Bill > SB88

This bill authorizes the State Administrator of Elections to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with municipalities to collaboratively support their election administration. The bill adds new provisions allowing municipalities to request that the State Board of Elections include their municipal election offices and questions on state ballots. To be eligible, a municipality must file a request at least 9 months before the candidate filing deadline (reduced from 18 months) and certify that its election procedures align with state and county election procedures. These procedures include candidate filing, filling vacancies, petition filing, ballot question certification, voter registration, and voting processes. If a municipality has previously had its elections on the state ballot, it can continue without additional requests, unless there has been a significant change in its election methods. The State Board must respond to municipal requests within 30 days, deciding whether to include the municipal election on the ballot after consulting with the local county board of elections. The bill is enacted as an emergency measure, emphasizing its immediate importance for public health or safety.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0088?ys=2025RS