Bill > HB182

This bill modifies Maryland's election law concerning presidential electors, which are individuals chosen to formally cast votes for President and Vice President. It introduces the concept of an "unaffiliated presidential candidate," meaning a candidate who reaches the general election ballot without a political party's nomination. The bill requires both political parties and unaffiliated presidential candidates to submit two names each for presidential elector: a nominee and an alternate nominee, to the State Board of Elections at least 30 days before the general election. These nominees must sign a pledge agreeing to vote for the candidate who nominated them, or their successor if the original candidate dies or withdraws. The bill also outlines procedures for filling vacancies among presidential electors during their meeting, prioritizing the alternate nominee, then other alternates from the same party or unaffiliated candidate, and finally other qualified individuals if necessary, with a process for lot drawing in case of ties. Importantly, it mandates that presidential electors must cast their ballots in accordance with their pledges, and failure to do so or to present a ballot will result in their position being vacated and filled by a substitute. The bill also makes changes to how votes for presidential and vice-presidential candidates are counted, linking them to the submitted elector nominees, and includes provisions for amending the state's Certificate of Ascertainment if the final list of electors differs from what was initially reported. Some sections of the bill are set to take effect on October 1, 2026, with specific provisions having conditional or delayed effective dates.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0182?ys=2026RS