Bill > HB761

This bill: Prohibits certain candidates from petitioning for a recount if the margin of difference between the winner and the losing candidate with the highest votes is greater than 5% of the total votes cast. It also prohibits registered voters from filing a recount petition on a ballot question if the margin of difference between the votes for and against the question is greater than 5%. The bill alters the circumstances under which a petitioner for a recount is not liable for the costs of the recount, including if the outcome of the election is changed or the petitioner gains a significant number of votes. The bill creates a "Contested Election Committee" that can receive donations and make disbursements related to a contested election, such as a recount or judicial challenge. It imposes limits on the amounts that can be donated to or transferred to these committees, with some exceptions. The bill also requires detailed reporting and record-keeping for these committees. The bill also requires the State Administrator to convene a workgroup to develop a plan for conducting "risk-limiting audits" of election results after each statewide election, to ensure the accuracy of the electronic vote counts.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0761?ys=2021RS