Bill > SB670

This bill, titled Election Law - Local Board of Elections Employees - Authority at Polling Places, aims to clarify and expand the authority of local board of elections employees, often referred to as election officials, within polling places. Key provisions include requiring any police officer on duty at a polling place to follow the directives of a local board employee, similar to how they would follow an election judge's orders, and granting these local board employees the power to maintain peace, order the arrest of individuals who disrupt the election process or violate election laws, and protect the rights of challengers and watchers. Furthermore, local board employees will have the discretion to deny entry or remove challengers and watchers under specific circumstances, such as if their presence hinders the timely opening of the polls or if they violate established rules of conduct, and this authority can be exercised independently of election judges.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0670?ys=2026RS