Bill > HB1289

This bill establishes a Task Force on the Implementation of Approval Voting and Ranked-Choice Voting, which are alternative methods of voting. Approval voting allows voters to vote for as many candidates as they approve of, while ranked-choice voting (also known as instant-runoff voting) allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. The task force will be composed of members from the Senate, House of Delegates, state and local election officials, and appointees by the Governor with expertise in relevant fields. The task force's responsibilities include reviewing how these voting methods are used elsewhere, evaluating their potential administrative and fiscal impacts on elections in Maryland, examining their effects on voter participation and outcomes, considering pilot programs or local options, analyzing legal considerations, identifying necessary statutory changes, and developing recommendations for action. The task force is required to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 1, 2027. This act will take effect on October 1, 2026, and will be repealed on June 30, 2028.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1289?ys=2026RS