contribution is not spent, all private contributions to the gubernatorial ticket shall be treated as spent before the expenditure of any of the public contribution.
(d)    The members of a gubernatorial ticket and the responsible officers of the campaign finance entity that received a public contribution are jointly and severally personally liable civilly and criminally for repaying to the Comptroller any part of a public contribution that is not spent or that was spent in violation of subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 15 - Public Financing Act › Section 15-110 - Balance in Fund

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any balance in the Fund after a gubernatorial election shall remain in the Fund for the purposes of this title.
(b)    If general funds are appropriated to the Fund under § 15–103(f)(2) of this title, the State Board shall authorize repayment to the General Fund of the State of the amount that exceeds the amount necessary to provide for a full contribution for eligible candidates described under § 15–103(f)(1) of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 15 - Public Financing Act › Section 15-111 - Administration of Title

(a)    (1)    Subject to § 15–103 of this title, the State Board shall administer this title.
(2)    The State Board may request the assistance of the Comptroller to administer this title.
(b)    (1)    The State Board shall adopt comprehensive regulations to implement this title.
(2)    The regulations shall include provisions relating to:
(i)    the deadline for a gubernatorial ticket to submit a request for a public contribution;
(ii)    the dates when the State Board will authorize, and the Comptroller will make, distributions of public contributions to gubernatorial tickets in accordance with this title;
(iii)    a proportionate distribution when there is not, or may not be, sufficient money in the Fund;
(iv)    thresholds for in–kind contributions that are not considered contributions or expenditures for the purposes of this title;
(v)    distributions to a write–in gubernatorial ticket; and
(vi)    the purposes for which a public contribution may not be used.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 1 - Voter Registration › Section 16-101 - Offenses Relating to Registration

(a)    A person may not willfully and knowingly:
(1)    impersonate a voter or other person in order to register or attempt to register in the name of the voter or other person;
(2)    register to vote more than once;
(3)    falsify residence in an attempt to register in the wrong location;
(4)    secure registration through any unlawful means;
(5)    cause by unlawful means the name of a qualified voter to be stricken from the statewide voter registration list;
(6)    prevent, hinder, or delay a person having a lawful right to register from registering, through the use of force, threat, menace, intimidation, bribery, reward, or offer of reward;
(7)    falsify any name on a registration;
(8)    misrepresent any fact relating to registration; or
(9)    induce or attempt to induce a person to violate any prohibition in items (1) through (8) of this subsection.
(b)    A person acting under color of law may not discriminate against an individual based on the individual’s declination to register to vote or voter registration information.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 5 years or both.
(d)    A person who violates this section is subject to § 5–106(b) of the Courts Article.
(e)    A person who unintentionally becomes registered to vote under § 3–203 of this article:
(1)    shall be considered to have become registered to vote based on information provided to the State Board by an automatic voter registration agency; and
(2)    may not be considered to have violated this section because of the unintended registration.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 2 - Voting and Electoral Operations › Section 16-201 - Offenses Relating to Voting

(a)    A person may not willfully and knowingly:
(1)    (i)    impersonate another person in order to vote or attempt to vote; or
(ii)    vote or attempt to vote under a false name;
(2)    vote more than once for a candidate for the same office or for the same ballot question;
(3)    vote or attempt to vote more than once in the same election, or vote in more than one election district or precinct;
(4)    vote in an election district or precinct without the legal authority to vote in that election district or precinct;
(5)    influence or attempt to influence a voter’s voting decision through the use of force, threat, menace, intimidation, bribery, reward, or offer of reward;
(6)    influence or attempt to influence a voter’s decision whether to go to the polls to cast a vote through the use of force, fraud, threat, menace, intimidation, bribery, reward, or offer of reward; or
(7)    engage in conduct that results or has the intent to result in the denial or abridgement of the right of any citizen of the United States to vote on account of race, color, or disability.
(b)    Except as provided in § 16–1002 of this title, a person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than 5 years or both.
(c)    A person who violates this section is subject to § 5–106(b) of the Courts Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 2 - Voting and Electoral Operations › Section 16-202 - Voting by Person Convicted of Felony; Conditions

(a)    A person who has been convicted of a felony and is currently serving a court–ordered sentence of imprisonment for the conviction, and has been rendered ineligible to vote pursuant to § 3–102(b) of this article, may not vote or attempt to vote during the time that the person is rendered ineligible to vote.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and is subject to imprisonment for not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 2 - Voting and Electoral Operations › Section 16-203 - Disobeying Lawful Command of Election Official

(a)    A person may not willfully disobey the lawful command of an election official at a polling place on election day.
(b)    A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not less than $10 nor more than $250 or imprisonment for not less than 30 days nor more than 6 months or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 2 - Voting and Electoral Operations › Section 16-204 - Disturbing the Peace

(a)    A person may not hinder or impede the conduct of official electoral activities by:
(1)    breach of the peace;
(2)    disorder; or
(3)    violence or threat of violence.
(b)    A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to imprisonment for not less than 30 days nor more than 1 year or by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $1,000 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 2 - Voting and Electoral Operations › Section 16-205 - Interfering With Election Officials

(a)    (1)    A person may not interfere with an election official in the performance of the official duties of the election official.
(2)    A person may not interfere with an individual lawfully present at a polling place or at the canvass of votes.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not less than 3 months nor more than 1 year or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 2 - Voting and Electoral Operations › Section 16-206 - Offenses as to Ballots and Balloting in General

(a)    A person may not:
(1)    place any distinguishing mark on the person’s own or another person’s ballot for the purpose of identifying the ballot;
(2)    misrepresent the person’s ability to mark a ballot or operate voting equipment;
(3)    interfere or attempt to interfere with a voter while the voter is inside the polling room, marking a ballot, or operating voting equipment;
(4)    induce or attempt to induce a voter to mark the voter’s ballot in a certain way;
(5)    except for servicing by an authorized person, unlock any locked compartment of a voting device unless instructed to do so by the election director;
(6)    destroy or deface a ballot;
(7)    remove a ballot from a building in which voting occurs, except as otherwise provided in this article;
(8)    delay the delivery of a ballot;
(9)    possess on or before the day of election an official ballot printed for the election, unless the possession of the ballot is necessary and appropriate for carrying out the election process;
(10)    canvass, electioneer, or post any campaign material in the polling place or beyond a line established by signs posted in accordance with subsection (b) of this section;
(11)    canvass, electioneer, or post any campaign material in a manner that obstructs access to a ballot drop box; or
(12)    place any campaign material or any other unauthorized material on a ballot drop box.
(b)    (1)    At each polling place, one election judge from each principal political party shall be designated by the local board and, acting jointly, shall post signs delineating a line around the entrance and exit of the building that are closest to that part of the building in which voting occurs.
(2)    (i)    Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the line shall be located as near as practicable to 100 feet from the entrance and exit and shall be established after consideration of the configuration of the entrance and the effect of placement on public safety and the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
(ii)    In Montgomery County, on approval of the local board, the line may be located at any point between 25 feet and 100 feet from the entrance and exit.
(3)    The signs shall contain the words “No Electioneering Beyond this Point”.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 60 days or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 2 - Voting and Electoral Operations › Section 16-207 - Use of Alcoholic Beverages at a Polling Place

(a)    In this section, “alcoholic beverages” has the meaning provided in § 1–101 of the Alcoholic Beverages Article.
(b)    A person may not bring, send, or attempt to bring or send any alcoholic beverages into a polling place during the hours that the polling place is open.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to a fine of not less than $10 nor more than $100.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 3 - Conduct of Election Officials › Section 16-301 - Neglect of Duties; Corrupt or Fraudulent Acts

(a)    An election official or an official of a political party may not willfully neglect official duties under this article or engage in corrupt or fraudulent acts in the performance of official duties under this article.
(b)    A person who violates this section is subject to a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not less than 30 days nor more than 3 years or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 3 - Conduct of Election Officials › Section 16-302 - Tampering With Election Records

(a)    A person may not fraudulently tamper with election records of any kind, whether on paper or in any other medium.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and is subject to imprisonment for not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 3 - Conduct of Election Officials › Section 16-303 - Operation of Polling Place

(a)    An election judge, while performing official duties at a polling place, may not willfully and knowingly:
(1)    interfere in any way with the casting of a vote by a person who the election judge knows is lawfully entitled to vote at an election;
(2)    fail to challenge a person who the election judge has reason to believe is not entitled to vote;
(3)    refuse to follow the instructions of the election director with respect to the qualification of voters, the use of voting equipment, or the casting of votes; or
(4)    obstruct the view at any time of any person, lawfully present in the polling place, who wishes to see the ballot box or voting equipment used during an election.
(b)    An election judge who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to imprisonment for not less than 3 months nor more than 2 years.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 3 - Conduct of Election Officials › Section 16-304 - Adding or Deleting Votes or Provisional Ballots

(a)    In a polling place on election day, an election judge may not willfully and knowingly:
(1)    permit a ballot or ballots to be placed into a ballot receptacle prior to the time for voting; or
(2)    place a ballot in a ballot receptacle unless the ballot is offered by a properly registered voter or is a provisional ballot placed with other provisional ballots of the same character.
(b)    A person may not:
(1)    cause or permit a ballot, including a provisional ballot, to be cast or deposited in a ballot receptacle, voting device, or other receptacle designed for the collection of ballots other than by a person entitled under this article to cast a ballot; or
(2)    substitute, alter, add, or remove a submitted ballot from a ballot receptacle, voting device, or other receptacle designed for the collection of ballots, except when instructed to do so by the election director.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and is subject to imprisonment for not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 4 - Petitions › Section 16-401 - Offenses Relating to Petitions

(a)    A person may not willfully and knowingly:
(1)    give, transfer, promise, or offer anything of value for the purpose of inducing another person to sign or not sign any petition;
(2)    request, receive, or agree to receive, anything of value as an inducement to sign or not to sign any petition;
(3)    misrepresent any fact for the purpose of inducing another person to sign or not to sign any petition;
(4)    sign the name of any other person to a petition;
(5)    falsify any signature or purported signature to a petition;
(6)    obtain, or attempt to obtain, any signature to a petition by fraud, duress, or force;
(7)    circulate, cause to be circulated, or file with an election authority a petition that contains any false, forged, or fictitious signatures;
(8)    sign a petition that the person is not legally qualified to sign;
(9)    sign a petition more than once; or
(10)    alter any petition after it is filed with the election authority.
(b)    Each violation of this section shall be considered a separate offense.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to the penalties provided in Subtitle 10 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 5 - Oaths › Section 16-501 - False Oath or Affirmation

(a)    A person may not willfully and falsely take an oath or affirmation prescribed:
(1)    by the State Board; or
(2)    pursuant to this article.
(b)    A person may not willfully induce or procure, or offer to induce or procure, another person to willfully and falsely take an oath or affirmation prescribed:
(1)    by the State Board; or
(2)    pursuant to this article.
(c)    Any person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of perjury and shall be punished according to the laws of the State for perjury.
(d)    Any person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of subornation of perjury and shall be punished according to the laws of the State for subornation of perjury.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 6 - Canvassing › Section 16-601 - False Reports

(a)    An election judge or other election official may not willfully and knowingly:
(1)    make, sign, publish, or deliver a false certificate or statement of the result of the election or any other false report of any kind; or
(2)    deface, destroy, or conceal any statement, tally, certificate, or other document entrusted to the official’s care and custody.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and is subject to imprisonment for not less than 1 year nor more than 10 years.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 7 - Election Records and Documents › Section 16-701 - Defacing or Removing Records

(a)    A person with custody of election records may not willfully and knowingly:
(1)    destroy, deface, falsify, remove, or conceal any record related to voting;
(2)    make a fraudulent entry or alteration, or permit another person to make a fraudulent entry or alteration, of any record related to voting; or
(3)    allow any other person to do the acts prohibited in items (1) and (2) of this subsection.
(b)    Any person who does not have custody over election items may not:
(1)    do an act prohibited by subsection (a) of this section; or
(2)    advise, procure, or abet the commission of an act prohibited by subsection (a) of this section.
(c)    This section does not apply to the disposition of obsolete records in the ordinary course of the operation of the State Board or a local board.
(d)    Each violation of this section is a separate offense.
(e)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and is subject to imprisonment for not less than 1 year nor more than 10 years.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 8 - Voting Equipment › Section 16-801 - Destruction of Voting Equipment

(a)    A person may not willfully:
(1)    conceal, damage, or destroy voting equipment used or intended to be used on the day of election; or
(2)    remove voting equipment from the custody of the election judges or other election officials.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and is subject to a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than 3 years or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 8 - Voting Equipment › Section 16-802 - Tampering With Voting Equipment

(a)    A person may not willfully and knowingly:
(1)    tamper with, damage, or attempt to damage any voting equipment that is used or will be used in an election; or
(2)    prevent or attempt to prevent the correct operation of any voting equipment that is used or will be used on the day of election.
(b)    An unauthorized person may not make or have in the person’s possession a key to any voting equipment that is used or will be used on the day of election.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and is subject to a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than 3 years or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 8 - Voting Equipment › Section 16-803 - Removal or Destruction of Equipment or Supplies

(a)    A person may not remove, deface, or destroy equipment or supplies placed in a polling place by election officials during an election.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and is subject to a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than 3 years or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 8 - Voting Equipment › Section 16-804 - Tampering With Electronic Voting System

(a)    When an electronic voting system is used, a person may not willfully and knowingly:
(1)    access the system unless authorized to do so by the appropriate election authority; or
(2)    tamper with or alter the hardware, system components, or software utilized by the voting system, for the purpose of affecting the vote count.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction shall be subject to a fine of not more than $50,000 or imprisonment for not more than 10 years or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 9 - Other Offenses › Section 16-901 - Offenses Relating to Certificates of Candidacy or Nomination

(a)    A person may not falsely or fraudulently:
(1)    make, deface, or destroy a certificate of candidacy or certificate of nomination or any part of the certificate; or
(2)    file or suppress a certificate of candidacy or certificate of nomination that has been duly filed.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 3 years or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 9 - Other Offenses › Section 16-902 - Wagers on Elections

(a)    A person may not make a bet or wager on the outcome of an election held under this article.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $500 to be paid to the State.
(c)    Any deposit of money as a bet or a wager on the outcome of an election shall be forfeited and paid to the governing body of the county where the money is deposited.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 9 - Other Offenses › Section 16-903 - Individuals Attired or Equipped as Officials Prohibited; Exceptions

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person may not attire or equip an individual, or permit an individual to be attired or equipped, in a manner which creates the appearance that the individual is performing an official or governmental function in connection with an election, including:
(1)    wearing a public or private law enforcement or security guard uniform;
(2)    using an armband; or
(3)    except as required by law or by regulation adopted by the State Board in connection with ballot security activities, carrying or displaying a gun or badge within 100 feet of a polling site on election day.
(b)    (1)    A law enforcement officer or security guard who is on duty or traveling to or from duty may vote while wearing a uniform.
(2)    A law enforcement officer who is performing an official governmental function may wear a uniform at a polling site.
(c)    A person who violates this section is subject to the civil penalty specified under § 16-1002 of this title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 10 - General Penalty Provisions › Section 16-1001 - General Penalty Provisions

(a)    A person convicted of a misdemeanor under this article for which no penalty is specifically provided is subject to a fine of not less than $10 nor more than $250 or imprisonment for not less than 30 days nor more than 6 months or both.
(b)    A person who is convicted of any criminal violation of this article shall be disqualified permanently from serving as an election judge, board member, or employee of a board.
(c)    A candidate who is convicted of any practice prohibited by this article shall be ineligible to be elected or appointed to any public office or employment for a period of 5 years following the date of the conviction.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 10 - General Penalty Provisions › Section 16-1002 - Violations of 16-201(a)(6) or (7) or 16-903 of This Title

A person who violates § 16-201(a)(6) or (7) or § 16-903 of this title without knowing that the act is illegal shall pay a civil penalty and have the matter adjudicated in accordance with § 13-604 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 16 - Offenses and Penalties › Subtitle 10 - General Penalty Provisions › Section 16-1004 - Violations of 16-201 of This Title -- Injunctive Relief

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Attorney General may institute an action in a circuit court of the State for injunctive relief in accordance with the Maryland Rules to prohibit a person from committing an imminent violation or continuing to commit a violation of § 16–201 of this title.
(2)    (i)    This paragraph applies if the Attorney General is a candidate in a contest on the ballot in an election.
(ii)    The Attorney General may not seek injunctive relief under paragraph (1) of this subsection if a violation of § 16–201 of this title is committed by:
1.    the Attorney General;
2.    a person acting on behalf of the Attorney General;
3.    a candidate who is opposing the Attorney General in a contest on the ballot; or
4.    a person acting on behalf of a candidate who is opposing the Attorney General in a contest on the ballot.
(iii)    The State Prosecutor may seek injunctive relief in accordance with this section in any circumstance in which the Attorney General is prohibited from seeking injunctive relief under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph.
(b)    Injunctive relief may be granted under this section only:
(1)    to prevent a violation of § 16–201 of this title from affecting a pending election; and
(2)    based on a showing by clear and convincing evidence that a violation of § 16–201 of this title is imminent or is being committed.
(c)    The circuit court shall hear and determine the matter as soon as practicable after filing of the application.
(d)    The grant of a remedy by the circuit court under this section does not preclude any other remedy available to a person under State or federal law.
(e)    The circuit court shall:
(1)    have jurisdiction over any proceeding instituted in accordance with this section; and
(2)    exercise its jurisdiction without regard to whether a person asserting a right under this section has exhausted any administrative or other remedy available to that person under law.
(f)    (1)    An appeal of a decision of the circuit court under this section shall be taken directly to the Court of Appeals within 5 days of the date of the decision.
(2)    The Court of Appeals shall give priority to hear and decide an appeal brought under paragraph (1) of this subsection as expeditiously as the circumstances require.