reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 4 - Provisional Ballots › Section 9-403 - Guidelines

(a)    The State Board shall establish guidelines for the administration of provisional ballot voting by the local boards.
(b)    The guidelines shall provide for:
(1)    the provisional ballot application process;
(2)    ballot security, including storage of returned ballots;
(3)    the canvass process;
(4)    notice of the canvass to candidates, political parties, campaign organizations, news media, and the general public;
(5)    observers of the process;
(6)    review of ballots and envelopes submitted for compliance with the law and for machine tabulation acceptability;
(7)    standards for disallowance of ballots during the canvass;
(8)    storage and retention of ballots following canvass and certification; and
(9)    the free access system required under § 11-303(f) of this article.
(c)    The State Board shall:
(1)    in consultation with the local boards, assess the guidelines before each primary election; and
(2)    revise the guidelines if indicated.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 4 - Provisional Ballots › Section 9-404 - Requirements for Casting Provisional Ballots

(a)    If an individual is eligible under subsection (b) of this section, the individual shall be issued and may cast a provisional ballot:
(1)    at a polling place on election day;
(2)    at an early voting center during early voting; or
(3)    at the local board office in the county where the individual resides after the close of registration and before the closing of the polls on election day.
(b)    An individual is eligible to cast a provisional ballot if:
(1)    the individual declares in a written affirmation submitted with the provisional ballot that the individual is a registered voter in the State and is eligible to vote in that election; and
(2)    (i)    the individual’s name does not appear on the election register;
(ii)    an election official asserts that the individual is not eligible to vote; or
(iii)    the individual does not have the necessary identification.
(c)    In addition to the individuals who cast provisional ballots under subsections (a) and (b) of this section, any individual who appears to vote during a period covered by a court order or other order extending the time for closing the polls shall cast a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot cast under this subsection shall be separated and held apart from other provisional ballots cast by those not affected by the order.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 4 - Provisional Ballots › Section 9-405 - Completion of Provisional Ballot

Before an individual casts a provisional ballot:
(1)    the individual shall complete and sign the provisional ballot application prescribed by the State Board; and
(2)    the election official issuing the ballot shall give the individual written information advising the individual that, and describing how, the individual will be able to ascertain whether the vote was counted and, if it was not counted, the reason it was not.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 4 - Provisional Ballots › Section 9-406 - Assistance in Casting Provisional Ballot

(a)    A voter who requires assistance in casting a provisional ballot by reason of disability, inability to write, or inability to read the ballot may be assisted by any individual other than:
(1)    a candidate who is on that ballot;
(2)    the individual’s employer or an agent of the employer; or
(3)    an officer or agent of the individual’s union.
(b)    An individual rendering assistance under this section shall execute a certification as prescribed by the State Board and included in the instructions under  § 9–407 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 4 - Provisional Ballots › Section 9-407 - Instructions; Envelopes

(a)    A provisional ballot shall be accompanied by instructions, prescribed by the State Board, for marking and returning the ballot.
(b)    When voted, a provisional ballot shall be:
(1)    enclosed in an envelope designated “provisional ballot/return envelope”; or
(2)    stored in an electronic format, as specified by the State Board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 5 - Voting by Mail in Special Elections › Section 9-501 - Voting by Mail

(a)    This subtitle applies only to a special election that is not held concurrently with a regularly scheduled primary or general election.
(b)    Voting by mail may be utilized in a special election in accordance with this subtitle.
(c)    A special election to fill a vacancy in the Office of Representative in Congress shall be conducted by mail if the Governor’s proclamation issued under § 8–710 of this article directs that the election be conducted by mail.
(d)    (1)    In this subsection, “local special election” means a special election to:
(i)    fill a vacancy in the offices of county council member, chief executive officer, or county executive of a charter county if the charter of that county provides for special elections;
(ii)    fill a vacancy in the board of county commissioners of a code home rule county if a local law enacted by that county provides for special elections;
(iii)    fill a vacancy in the board of county commissioners of a commission county if a law provides for special elections;
(iv)    fill a vacancy in a local board of education if State law provides for special elections;
(v)    elect members of a charter board or submit a proposed charter to the voters for adoption or rejection in accordance with Article XI–A, § 1A of the Maryland Constitution; or
(vi)    submit a local law enacted by a code home rule county to the voters for adoption or rejection in accordance with § 9–313 of the Local Government Article.
(2)    A local special election shall be conducted by mail if the resolution of the county council or board of county commissioners establishing the date of the special election directs that the election be conducted by mail.
(e)    Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle:
(1)    provisions of this article relating to absentee voting apply to voting by mail; and
(2)    all pertinent State or local laws relating to the conduct of a special election apply to a special election conducted under this subtitle.
(f)    Provisions of this article relating to the conduct of elections apply to a special election conducted under this subtitle, unless a law specifically relevant to a special election applies.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 5 - Voting by Mail in Special Elections › Section 9-502 - Vote-by-Mail Ballot

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a local board shall mail by nonforwardable mail a vote–by–mail ballot to each registered voter who is eligible to vote in a special election.
(2)    A local board is not required to mail a vote–by–mail ballot to a voter if the voter has requested that the ballot be sent by other means.
(b)    A voter is not required to submit an application to receive a vote–by–mail ballot.
(c)    In Montgomery County:
(1)    each vote–by–mail ballot shall be accompanied by a postage–paid envelope in which a voter may return the voted ballot to the local board; and
(2)    the local board shall pay the cost of postage–paid envelopes provided under this subsection.
(d)    A local board shall send a vote–by–mail ballot to each eligible voter at least 14 days before the day of a special election.
(e)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a vote–by–mail ballot shall be mailed to the address that is on file in the statewide voter registration list for each eligible voter.
(2)    A registered voter may request to receive a vote–by–mail ballot at an address other than the address that is on file in the statewide voter registration list by:
(i)    submitting an absentee ballot application in accordance with § 9–305(a) of this title not later than the Tuesday preceding the day of a special election, if the voter is temporarily absent from the address that is on file in the statewide voter registration list; or
(ii)    notifying a local board of a change of address not later than the Tuesday preceding the day of a special election, if the voter’s residence has changed from the address that is on file in the statewide voter registration list to another location within the State.
(f)    A local board shall issue a replacement vote–by–mail ballot to a voter if the election director of the local board has reasonable grounds to believe that the vote–by–mail ballot previously issued to the voter has been lost, destroyed, spoiled, or not received.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 5 - Voting by Mail in Special Elections › Section 9-503 - Voting Centers

(a)    Each local board shall establish at least one voting center for the use of any eligible voter who chooses to cast a ballot in person in a special election in accordance with this section.
(b)    (1)    A voting center shall be located at a local board office or another location within the constituency where the special election is being held.
(2)    In Montgomery County:
(i)    in a special election held in a single county council district, at least one voting center shall be established in the county council district where the special election is being held; and
(ii)    in a countywide special election, at least one voting center shall be established in each county council district.
(c)    A voting center established under this section shall:
(1)    provide access to a voting system that is accessible to voters with disabilities in accordance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and the federal Help America Vote Act;
(2)    provide for provisional voting in accordance with Subtitle 4 of this title;
(3)    satisfy the requirements of § 10–101 of this article; and
(4)    (i)    unless otherwise specified in the proclamation issued by the Governor that directs that the special election be conducted by mail, and except as provided in item (ii) of this item, be open for voting each day beginning 6 days before the day of a special election through the day of a special election during the hours between:
1.    10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and
2.    12 noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday; and
(ii)    in Montgomery County, be open for voting during the days and for the hours that the county council directs in the resolution under § 9–501(d)(2) of this subtitle.
(d)    If necessary to expedite the conduct of a special election and subject to the approval of the State Board, a local board may establish a voting center under this section during a period when a change in polling places is prohibited under § 2–303 of this article.
(e)    The process for applying in person for an absentee ballot at the office of a local board under § 9–305 of this title does not apply to a special election conducted by mail.
(f)    Except as otherwise provided in this section, any provision of this article that applies to voting at a polling place on election day also applies to voting at a voting center established under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 5 - Voting by Mail in Special Elections › Section 9-504 - Return of Vote-by-Mail Ballot

(a)    A voter may return a vote–by–mail ballot to a local board:
(1)    by mail;
(2)    in person during regular office hours; or
(3)    through a duly authorized agent in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.
(b)    (1)    A voter may designate a duly authorized agent in accordance with § 9–307 of this title to return a vote–by–mail ballot to a local board during regular office hours.
(2)    Notwithstanding § 9–307(b)(4)(i) of this title, an agent is required only to:
(i)    witness the voter mark the ballot and place it in an envelope; and
(ii)    return the ballot to a local board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 5 - Voting by Mail in Special Elections › Section 9-505 - Timeliness

(a)    A vote–by–mail ballot is considered timely and may be counted if the ballot:
(1)    is returned in person to the office of a local board by the voter or the voter’s duly authorized agent no later than 8 p.m. on the day of a special election; or
(2)    (i)    is received by mail by a local board no later than 10 a.m. on the second Friday after a special election; and
(ii)    was mailed on or before election day, as verified:
1.    by a postmark; or
2.    if the return envelope does not contain a postmark or the postmark is illegible, by the voter’s affidavit that the ballot was mailed on or before election day.
(b)    A vote–by–mail ballot that does not meet the requirements of subsection (a) of this section is not timely and may not be counted.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 9 - Voting › Subtitle 5 - Voting by Mail in Special Elections › Section 9-506 - Canvass of Votes

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a local board may commence the canvass of vote–by–mail ballots at 2 p.m. on the day of a special election.
(b)    The State Board may adopt regulations authorizing a local board to commence the canvass of vote–by–mail ballots before the time specified in subsection (a) of this section.
(c)    The State Board shall adopt regulations that provide for:
(1)    public observation of the canvass of vote–by–mail ballots in accordance with § 11–301(a–1) of this article; and
(2)    procedures for maintaining the secrecy of the election results until after 12 a.m. on the day after a special election.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 1 - Polling Place Sites › Section 10-102 - Alternative Polling Places -- Elderly Individuals and Individuals With Disabilities

(a)    If the polling place assigned to an elderly or disabled voter is not structurally barrier free, the voter may request a reassignment by the local board.
(b)    (1)    To qualify for a reassignment by the local board, the voter shall submit a request in writing to the local board not later than the close of registration for the election.
(2)    The request may be made on a form prescribed by the State Board.
(c)    On receipt of a request from an elderly or disabled voter under subsection (b) of this section, the local board shall either:
(1)    assign the voter to an election district, ward, or precinct in the voter’s county that contains a structurally barrier free polling place; or
(2)    issue the voter an absentee ballot in accordance with the procedures established under Title 9, Subtitle 3 of this article.
(d)    Any ballot issued to a voter under subsection (c)(2) of this section shall be identical to the ballot used in the polling place originally assigned to the voter.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 2 - Election Judges › Section 10-201 - In General

(a)    (1)    (i)    Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, each local board shall provide at least four election judges to be the staff for each polling place.
(ii)    In a precinct with fewer than 200 registered voters, the local board may provide two election judges for that precinct’s polling place.
(2)    An election judge shall be appointed in accordance with the requirements of § 10-203 of this subtitle.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, each polling place shall have an equal number of election judges from:
(i)    the majority party; and
(ii)    the principal minority party.
(2)    (i)    If the total number of election judges for a precinct is six or more:
1.    a local board may provide one or more election judges who are not registered with either the majority party or principal minority political party; and
2.    a local board may provide one or more election judges who are minors.
(ii)    The number of election judges provided under this paragraph may not exceed the lesser of:
1.    the number of election judges who belong to the majority party; or
2.    the number of election judges who belong to the principal minority party.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 2 - Election Judges › Section 10-202 - Qualifications for Election Judges

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an election judge shall be a registered voter who resides in the county for which the election judge is appointed.
(2)    (i)    If a qualified individual residing in the county cannot be found with reasonable effort, the local board may appoint a registered voter residing in any part of the State.
(ii)    Subject to the provisions of § 3–210(c) of the Labor and Employment Article, a minor who is at least 16 years old and who is a registered voter may be appointed and serve as an election judge.
(b)    An election judge shall be able to speak, read, and write the English language.
(c)    An election judge may not engage in any partisan or political activity that is proscribed by § 2-301 of this article.
(d)    A State employee who serves as an election judge during hours that the employee is otherwise scheduled to work for the State:
(1)    may use 1 hour of administrative leave for each hour of service as an election judge, up to a total of 8 hours for each day of service; and
(2)    shall receive the election judge compensation as specified in § 10-205 of this subtitle.
(e)    A local board may adopt guidelines consistent with the provisions of this title for the determination of the qualifications of persons considered for appointment and for the process of appointment as election judges. To the extent not inconsistent with this subtitle, the guidelines may provide for the appointment of an election judge, other than the chief judge, to serve for less than a full day and for the judge to be compensated, on a pro rata basis, in accordance with the fees set under § 10-205 of this subtitle for a judge serving a full day.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 2 - Election Judges › Section 10-203 - Appointment of Election Judges

(a)    The election director, with the approval of the local board, shall appoint the election judges for each polling place for a term that begins on the Tuesday that is 13 weeks before each statewide primary election.
(b)    One or two election judges in each precinct shall:
(1)    be designated chief judge; and
(2)    supervise the staff at the polling place.
(c)    The term of office for an election judge continues until the Tuesday that is 13 weeks before the next statewide primary election unless:
(1)    the local board excuses the person for good cause; or
(2)    a special election is held during the election judge’s term of office and the State Board determines that a local board may not need the service of all of the appointed election judges.
(d)    A local board shall fill each vacant election judge position in the same manner as set forth in subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 2 - Election Judges › Section 10-204 - Oath

(a)    (1)    Each election judge shall take and subscribe to a written oath prescribed in Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.
(2)    The signed oath, when returned to the local board, shall constitute the commission of office for the election judge.
(b)    The State Board shall prescribe a form for the combined oath and commission required under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 2 - Election Judges › Section 10-206 - Instruction for Election Judges

(a)    In consultation with the local boards, the State Board shall:
(1)    develop a program of instruction of election judges; and
(2)    oversee the implementation of the program of instruction.
(b)    The training materials utilized by the program may include:
(1)    an instruction manual and other written directives;
(2)    curriculum for training sessions; and
(3)    audiovisuals.
(c)    The State Board shall develop a process for the evaluation of the training program and the performance of the polling place staff in each county.
(d)    To the extent appropriate, the training program shall be specific to each of the voting systems used in polling places in the State.
(e)    The State Board shall provide election judges with uniform statewide training on the voting system, including:
(1)    all features of the voting system that provide access to voters with disabilities; and
(2)    the rights of voters with disabilities, including those rights guaranteed by State and federal law.
(f)    Each local board shall conduct election judge training based on the program developed by the State Board.
(g)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, each election judge shall participate in the training program provided for in subsection (a) of this section.
(2)    An election judge who is appointed under emergency circumstances is not required to attend the course of instruction.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 2 - Election Judges › Section 10-207 - Removal of an Election Judge

(a)    A local board shall investigate promptly each complaint it receives regarding the fitness, qualification, or performance of an individual appointed to be an election judge.
(b)    A local board shall remove any election judge who is unfit or incompetent for the office.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 3 - Polling Place Procedures › Section 10-301 - Hours for Voting

(a)    On an election day, a polling place shall be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
(b)    A voter who has appeared at a polling place by the closing hour to cast a ballot shall be allowed to vote.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 3 - Polling Place Procedures › Section 10-302 - Delivery of Equipment and Supplies; Backup Copies

(a)    In a timely manner for each election, the local board shall provide for the delivery to each polling place the supplies, records, and equipment necessary for the conduct of the election.
(b)    Each polling place shall be equipped with a computer device that contains a record of all registered voters in the county and that is capable of being networked to other polling place computer devices.
(c)    Each polling place and early voting center shall have a paper or electronic backup copy of the election register available for the use of the election judges if the computer devices required under subsection (b) of this section do not function properly during an election.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 3 - Polling Place Procedures › Section 10-303 - Authority and Duties of Election Judges

(a)    Under the supervision of a chief judge, an election judge shall:
(1)    carry out the tasks assigned by the local board, including those set forth in any election judge instruction manual developed in accordance with § 10–206 of this title, during the period of time that begins before the election through the close of the polls and the return of materials to the local board; and
(2)    take measures throughout election day to ensure that:
(i)    each voter’s right to cast a ballot in privacy is maintained;
(ii)    the integrity of the voting process is preserved;
(iii)    the accuracy of the counting process is protected;
(iv)    order in the polling place is maintained; and
(v)    all election laws are observed.
(b)    While serving as an election judge on an election day, an election judge shall wear a badge that:
(1)    is in plain view;
(2)    identifies the person as an election judge; and
(3)    identifies the person by name and by the ward and precinct or election district for which the person is an election judge.
(c)    An election judge shall:
(1)    keep the peace; and
(2)    order the arrest of any person who:
(i)    breaches the peace;
(ii)    breaches any provision of this article; or
(iii)    interferes with the work of the judges in conducting the election and carrying out their assigned tasks.
(d)    (1)    An election judge shall protect a challenger or watcher in the exercise of the rights of a challenger or watcher as provided in § 10-311 of this subtitle.
(2)    (i)    An election judge is not required to admit a challenger or watcher to a polling place before the polls open if the challenger or watcher was not present at the polling place at least one-half hour before its opening.
(ii)    An election judge may require challengers and watchers to leave a polling place before it opens if a majority of the election judges present agrees that the presence of the challengers and watchers will prevent the timely opening of the polling place.
(3)    An election judge shall designate reasonable times for challengers and watchers to examine polling lists.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 3 - Polling Place Procedures › Section 10-304 - Duties of Police Officers

(a)    (1)    A police officer who is on duty at a polling place shall obey the order of an election judge for that polling place.
(2)    A police officer making an arrest under an order of an election judge is fully protected in so doing as if the police officer received a valid warrant to make the arrest.
(b)    A police officer who is on duty at a polling place shall protect a challenger or watcher in the discharge of the duties of the challenger or watcher.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 3 - Polling Place Procedures › Section 10-305 - Vacancy in Polling Place Staff During Voting Hours

(a)    If there is a vacancy in the polling place staff during voting hours:
(1)    the local board may fill the vacancy with a substitute election judge who has been recruited and trained; or
(2)    an election judge who is present at the polling place may fill the position of the absent election judge by appointing a person registered with the same party affiliation as the absent election judge.
(b)    If a substitute election judge is appointed under subsection (a) of this section:
(1)    either the election director, the election director’s designee, or the election judge making the substitute appointment shall administer the oath required under § 10-204 of this title; and
(2)    a chief election judge shall document any change in the polling place staff in the records of the polling place.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 3 - Polling Place Procedures › Section 10-306 - Information for Voters at Polling Place

(a)    (1)    The State Board, in consultation with the election directors of the local boards, shall specify and produce the following informational materials to be posted in each polling place:
(i)    a specimen ballot for that precinct;
(ii)    instructions relating to the availability of assistance to elderly and disabled voters;
(iii)    information regarding the date of the election and the hours during which the polling places will be open;
(iv)    instructions on how to vote, including how to cast a vote;
(v)    instructions for mail-in registrants and first-time voters;
(vi)    general information on voting rights under applicable federal and State laws and instructions on how to contact the appropriate local board if these rights are alleged to have been violated;
(vii)    information regarding provisional voting, including:
1.    information on the right of an individual to cast a provisional ballot;
2.    how to fill out the provisional ballot application and cast the provisional ballot; and
3.    the standards that will be applied in determining whether a provisional ballot will be counted; and
(viii)    general information on federal and State laws regarding prohibitions on acts of fraud and misrepresentation.
(2)    A local board may produce other materials appropriate for the polling places in the county.
(b)    Before the polls open, the election judges for each precinct shall post all information specified under subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 3 - Polling Place Procedures › Section 10-307 - Responsibilities of the Local Board

(a)    The members of each local board shall be available as needed on an election day.
(b)    The local board shall provide the staff of each polling place with the means to contact and obtain support from the office of the local board on election day.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 3 - Polling Place Procedures › Section 10-308 - Access to Voting Room

(a)    An election judge shall allow the following individuals to have access to the voting room at a polling place:
(1)    a voter;
(2)    an individual who accompanies a voter in need of assistance in accordance with § 10–310(c) of this subtitle;
(3)    polling place staff;
(4)    a member or other representative of the State Board or local board;
(5)    an accredited watcher or challenger under § 10–311 of this subtitle;
(6)    an individual under the age of 18 who accompanies a voter in accordance with § 10–310(c) of this subtitle, provided that:
(i)    the individual is in the care of the voter and does not disrupt or interfere with normal voting procedures; and
(ii)    the individual is not eligible to vote in that election; and
(7)    any other individual authorized by the State Board or local board.
(b)    Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a)(6) of this section, not more than two individuals under the age of 18 may accompany a voter in accordance with § 10–310(c) of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 3 - Polling Place Procedures › Section 10-309 - Responsibilities of Election Judges on Election Day -- Before the Polls Open

(a)    In accordance with instructions provided by the election director, an election judge shall arrive at the polling place and, under the direction of the chief judge, set up the polling place to assure that the polls will be open and operational at 7 a.m.
(b)    Except as provided in § 10-303(d)(2)(ii) of this subtitle, an election judge shall admit an accredited challenger or watcher one-half hour before the polling place is open.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 3 - Polling Place Procedures › Section 10-312 - Challenge of an Individual's Right to Vote

(a)    (1)    The right of an individual to vote may be challenged at the polls only on the grounds of identity.
(2)    An individual whose right to vote is challenged at the polls may establish the individual’s identity by presenting any of the following forms of identification:
(i)    the individual’s voter registration card;
(ii)    the individual’s Social Security card;
(iii)    the individual’s valid Maryland driver’s license;
(iv)    any identification card issued to the individual by a political subdivision of the State, the State, the federal government, or any unit of a political subdivision of the State, the State, or the federal government;
(v)    any employee identification card of the individual that contains a photograph of the individual and is issued by the employer of the individual in the ordinary course of the employer’s business; or
(vi)    a copy of a current bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and current address of the individual.
(3)    If an individual establishes the individual’s identity under paragraph (2) of this subsection, an election judge shall authorize the individual to vote a regular ballot.
(b)    A challenge to an individual’s right to vote shall be made before the individual is issued a ballot or a voting authority card.
(c)    If a challenge is made, and the challenged individual does not present any of the forms of identification specified under subsection (a)(2) of this section, the election judge receiving the challenge shall:
(1)    require the challenger to provide in writing, under penalty of perjury, the reasons for the challenge;
(2)    offer the challenged individual the opportunity to:
(i)    cast a provisional ballot; and
(ii)    submit an attestation, witnessed by the election judge, of the individual’s identity; and
(3)    submit the provisional ballot and other materials related to the challenge to the local board.
(d)    During the canvass of provisional ballots, the local board shall determine, based on the information submitted by the challenger and the challenged individual, whether the challenged individual is:
(1)    the registered voter he or she claims to be; and
(2)    otherwise qualified to vote.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 3 - Polling Place Procedures › Section 10-313 - Write-in Voting

(a)    In any general election or special general election, a voter may write in a name for any office.
(b)    (1)    When requested by a voter, an election judge shall provide information on write-in voting.
(2)    (i)    If a voter requests information on write-in voting, an election judge shall assure that the voter is fully informed of the procedure before voting.
(ii)    If a voter is unable to write, the voter may have assistance as provided in § 10-310(c) of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 3 - Polling Place Procedures › Section 10-314 - Closing of the Polls

(a)    (1)    The local board shall provide election judges with detailed procedures for the closing of the polls, specific to the voting system used.
(2)    The procedures shall include directions on:
(i)    the tabulation, recording, and reporting of votes if these activities are undertaken in the polling place;
(ii)    the preparation, signing, and sealing of documents and other election materials;
(iii)    the security of all equipment and materials in the polling place; and
(iv)    the return of equipment and materials to the local board.
(b)    If election results are produced in the polling place, the election judge shall admit watchers to hear the announced results.
(c)    A chief judge shall release an election judge from duty after the completion of the election judge’s assigned tasks.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 3 - Polling Place Procedures › Section 10-315 - Time Off for Employees to Vote

(a)    Every employer in the State shall permit any employee who claims to be a registered voter in the State a period not to exceed 2 hours absence from work on election day in order to cast a ballot if the employee does not have 2 hours of continuous off-duty during the time that the polls are open.
(b)    The employer shall pay the employee for the 2 hours absence from work.
(c)    (1)    Each employee shall furnish to the employer proof that the employee has voted or attempted to vote.
(2)    The proof that an employee has voted or attempted to vote shall be on a form prescribed by the State Board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 4 - Election Day Page Program › Section 10-401 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Page” means a student selected by a local board participating in the Program to assist the local board and election judges in performing election day duties in a polling place on election day.
(c)    “Program” means the Election Day Page Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 4 - Election Day Page Program › Section 10-402 - Election Day Page Program

(a)    There is an Election Day Page Program.
(b)    The purpose of the Program is to:
(1)    stimulate the interest of students in the election process;
(2)    provide assistance to election judges in polling places on election day; and
(3)    ensure the safe entry and exit of elderly voters and voters with disabilities from polling places.
(c)    The State Board:
(1)    shall develop a page training program for use by participating local boards that includes the duties, responsibilities, and prohibited conduct of pages at a polling place on election day; and
(2)    may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 4 - Election Day Page Program › Section 10-403 - Participation by Local Board

(a)    (1)    A local board may participate in the Program.
(2)    A participating local board shall implement or use components of the page training program developed by the State Board under § 10–402(c)(1) of this subtitle.
(3)    A participating local board may request from the State Board a waiver from a requirement established under this subtitle.
(b)    Each participating local board shall:
(1)    be responsible for the staffing of and implementation of a page training program;
(2)    ensure each page receives the required training before election day; and
(3)    encourage individuals at least 16 years old who apply to the Program to train as an election judge.
(c)    An individual may not work as a page in a polling place unless the individual has completed the training provided by the local board.
(d)    Each participating local board, in collaboration with the local school system, shall establish a procedure for the selection of pages by the local board.
(e)    Each participating local board may recognize and certify community service hours for pages.
(f)    This section does not require a local board to participate in the Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 4 - Election Day Page Program › Section 10-404 - Pages

(a)    To qualify as a page, an individual must:
(1)    be at least 14 years old;
(2)    apply to the local board in the individual’s county of residence;
(3)    be available to work at least one full 4–hour shift on election day; and
(4)    complete the required training before election day.
(b)    A page may not:
(1)    engage in any partisan activity while working at a polling place; or
(2)    handle or touch a marked ballot at any time.
(c)    A page may work up to two 4–hour shifts at a polling place on election day.
(d)    Each page shall:
(1)    serve under the direct supervision of the chief election judges for the assigned polling place; and
(2)    assist election judges with election day duties, as directed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 10 - Polling Places › Subtitle 4 - Election Day Page Program › Section 10-405 - Written Oath

(a)    Each page shall take and subscribe to a written oath.
(b)    The signed oath, when returned to the local board, shall constitute the commission of the position of election day page.
(c)    Each local board shall prescribe a form for the combined oath and commission required under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 11 - Canvassing › Subtitle 1 - Definitions › Section 11-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Board of canvassers” means the local board of elections in a county after the local board organizes itself for the purpose of canvassing the vote after an election in that county.
(c)    (1)    “Canvass” means the entire process of vote tallying, vote tabulation, and vote verification or audit, culminating in the production and certification of the official election results.
(2)    For absentee ballots, the “canvass” includes the opening of any envelope accompanying an absentee ballot and the assembly and review of absentee ballots in preparation for vote tallying.
(3)    For provisional ballots, the “canvass” includes the review of the provisional ballot applications described in § 11–303 of this title and the assembly and review of provisional ballots in preparation for vote tallying.
(4)    For votes cast during early voting, the “canvass” includes the tabulation of votes cast during early voting.
(5)    For votes cast in a special election conducted by mail under Title 9, Subtitle 5 of this article, the “canvass” includes:
(i)    the opening of any envelope accompanying a vote–by–mail ballot and the assembly and review of vote–by–mail ballots in preparation for vote tabulation; and
(ii)    the tabulation of vote–by–mail ballots.
(d)    “Counting center” means one or more central locations designated by a local board to conduct the canvass.
(e)    “Removable data storage device” means a read–only memory device that is programmed to record votes as they are cast on an electronic voting system.
(f)    (1)    “Unofficial returns” means a vote tabulation reported on election night after the polls close.
(2)    “Unofficial returns” does not include the absentee ballot count or the provisional ballot count.
(g)    “Vote tabulation” or “vote counting” means the aggregation of the votes cast by individual voters to produce vote totals at any level.
(h)    “Vote tallying” means the recording of votes cast by individual voters on a certified voting system whether done by:
(1)    a mechanical lever voting machine;
(2)    an electronic voting device; or
(3)    making marks manually on a tally sheet.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 11 - Canvassing › Subtitle 2 - Closing the Polls › Section 11-202 - Election Judges -- Procedures for Vote Counting

(a)    (1)    Each qualified voter present at the polls at 8 p.m. on election day shall be allowed to vote before the election judges commence their duties under this section.
(2)    In accordance with the provisions of this article and regulations adopted by the State Board, after the last voter has voted in an election, the election judges shall follow the instructions issued by the election director for closing the polls and for performing the tasks required in the postclosing period.
(b)    In accordance with this section, the election judges shall:
(1)    secure the voting system to prevent further voting;
(2)    if appropriate to the voting system, record the vote, produce vote totals for the polling place, and announce results to those present;
(3)    complete all documents, records, and reports required by law or regulation after the closing of the polls;
(4)    perform any other tasks assigned by the election director;
(5)    assemble and account for materials to be returned to the local board, including, if applicable for the voting system used in that election:
(i)    removable data storage devices from voting equipment;
(ii)    voted ballots;
(iii)    precinct registers;
(iv)    voting authority cards;
(v)    signs and posters;
(vi)    records, reports, logs, affidavits, certificates, and other documents;
(vii)    keys to voting devices;
(viii)    poll books; and
(ix)    any other materials specified by the election director;
(6)    assure that equipment and materials left in the polling place for retrieval at a later time are stored in a secure manner; and
(7)    deliver materials and equipment to the local board and obtain receipts from the board certifying the delivery of the items.
(c)    Judges may be observed, while performing their duties under this section, until they have finished their work and leave the premises by:
(1)    authorized challengers, watchers, and observers in accordance with § 10-311 of this article;
(2)    any candidate; and
(3)    any other person lawfully present.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 11 - Canvassing › Subtitle 3 - Vote Canvassing by Local Board › Section 11-301 - Organization of Local Boards of Canvassers

(a)    A board of canvassers shall:
(1)    convene at the designated counting center for that county on or before the day of the election, but not later than 5 p.m. on that day, and be sworn in; and
(2)    meet only in public session.
(a–1)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, a board of canvassers and the staff of a local board may be observed as they complete each part of the canvass by authorized observers designated under paragraph (2) of this subsection and any other individuals who wish to be present.
(2)    The following individuals or entities have the right to designate a registered voter as an observer at each counting center:
(i)    a candidate;
(ii)    a political party; and
(iii)    any other group of voters supporting or opposing a candidate, principle, or proposition on the ballot.
(3)    The State Board may adopt regulations prohibiting public observation of a part of the canvass only if prohibiting public observation is necessary to ensure:
(i)    the integrity or accuracy of the canvass; or
(ii)    that the canvass process is not impeded.
(4)    The State Board shall ensure that the requirements of this subsection are implemented uniformly and consistently by each local board.
(b)    Each board of canvassers shall elect by majority vote a chairman and secretary from among its members.
(c)    Each member of the board of canvassers shall take an oath, administered and recorded by the clerk of the circuit court, to canvass and declare the votes cast truthfully and to perform other duties required by law.
(d)    (1)    At the first meeting of the board of canvassers for the purpose of canvassing, a majority of the whole board of canvassers shall be a quorum.
(2)    If a quorum is not present, the members present shall adjourn until the next day.
(e)    Except as otherwise provided in this article, all decisions shall be reached by a majority vote of the members present.
(f)    In Montgomery County and Prince George’s County, if a member is not present at the scheduled time for vote canvassing, a substitute member of the board of canvassers may be sworn in.
(g)    At least one member of the board of canvassers present shall be a registered voter of the principal minority party.
(h)    Once the board has satisfied the requirements of subsections (a) through (g) of this section, it may proceed with the canvass in accordance with the regulations of the State Board.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Election Law › Title 11 - Canvassing › Subtitle 3 - Vote Canvassing by Local Board › Section 11-302 - Canvassing of Absentee Ballots

(a)    Following an election, each local board shall meet at its designated counting center to canvass the absentee ballots cast in that election in accordance with the regulations and guidelines established by the State Board.
(b)    (1)    A local board may not open any envelope of an absentee ballot prior to 8 a.m. on the Wednesday following election day.
(2)    A local board may not delay the commencement of the canvass to await the receipt of late-arriving, timely absentee ballots.
(c)    (1)    An absentee ballot shall be deemed timely received if it is received in accordance with the regulations and guidelines established by the State Board.
(2)    An absentee ballot that is received after the deadline specified by the regulations and guidelines may not be counted.
(d)    (1)    The State Board shall adopt regulations that reflect the policy that the clarity of the intent of the voter is the overriding consideration in determining the validity of an absentee ballot or the vote cast in a particular contest.
(2)    A local board may not reject an absentee ballot except by unanimous vote and in accordance with regulations of the State Board.
(3)    The local board shall reject an absentee ballot if:
(i)    the voter failed to sign the oath on the ballot envelope;
(ii)    the local board received more than one ballot from the same individual for the same election in the same ballot envelope; or
(iii)    the local board determines that an absentee ballot is intentionally marked with an identifying mark that is clearly evident and placed on the ballot for the purpose of identifying the ballot.
(4)    If the local board receives more than one legally sufficient ballot, in separate envelopes, from the same individual, the local board shall:
(i)    count only the ballot with the latest properly signed oath; and
(ii)    reject any other ballot.
(5)    If the intent of the voter is not clearly demonstrated, the local board shall reject only the vote for that office or question.
(6)    If an absentee voter casts a vote for an individual who has ceased to be a candidate, the vote for that candidate may not be counted, but that vote does not invalidate the remainder of the ballot.
(e)    At the end of each day of canvassing, a local board shall prepare and release a report of the unofficial results of the absentee ballot vote tabulation.