# Election Law (GEL)

## Title 13. Campaign Finance

### Subtitle 3. General Reporting Requirements

#### Section 13-332.1

(a) A candidate may not be issued a certificate of nomination under Sec. 5-705 of this article if, on or before the deadline for declining the nomination specified under Sec. 5-801(b) of this article, the candidate has failed to:

  (1) file a campaign finance report, an affidavit, or an amended campaign finance report that is due under this subtitle from, or on behalf of, that candidate;

  (2) pay a late filing fee that is due under Sec. 13-331 of this subtitle; or

  (3) pay a civil penalty that is due under Sec. 13-604.1 of this title.

(b) Not later than 20 days before the deadline for declining the nomination specified under Sec. 5-801(b) of this article, the State Board shall send a written notice to each candidate who was successful in the primary election and has failed to file a campaign finance report or an affidavit or pay a late filing fee or civil penalty under Sec. 13-604.1 of this title that the candidate will be deemed to have declined the nomination if the candidate does not rectify the failure on or before the deadline for declining the nomination specified under Sec. 5-801(b) of this article.

(c) A vacancy in nomination that occurs as a result of subsection (a) of this section shall be filled in accordance with Title 5, Subtitle 10 of this article.

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Md. Code Ann., Election Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)