Bill > SB383

This bill introduces two main changes to Maryland's election laws. First, it allows the State Board of Elections to use ranked-choice voting (RCV) for the presidential primary election starting in 2028. Ranked-choice voting is a voting method where voters can rank candidates in order of preference, rather than just selecting one candidate. If the State Board implements RCV, they must develop and fund a voter education campaign to help voters understand this new voting method and must submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly by January 1, 2029, reviewing the implementation and offering recommendations for future use. Second, the bill requires the State Board to adopt regulations for reviewing, certifying, and decertifying election-supporting technology, which includes equipment like electronic pollbooks, risk-limiting audit tools, and election software (but not voting systems themselves). The State Board must also periodically review and evaluate this election-supporting technology. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving election officials time to prepare for the potential changes in the 2028 primary election.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0383?ys=2025RS