# Election Law (GEL)

## Title 3. Voter Registration

### Subtitle 1. Registration -- Generally

#### Section 3-101

(a) There shall be a statewide voter registration list.

(b) The statewide voter registration list shall:

  (1) be the official voter registration list for the State;

  (2) contain the name and other information for every legally registered voter in the State;

  (3) allow each local board to obtain immediate electronic access to the information contained in the list;

  (4) be coordinated with other agency databases in the State;

  (5) be used to produce precinct registers for use in polling places on election day; and

  (6) include voting history information on a current basis for a period covering at least the 5 preceding years.

(c) The State Administrator shall:

  (1) define, maintain, and administer the statewide voter registration list;

  (2) with the local boards, ensure the currency and accuracy of each individual voter's registration record;

  (3) instruct the local boards on:

    (i) processing voter registration applications and name and address changes;

    (ii) entering voter registration information into the statewide voter registration list; and

    (iii) removing from the statewide voter registration list information about voters who are no longer eligible to be registered voters; and

  (4) subject to relevant federal law and to regulations adopted by the State Board, establish and conduct a program to identify voters who have changed their addresses.

(d) Registration shall be conducted continuously under the supervision of the State Administrator and in accordance with the provisions of this title, applicable federal law, and regulations adopted by the State Board.

(e)

  (1) A State agency shall provide any data to the State Board that the State Administrator determines is necessary to maintain an accurate statewide voter registration list.

  (2) Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the State Board may not disclose data provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection except as provided in Title 4 of the General Provisions Article.

  (3)

    (i) The State Board may enter into agreements with other states to exchange any data that the State Administrator determines is relevant to maintaining accurate voter registration lists.

    (ii) The State Board may exchange data that is not subject to public disclosure under Title 4 of the General Provisions Article with other persons as the State Administrator determines is necessary for the sole purpose of maintaining accurate voter registration lists.

    (iii) A person who receives data that is not subject to public disclosure under Title 4 of the General Provisions Article under this paragraph may not use or redisclose that data except for the purpose of maintaining accurate voter registration lists.

(f) A registered voter:

  (1) shall remain registered when the voter moves to another county in the State; and

  (2) may not be required to register again unless the voter's registration is canceled in accordance with Subtitle 5 of this title.

#### Section 3-102

(a)

  (1) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, an individual may become registered to vote if the individual:

    (i) is a citizen of the United States;

    (ii) is at least 16 years old;

    (iii) is a resident of the State as of the day the individual seeks to register; and

    (iv) registers pursuant to this title.

  (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection, an individual under the age of 18 years:

    (i) may vote in a primary election in which candidates are nominated for a general or special election that will occur when the individual is at least 18 years old; and

    (ii) may not vote in any other election.

(b) An individual is not qualified to be a registered voter if the individual:

  (1) has been convicted of a felony and is currently serving a court-ordered sentence of imprisonment for the conviction;

  (2) is under guardianship for mental disability and a court of competent jurisdiction has specifically found by clear and convincing evidence that the individual cannot communicate, with or without accommodations, a desire to participate in the voting process; or

  (3) has been convicted of buying or selling votes.

#### Section 3-103

The State Board shall maintain a page on its website that:

(1) explains in plain, easily understandable language the requirements for students enrolled in institutions of higher education to register to vote in the State; and

(2) includes links to information regarding voter registration requirements and voting by absentee ballot in other states in which students enrolled in institutions of higher education may reside.

### Subtitle 2. Methods of Application

#### Section 3-201

(a) An individual may apply to become a registered voter:

  (1) at a local board office or the State Board office;

  (2) at a registration site administered by a local board;

  (3) by mail;

  (4) when applying to the Motor Vehicle Administration for the issuance, renewal, or modification of a driver's license or identification card;

  (5) when applying for services at a voter registration agency;

  (6) through the State Board's online voter registration system; or

  (7) with the assistance of a volunteer authorized by the State or local board.

(b) An individual who is at least 18 years old or will be 18 years old on or before the day of the next succeeding general or special election may be a volunteer under subsection (a)(7) of this section.

#### Section 3-202

(a)

  (1) The statewide voter registration application shall:

    (i) require the signature of the applicant, subject to the penalties of perjury, by which the applicant swears or affirms that the information contained in the registration application is true and that the applicant meets all of the qualifications to become a registered voter;

    (ii) state the penalties for the submission of a false application; and

    (iii) provide the applicant with the opportunity to cancel a current registration.

  (2) The following information shall be made available to each applicant who is completing a statewide voter registration application:

    (i) the qualifications to become a registered voter;

    (ii) if an individual declines to register, this fact will remain confidential and be used only for voter registration purposes;

    (iii) if an individual registers to vote, the office at which the application is submitted will remain confidential and will be used only for voter registration purposes; and

    (iv) notification to the applicant that submission of the form to an individual other than an official, employee, or agent of a local board does not assure that the form will be filed or filed in a timely manner.

  (3) The statewide voter registration application may not require:

    (i) notarization or other formal authentication; or

    (ii) any additional information, other than the information necessary to enable election officials to determine the eligibility of the applicant and to administer voter registration and other parts of the election process.

  (4) In the section of the statewide voter registration application that asks the voter whether the voter wants to affiliate with a political party, the application shall list the recognized political parties in the State and include the following statement: "You must register with a political party if you want to take part in that political party's primary election, caucus, or convention. Check one box only.".

  (5)

    (i) A statewide voter registration application shall be produced exclusively by the State Board.

    (ii) No other registration form may be used for registration purposes except:

      (1) a voter registration application produced by a local board with the approval of the State Board;

      (2) as provided in subsection (b) of this section;

      (3) as provided in Sec. 3-203(b) of this subtitle;

      (4) any other form prescribed by federal law for voter registration; or

      (5) a federal write-in absentee ballot if used by a voter authorized to vote a federal write-in absentee ballot under federal law.

(b) The voter registration application form prescribed pursuant to the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 shall satisfy the requirements prescribed under subsection (a) of this section and be accepted by the appropriate election official for purposes of voter registration.

(c) The application described in this section may be used by a registered voter to change the voter's name, address, or party affiliation.

#### Section 3-202.1

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Common access card" means the identification card issued by the U.S. Department of Defense to active-duty members of the uniformed services, eligible members of a reserve component, Department of Defense civilian employees, and eligible Department of Defense contractor personnel.

  (3) "Federal post card application" means the form prescribed under 52 U.S.C. Sec. 20301(b)(2) that may be used by absent uniformed services voters and overseas voters to simultaneously apply to register to vote and apply for an absentee ballot.

  (4) "Reserve component" has the meaning stated in Sec. 9-901 of the State Government Article.

(b) The State Board shall establish a process for an individual to:

  (1) submit the federal post card application electronically; and

  (2) use a common access card to sign the federal post card application.

(c) The process required to be established under subsection (b) of this section:

  (1) may allow the use of a common access card only for the purpose of verifying identity and allowing an individual to fulfill the signature requirement on the federal post card application; and

  (2) may not allow an individual to apply to register to vote solely using the common access card.

#### Section 3-203

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2)

    (i) "Applicable transaction" means:

      (1) at the Motor Vehicle Administration, an initial application for or renewal of a driver's license or identification card, or a change of name or address on an existing driver's license or identification card, or any other transaction in which the Motor Vehicle Administration obtains all of the information from an applicant that satisfies the requirements to register to vote;

      (2) at the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, any application for or renewal of health insurance coverage;

      (3) at a local department of social services, an initial application for a State or federally funded public assistance program or an application for a recertification, renewal, or change of name or address relating to a State or federally funded public assistance program; or

      (4) at the Mobility Certification Office in the Maryland Transit Administration, an initial application for paratransit service or an application for recertification for paratransit service.

    (ii) "Applicable transaction" includes any transaction described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph that is completed online.

  (3) "Automatic voter registration agency" means:

    (i) the Motor Vehicle Administration;

    (ii) the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange;

    (iii) local departments of social services; and

    (iv) the Mobility Certification Office in the Maryland Transit Administration.

  (4) "Automatic voter registration system" means a system that, as an integral part of each applicable transaction at an automatic voter registration agency:

    (i) informs an applicant:

      (1) that the applicant shall be registered to vote or shall have a voter registration record updated, if applicable, unless the applicant declines to register to vote or update a voter registration record or if the applicant is not eligible to register to vote;

      (2) of the qualifications to register to vote under Sec. 3-102 of this title;

      (3) that the applicant should not register if the applicant does not meet all the qualifications;

      (4) of the penalties for the submission of a false application; and

      (5) that voter registration is voluntary and that neither registering nor declining to register to vote will in any way affect the availability of services or benefits;

    (ii) requires the electronic signature of the applicant, subject to the penalties for perjury, by which the applicant attests that the information provided by the applicant is true and that the applicant meets all the qualifications to become a registered voter, including United States citizenship; and

    (iii) electronically transmits the voter registration information of each applicant who does not decline to register to vote or update a voter registration record directly to the State Board:

      (1) in a manner and format specified jointly by the automatic voter registration agency and the State Board; and

      (2) within 5 days of the applicable transaction.

  (5) "Local department of social services" means:

    (i) the local departments of social services in the Department of Human Services; and

    (ii) the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.

(b)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an automatic voter registration agency shall implement an automatic voter registration system on or before July 1, 2019.

  (2) A local department of social services shall implement an automatic voter registration system on or before December 1, 2019.

(c) An automatic voter registration system:

  (1) may not require any information that duplicates the information required to complete an applicable transaction;

  (2) shall require only the minimum amount of information necessary for both an applicable transaction and a voter registration to:

    (i) prevent duplicate voter registration; and

    (ii) enable election officials to review the eligibility of an applicant and to administer voter registration and other aspects of the election process; and

  (3) shall inform an applicant that if the applicant does not select a political party affiliation, the individual will be designated as not affiliated with a political party and will be unable to vote in a party primary election.

(d) An agent of an automatic voter registration agency who is responsible for carrying out the requirements of this section may not:

  (1) seek to influence an applicant's political preference or party registration;

  (2) display any political preference or party allegiance; or

  (3) make any statement to an applicant or take any action the purpose or effect of which is to:

    (i) discourage the applicant from registering to vote; or

    (ii) lead the applicant to believe that a decision to register or not to register has any bearing on the availability of services or benefits.

(e) The State Board shall ensure that each individual whose voter registration information is transmitted to the State Board through an automatic voter registration system is promptly registered to vote.

(f) If the State Board receives notice from an individual that the individual was inadvertently registered to vote through an automatic voter registration agency after declining to register to vote, the State Board shall correct the error in accordance with Sec. 3-601.1 of this title.

(g) Voter registration information or information relating to the decision of an applicant at an automatic voter registration agency to decline to register to vote may not be used for any purpose other than the maintenance of registration statistics, election administration, or prosecution of criminal violations of the election law.

(h) Notwithstanding Sec. 3-501 of this title and Sec. 4-401 of the General Provisions Article, the identity of an automatic voter registration agency through which a particular voter has registered may not be disclosed to the public.

(i) The State Board may adopt regulations as necessary to implement this section.

(j)

  (1) Each automatic voter registration agency shall:

    (i) on or before July 1, 2019, submit a report, in accordance with Sec. 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment and the House Committee on Ways and Means that describes:

      (1) the efforts of the automatic voter registration agency to register voters in the preceding calendar year; and

      (2) the implementation of an automatic voter registration system; and

    (ii) on or before January 1, 2020, and January 1 each subsequent year, submit a report, in accordance with Sec. 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the Senate Committee on Education, Energy, and the Environment and the House Committee on Ways and Means that describes:

      (1) the number of individuals who completed an applicable transaction in the preceding calendar year at the automatic voter registration agency and the number of those individuals who registered to vote or updated a voter registration record; and

      (2) any efforts the automatic voter registration agency plans to make to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the voter registration process at the agency.

  (2) The Department of Human Services shall consolidate and submit the reports required under paragraph (1)(i) and (ii) of this subsection as a single document on behalf of all the local departments of social services.

#### Section 3-203.1

#### Section 3-204

(a)

  (1) The State Board shall designate public agencies and nongovernmental agencies as voter registration agencies where qualified individuals may apply to register to vote.

  (2) The State Board shall designate the following offices as voter registration agencies:

    (i) all offices in the State that provide public assistance;

    (ii) all offices in the State that provide State-funded programs primarily engaged in providing services to individuals with disabilities;

    (iii) all public institutions of higher education in the State; and

    (iv) all one-stop career centers in the Maryland Department of Labor.

  (3) The State Board and the Secretary of Defense shall jointly develop and implement procedures for persons to apply to register to vote at recruitment offices of the armed forces of the United States, which shall be deemed voter registration agencies.

(a-1) A voter registration agency that is subject to the requirements of Sec. 3-203 of this subtitle:

  (1) shall conduct voter registration in the manner specified in Sec. 3-203 of this subtitle; and

  (2) is not subject to the requirements of this section.

(b) Except for a public institution of higher education in the State, which institution shall comply with the requirements of subsection (c) of this section and Sec. 3-204.2(f) of this subtitle, each voter registration agency, as provided in subsection (a)(2) and (3) of this section, shall:

  (1) distribute a voter registration application approved by the State Board or the Federal Election Commission with each application for service or assistance it renders and with each recertification, renewal, or change of address form relating to such service or assistance;

  (2) provide a document to prospective registrants that includes:

    (i) the question, "If you are not registered to vote where you live now, would you like to apply to register to vote here today?";

    (ii) if the agency provides public assistance, the statement, "Applying to register or declining to register to vote will not affect the amount of assistance that you will be provided by this agency.";

    (iii) boxes for the applicant to check to indicate whether the applicant would like to register or declines to register to vote together with the statement (in close proximity to the boxes and in prominent type), "If you do not check either box, you will be considered to have decided not to register to vote at this time.";

    (iv) the statement, "If you would like help in filling out the voter registration application form, we will help you. The decision whether to seek or accept help is yours. You may fill out the application form in private.";

    (v) the statement, "If you believe that someone has interfered with your right to register or to decline to register to vote, your right to privacy in deciding whether to register or in applying to register to vote, or your right to choose your own political party or other political preference, you may file a complaint with the State Board of Elections."; and

    (vi) the address and toll free telephone number of the State Board;

  (3) provide each applicant who does not decline to register to vote and who accepts assistance the same degree of assistance with regard to completion of the registration application as is provided by the office with regard to the completion of its own applications, unless the applicant refuses such assistance;

  (4) ensure that each application for service or assistance from the agency and each recertification, renewal, or change of address form relating to the service or assistance may not be completed until the applicant has indicated whether the applicant wishes to register to vote and is informed that if the applicant does not select a political party affiliation, the individual will be designated as not affiliated with a political party and will be unable to vote in a party primary election; and

  (5) accept the completed voter registration application for transmittal to the appropriate election board.

(c)

  (1) A public institution of higher education shall designate a staff member as the student voting coordinator.

  (2) The student voting coordinator shall develop and implement a student voting plan to increase student voter registration and voting in collaboration with faculty, staff, recognized student organizations, and other appropriate stakeholders at the institution.

  (3) The student voting plan shall:

    (i) cover the 2-year period immediately preceding each statewide general election; and

    (ii) be updated after each statewide general election.

  (4) The student voting plan shall include:

    (i) wide dissemination of information about voter registration and voting opportunities to all students, including:

      (1) the voter registration process and deadlines;

      (2) the process and deadlines for requesting and returning a ballot by mail;

      (3) locations and dates for early voting and election day voting, including transportation options to the voting locations;

      (4) information about voter registration at early voting centers under Sec. 3-305 of this title and voter registration at precinct polling places on election day under Sec. 3-306 of this title; and

      (5) a link from the institution's online student portal to the webpage concerning student voter registration and voting that is maintained by the State Board under Sec. 3-103 of this title or a webpage on the student portal that includes the same information as the webpage maintained by the State Board;

    (ii) provision of voter registration materials at central locations and high-traffic areas on campus;

    (iii) reasonable accommodation and collaboration with the local board regarding:

      (1) the placement of an early voting center or precinct polling place on campus if requested by the local board;

      (2) parking;

      (3) campaign signs;

      (4) voter access to campus without identification;

      (5) polling place space requirements in compliance with State Board regulations;

      (6) public education campaign;

      (7) ballot drop box siting; and

      (8) any other factors relating to the conduct of an election;

    (iv) encouragement and support of recognized student organizations engaged in activities to increase voter registration and voting by students; and

    (v) any other activities to promote student participation in civic affairs and the election process that the institution determines are appropriate.

  (5) The student voting plan may not be used to disseminate information regarding:

    (i) how a student should vote; or

    (ii) who a student should vote for.

  (6) A public institution of higher education shall:

    (i) make the institution's student voting plan available to the public on the institution's website; and

    (ii) provide the institution's student voting plan to the Maryland Higher Education Commission and the State Board.

(d) An applicant may mail the voter registration application to the appropriate State election official or return it to the voter registration agency for transmittal to the appropriate election official.

(e) Within 5 days from the acceptance of a voter registration application, the voter registration agency shall forward the application to the appropriate State election official.

(f)

  (1) An applicant registering to vote at a voter registration agency may affirmatively consent to the use of the individual's electronic signature that is on file with the voter registration agency as the individual's signature for the application being submitted.

  (2) If an applicant signs a voter registration application as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the voter registration agency shall transmit an electronic copy of the applicant's signature to the State Board within 5 days after the day on which the agency accepted the application.

(g) If a voter registration agency is an office described in subsection (a)(2)(ii) of this section, which provides services to an individual with a disability at the individual's home, the agency shall provide the services described in subsection (b) of this section at the individual's home.

(h)

  (1) An individual who provides any service described in subsection (b) of this section may not:

    (i) seek to influence an applicant's political preference or party registration;

    (ii) display any political preference or party allegiance; or

    (iii) make any statement to an applicant or take any action the purpose or effect of which is to lead the applicant to believe that a decision to register or not to register has any bearing on the availability of services or benefits.

  (2) No information relating to a declination to register to vote in connection with an application made at an office designated as a voter registration agency may be used for any purpose other than the maintenance of voter registration statistics.

  (3) Notwithstanding Sec. 3-501 of this title and Sec. 4-401 of the General Provisions Article, the identity of a voter registration agency through which a particular voter has registered may not be disclosed to the public.

(i) Regulations necessary to carry out the requirements of this section and Sec. 3-203 of this subtitle, including provisions for training the employees of voter registration agencies and the Motor Vehicle Administration, shall be adopted by the State Board in cooperation with each agency.

#### Section 3-204.1

(a) The State Board may operate an online voter registration system that allows an individual to electronically:

  (1) apply to become a registered voter; or

  (2) change the individual's name, address, or party affiliation in the individual's existing voter registration record.

(b) To apply to register to vote through the online voter registration system, an individual shall:

  (1) complete the electronic voter registration application;

  (2) affirmatively attest, subject to the penalties of perjury, that the information contained in the voter registration application is true and that the applicant meets all of the qualifications to become a registered voter;

  (3) provide one of the following:

    (i) a Maryland driver's license number or Maryland identification card number, the last four digits of the individual's Social Security number, and other information identified by the State Board that is not generally available to the public but is readily available to the individual; or

    (ii) if the individual is an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter as defined in the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and does not have a Maryland driver's license or Maryland identification card, a Social Security number; and

  (4) affirmatively consent to the use of one of the following as the individual's signature for the application being submitted:

    (i) the electronic copy of the individual's signature that is on file with the Motor Vehicle Administration; or

    (ii) the individual's Social Security number.

(c) To change an individual's name, address, or party affiliation in the individual's existing voter registration record, an individual shall:

  (1) complete the electronic voter registration application;

  (2) affirmatively attest, subject to the penalties of perjury, that the information contained in the voter registration application is true and that the applicant meets all of the qualifications to be a registered voter;

  (3) provide one of the following:

    (i) a Maryland driver's license number or Maryland identification card number, the last four digits of the individual's Social Security number, and other information identified by the State Board that is not generally available to the public but is readily available to the individual; or

    (ii) if the individual is an absent uniformed services voter or overseas voter as defined in the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and does not have a Maryland driver's license or Maryland identification card, a Social Security number; and

  (4) affirmatively consent to the use of one of the following as the individual's signature for the application being submitted:

    (i) the electronic copy of the individual's signature that is on file with the Motor Vehicle Administration; or

    (ii) the individual's Social Security number.

(d) The Motor Vehicle Administration shall transmit an electronic copy of an individual's driver's license or identification card signature to the State Board within 5 days of being notified by the State Board that the individual submitted a voter registration application through the online voter registration system.

(e) The State Board may:

  (1) take any additional measures it deems necessary to ensure the integrity and accuracy of voter registration applications submitted through the online voter registration system; and

  (2) adopt any regulations necessary to administer the online voter registration system.

#### Section 3-204.2

(a) The State Board and the Department of Natural Resources shall jointly develop and implement procedures for individuals who apply for the issuance or renewal of a license, permit, or certificate online to be offered the opportunity to register to vote through a link to the online voter registration system.

(b) The State Board and the Maryland Department of Labor shall jointly develop and implement procedures for individuals who use the Maryland Workforce Exchange website to be offered the opportunity to register to vote through a link to the online voter registration system.

(c) The State Board and the Department of Veterans and Military Families shall jointly develop and implement procedures for individuals who use the Department of Veterans and Military Families website or who are contacted by the Department's outreach and advocacy program to be offered the opportunity to register to vote through a link to the online voter registration system.

(d)

  (1)

    (i) In this subsection the following words have the meanings indicated.

    (ii) "Applicable transaction" means an online application for a State or federally funded public assistance program or an online application for a recertification, renewal, or change of name or address relating to a State or federally funded public assistance program.

    (iii) "Department" means the Department of Human Services.

    (iv) "Electronic portal" means the Department's online system, known as MyDHR, through which an individual may complete an applicable transaction.

  (2) Pending the implementation of an automatic voter registration system under Sec. 3-203 of this subtitle, the State Board and the Department shall jointly develop and implement procedures for individuals who use the Department's electronic portal to complete an applicable transaction to be offered the opportunity to register to vote through a link to the online voter registration system.

(e) The State Board and the State Comptroller shall jointly develop and implement procedures for individuals who file a Maryland resident individual income tax return electronically to be offered the opportunity to register to vote through a link to the online voter registration system.

(f)

  (1)

    (i) In this subsection the following words have the meanings indicated.

    (ii) "Association" means the Maryland Independent College and University Association.

    (iii) "Commission" means the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

  (2)

    (i) Each public institution of higher education and each private nonprofit institution of higher education that receives operating or capital funding from the State shall provide a link to the online voter registration system on the home page of the online portal used by students to register for course work.

    (ii) The link to the online voter registration system shall be prominently placed on the home page in a location where it may be easily viewed by students registering for course work.

    (iii) If there are fewer than 15 clicks on the link in any calendar year, the institution of higher education shall relocate the link to a different, more conspicuous location for the immediately following calendar year and take any other appropriate steps to encourage students to use the link.

  (3)

    (i) On or before January 1 each year, each public institution of higher education shall submit a report to the Commission that includes:

      (1) the number of individuals who clicked on the link required under paragraph (2) of this subsection in the immediately preceding calendar year;

      (2) if there were fewer than 15 clicks on the link required under paragraph (2) of this subsection in the immediately preceding calendar year a description of any appropriate steps the institution is taking to encourage students to use the link; and

      (3) any efforts the public institution of higher education plans to make to improve access to voter registration for students at the institution.

    (ii) On or before January 15 each year, the Commission shall compile and summarize the information reported by public institutions of higher education under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph in a single report and submit the report to the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and the House Committee on Ways and Means in accordance with Sec. 2-1257 of the State Government Article.

  (4)

    (i) On or before January 1 each year, each private nonprofit institution of higher education that receives operating or capital funding from the State and is a member of the Association shall submit a report to the Association that includes:

      (1) the number of individuals who clicked on the link required under paragraph (2) of this subsection in the immediately preceding calendar year;

      (2) if there were fewer than 15 clicks on the link required under paragraph (2) of this subsection in the immediately preceding calendar year, a description of any appropriate steps the institution is taking to encourage students to use the link; and

      (3) any efforts the private nonprofit institution of higher education plans to make to improve access to voter registration for students at the institution.

    (ii) On or before January 15 each year, the Association shall compile and summarize the information reported by its members under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph in a single report and submit the report to the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and the House Committee on Ways and Means in accordance with Sec. 2-1257 of the State Government Article.

#### Section 3-205

A voter registration volunteer or any individual assisting another individual to register to vote may not:

(1) copy or collect the following information contained on a voter registration application:

  (i) Maryland driver's license number;

  (ii) Maryland identification number;

  (iii) Social Security number; or

  (iv) other information from a voter registration application that is protected from public disclosure;

(2) use any voter registration information for a purpose inconsistent with Sec. 3-506 of this title; and

(3) receive any form of compensation, including bonuses, that is based on the number of voter registration applications collected.

### Subtitle 3. Administration of Registration

#### Section 3-301

(a) When a voter registration application is received by a local board, the local board shall:

  (1) if the applicant resides in the county of the local board, determine whether the applicant is qualified to become a registered voter; or

  (2) if the applicant resides in a different county in the State, immediately forward the application to the proper county.

(b) The information contained in the voter registration application for a qualified applicant shall be electronically entered into the statewide voter registration list on an expedited basis at the time voter registration information is provided to the local board and shall be assigned to the county in which the applicant resides unless registration is closed pursuant to Sec. 3-302 of this subtitle.

(c)

  (1) The election director in the county where an applicant resides shall send a voter acknowledgment notice, in a format prescribed by the State Board, to each applicant informing the applicant whether he or she is qualified to become registered, and, if not qualified, the reasons why.

  (2)

    (i) A voter notification card sent to a qualified applicant may serve as a voter acknowledgment notice.

    (ii)

      (1) The voter notification card shall contain the name and address of the voter, the date of issue, and the district or ward and precinct of the voter.

      (2) The card is evidence that the individual to whom it is issued is a registered voter on the date appearing on the card.

      (3) The election director shall issue a replacement card on request of the voter and a new card when a relevant change is made in the voter's registration record if the voter continues to reside in the county.

#### Section 3-302

(a)

  (1) Except as provided under Sec.Sec. 3-305 and 3-306 of this subtitle, registration is closed during the period specified in this subsection.

  (2) Voter registration closes beginning on the 21st day preceding an election at:

    (i) 5 p.m. for applications and changes to voter registration records submitted by a method other than through the State Board's online voter registration system; and

    (ii) 11:59 p.m. for applications and changes to voter registration records submitted through the State Board's online voter registration system.

  (3) Voter registration reopens on the 11th day after an election.

(b) A voter registration application received when registration is closed shall be accepted and retained by a local board, but the registration of the applicant does not become effective until registration reopens.

(c) A voter registration application that is received by the local board after the close of registration shall be considered timely received for the next election provided:

  (1) there is sufficient evidence, as determined by the local board pursuant to regulations adopted by the State Board, that the application was mailed on or before registration was closed for that election; or

  (2) the application was submitted by the voter to the Motor Vehicle Administration, a voter registration agency, another local board, or the State Board prior to the close of registration.

#### Section 3-303

(a) Notification of a change of party affiliation or a change to or from a decline may be made:

  (1) by information provided on a voter registration application by the same methods provided for registration under Subtitle 2 of this title;

  (2) by written notice, signed by the voter and sent by mail or otherwise delivered to the local board in the county where the voter's current voter registration address is located or to which the voter has moved;

  (3) by making application in person at the office of the local board in the county where the voter's current voter registration address is located or to which the voter has moved;

  (4) by information on a voter authority card or other appropriate form filled out in a polling place; or

  (5) by changing a name or address with the Motor Vehicle Administration.

(b) Party affiliation changes or changes to or from a decline:

  (1) shall be processed at any time that registration is open; and

  (2) except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, may not be processed when registration is closed.

(c) If a local board receives a request for a party affiliation change after the close of registration, the local board shall make the change and it shall become effective for the next election provided:

  (1) there is sufficient evidence, as determined by the local boards pursuant to regulations adopted by the State Board, that the request was mailed on or before the close of registration for that election; or

  (2) the request was submitted by the voter to the Motor Vehicle Administration, a voter registration agency, another local board, or the State Board on or before the close of registration for that election.

#### Section 3-304

(a)

  (1) Notification of a change of address or of a change of name may be made:

    (i) by information provided on a voter registration application by the same methods provided for registration pursuant to Subtitle 2 of this title;

    (ii) by written notice, signed by the voter and sent by mail or otherwise delivered to the local board in the county where the voter's current voter registration address is located or to which the voter has moved;

    (iii) by making application in person at the office of the local board in the county where the voter's current voter registration address is located or to which the voter has moved;

    (iv) by information on a voter authority card or other appropriate form filled out in a polling place; or

    (v) by changing a name or address with the Motor Vehicle Administration.

  (2) Except as provided by regulations adopted by the State Board, name and address changes may not be processed when registration is closed.

(b) The local board in the county in which the voter resides shall electronically enter the change of name or address into the statewide voter registration list on an expedited basis at the time the information is provided to the local board.

#### Section 3-305

(a) During early voting, an individual may appear in person at an early voting center in the individual's county of residence and apply to register to vote or change the voter's address on an existing voter registration.

(b)

  (1) When applying to register to vote during early voting, the applicant shall provide proof of residency.

  (2) The applicant shall prove residency by showing the election judge:

    (i) a Maryland driver's license or Maryland identification card that contains the applicant's current address; or

    (ii) if the applicant does not have a driver's license or identification card that contains the applicant's current address, a copy of an official document that:

      (1) meets the requirements established by the State Board; and

      (2) contains the applicant's name and current address.

(c)

  (1) When an individual applies to register to vote at an early voting center, the election judge shall determine whether the applicant resides in the county in which the applicant applied and is qualified to become a registered voter.

  (2) If the voter is a resident of the county and is qualified to register to vote, the election judge shall:

    (i) issue the voter a voter authority card;

    (ii) have the voter sign the voter authority card; and

    (iii) issue the voter a ballot.

(d)

  (1) When a voter applies to change the voter's address during early voting, the election judge shall determine whether the voter resides in the county in which the voter seeks to vote.

  (2) If the voter is a resident of the county, the election judge shall:

    (i) issue the voter a voter authority card;

    (ii) have the voter sign the voter authority card; and

    (iii) issue the voter the appropriate ballot for the voter's new address.

(e) The State Board shall adopt regulations and procedures in accordance with the requirements of this section for the administration of voter registration during early voting.

#### Section 3-306

(a) On election day, an individual may appear at a precinct polling place in the individual's county of residence and apply to register to vote.

(b)

  (1) When applying to register to vote on election day, the applicant shall provide proof of residency.

  (2) The applicant shall prove residency by showing the election judge:

    (i) a Maryland driver's license or Maryland identification card that contains the applicant's current address; or

    (ii) if the applicant does not have a driver's license or identification card that contains the applicant's current address, a copy of an official document that:

      (1) meets the requirements established by the State Board; and

      (2) contains the applicant's name and current address.

(c)

  (1) When an individual applies to register to vote at a precinct polling place on election day, the election judge shall determine whether the applicant resides in the precinct in which the applicant applied and is qualified to become a registered voter.

  (2) If the voter is a resident of the precinct and is qualified to register to vote, the election judge shall:

    (i) issue the voter a voter authority card;

    (ii) have the voter sign the voter authority card; and

    (iii) issue the voter a regular ballot.

  (3) If the voter is a resident of the county but not the precinct, is qualified to register to vote, and chooses to vote in the precinct, the election judge shall:

    (i) issue the voter a voter authority card;

    (ii) have the voter sign the voter authority card; and

    (iii) issue the voter a provisional ballot.

(d)

  (1) Unless a local board elects to make the notification, the State Board shall take appropriate measures to notify potential registrants of the correct precinct polling place for the potential registrants' residence addresses before each election.

  (2) The election judge shall notify an individual who applies to register to vote at the incorrect precinct for the voter's residence address of the correct precinct for the voter's residence address.

(e) The State Board shall adopt regulations and procedures in accordance with the requirements of this section for the administration of voter registration on election day.

### Subtitle 4. Municipal Registration

#### Section 3-401

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Universal registration" means an election administration in which the list of individuals eligible to vote in a municipal election includes those residents of the municipal corporation who are included on the statewide voter registration list at addresses within the municipal corporation.

(c) "Voter registry" means the list provided by a local board of registered voters who are residents of the municipal corporation.

#### Section 3-402

This subtitle does not apply to a municipal corporation that:

(1) does not require voter registration for its elections;

(2) prior to January 1, 1990, used the voter registry supplied by the local board as qualification for voting in municipal elections; or

(3) provides for the local board to conduct municipal elections.

#### Section 3-403

(a) A voter residing in a municipal corporation is considered to be registered for elections in that municipal corporation if the voter is included on the statewide voter registration list at an address within the municipal corporation.

(b)

  (1) Not less than 6 months prior to its municipal election, each municipal corporation shall submit a request to the appropriate local board for the development of a plan and a schedule to implement universal registration.

  (2) The application shall include the name of the individual designated as the municipal corporation liaison who is responsible for working with the local board in the development of the plan and the schedule for implementation of the plan.

(c) Within 10 days after receipt of the application, the local board shall respond to the municipal corporation liaison and shall designate a local board liaison.

(d) At a mutually agreed upon time, the local board liaison and the municipal corporation liaison shall conduct meetings with other appropriate individuals, if required, for the purpose of developing a schedule and plan for implementing registration under this title.

(e) The plan shall include:

  (1) procedures for identifying by geographical reference the municipal boundaries, precincts, wards, or districts and the methods for including this information in the statewide voter registration database;

  (2) information on whether the municipal corporation wants the exclusion or inclusion of political party affiliation on the voter registry, and whether the local board can provide the exclusion or inclusion;

  (3) the format of the voter registry, and whether it is to be divided according to a registrant's municipal polling place;

  (4) information on whether:

    (i) the dates of birth are to be printed on the voter registry;

    (ii) the names of registrants under the age of 18 years are to be included on the voter registry; and

    (iii) the board can provide these exclusions or inclusions;

  (5) the timing for furnishing the voter registry for use in the municipal elections, including the deadline for accepting voter registration applications of those individuals residing in the municipal corporation prior to the municipal elections;

  (6) procedures for obtaining, updating, and maintaining in the statewide voter registration list the voter history of registrants who vote in municipal elections; and

  (7) procedures for obtaining, updating, and maintaining changes to the boundaries of the municipal corporation, the precincts, the wards, or the districts that result from annexations, subdivision development, street name changes, or street abandonments.

(f)

  (1) The local board shall provide to a municipal corporation at no cost a certified list of registered voters residing within the boundaries of the municipal corporation in compliance with the plan established pursuant to subsection (e) of this section.

  (2)

    (i) On request by a municipal corporation, the local board shall also provide at no cost a certified list of registered voters who reside within the boundaries of the municipal corporation 90 days prior to the municipal election. The request for this preliminary list of voters shall be made to the board before or during the negotiations authorized in subsection (d) of this section.

    (ii) Within 20 days after receiving the preliminary list of registered voters, a municipal corporation shall notify the local board of any potential errors in the list of registered voters, including errors in the residency of registered voters.

    (iii) If the actual residency of any individual listed on the voter registry is in doubt, the local board shall notify the individual in accordance with Sec. 3-502 of this title within 10 days after receiving notification from the municipal corporation.

(g) This section may not be construed to prohibit a municipal corporation from administering and maintaining a supplemental list of those individuals who are not on the statewide voter registration list but who may otherwise be qualified to register to vote with the municipal corporation.

(h)

  (1) Whenever the registration of any voter is removed for any reason from the supplemental voter registry maintained by the municipal corporation, the municipal corporation shall send a notice of this action and the reason for the action to the last known address of the voter.

  (2) The voter shall be given at least 15 days to respond to indicate whether the voter wishes to remain on the municipal corporation's voter registry.

  (3) If the voter wishes to remain on the list and continues to be qualified under the municipal corporation's voter registration requirements, the voter's name shall be reinstated to the municipal corporation's supplemental voter registry upon written request of the voter.

(i)

  (1) The State shall reimburse a local board or a county government for reasonable initial set-up costs of implementing the plan for universal registration, including the costs associated with:

    (i) the identification of the appropriate boundaries; and

    (ii) the identification of voters who are to be included in the voter registry.

  (2) The local board shall request and, subject to the approval of the State Board, receive a reimbursement for these costs from a fund administered by the State Board. The initial set-up costs incurred directly by a municipal corporation may be reimbursed for circumstances authorized by the State Board.

(j) Upon request by the municipal corporation, the local board shall provide voter registration forms to the municipal corporation.

(k) The State Board shall cooperate with the local boards and municipal election officials to effectuate the provisions of this section.

### Subtitle 5. Statewide Voter Registration List

#### Section 3-501

An election director may remove a voter from the statewide voter registration list only:

(1) at the request of the voter, provided the request is:

  (i) signed by the voter;

  (ii) authenticated by the election director; and

  (iii) in a format acceptable to the State Board or on a cancellation notice provided by the voter on a voter registration application;

(2) upon determining, based on information provided pursuant to  Sec. 3-504 of this subtitle, that the voter is no longer eligible because:

  (i) the voter is not qualified to be a registered voter as provided in Sec. 3-102(b) of this title; or

  (ii) the voter is deceased;

(3) if the voter has moved outside the State, as determined by conducting the procedures established in Sec. 3-502 of this subtitle; or

(4) if, in accordance with the administrative complaint process under Sec. 3-602 of this title, the State Administrator or the State Administrator's designee has determined that the voter is not qualified to be registered to vote.

#### Section 3-502

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Confirmation notice" means a notice, approved by the State Board, that is sent by forwardable mail with a return card.

  (3) "Return card" means a postage prepaid and preaddressed card on which the voter may report the voter's current address.

(b) Upon receiving any information that a voter currently registered in the State has moved to a different address within the State, the appropriate election official shall change the voter's record and send the voter a confirmation notice.

(c) If it appears from information provided by the postal service or an agency specified in Sec. 3-504(b) of this subtitle that a voter has moved to a different address outside the State, the election official in the county where the voter most recently resided in the State shall send the voter a confirmation notice informing the voter of his or her potential inactive status as described in Sec. 3-503 of this subtitle.

(d) Upon receipt of a return card, the election director shall:

  (1) make any needed corrections in the statewide voter registration list; and

  (2) in accordance with State Board guidelines, retain original voter registration documents.

(e) The election director may not remove a voter from the statewide voter registration list on the grounds of a change of address unless:

  (1) the voter confirms in writing that the voter has changed residence to a location outside the State; or

  (2)

    (i) the voter has failed to respond to a confirmation notice under subsection (c) of this section; and

    (ii) the voter has not voted or appeared to vote (and, if necessary, corrected the record of the voter's address) in an election during the period beginning with the date of the notice through the next two general elections.

#### Section 3-503

(a) If a voter fails to respond to a confirmation notice under Sec. 3-502(c) of this subtitle, the voter's name shall be placed into inactive status on the statewide voter registration list.

(b) A voter shall be restored to active status on the statewide voter registration list after completing and signing any of the following election documents:

  (1) a voter registration application;

  (2) a petition governed by Title 6 of this article;

  (3) a certificate of candidacy;

  (4) an absentee ballot application; or

  (5) a written affirmation of residence completed on election day to entitle the voter to vote either at the election district or precinct for the voter's current residence or the voter's previous residence, as determined by the State Board.

(c) An inactive voter who fails to vote in an election in the period ending with the second general election shall be removed from the statewide voter registration list.

(d) Registrants placed into inactive status may not be counted for official administrative purposes including establishing precincts and reporting official statistics.

#### Section 3-504

(a)

  (1)

    (i) Information from the agencies specified in this paragraph shall be reported to the State Administrator in a format and at times prescribed by the State Board.

    (ii) The Maryland Department of Health shall report the names and residence addresses (if known) of all individuals at least 16 years of age reported deceased within the State since the date of the last report.

    (iii) Each month, the clerk of the circuit court for each county and the administrative clerk for each District Court shall report the names and addresses of all individuals convicted, in the respective court, of a felony and sentenced to imprisonment with commitment papers.

    (iv) The clerk of the circuit court for each county shall report the former and present names and residence addresses (if known) of all individuals whose names have been changed by decree or order of the court since the date of the last report.

  (2) The State Administrator shall make arrangements with the clerk of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland to receive reports of names and addresses, if available, of individuals convicted of a felony in that court and sentenced to imprisonment with commitment papers.

  (3) The State Administrator shall make arrangements with the United States Social Security Administration or an entity that receives information from the Social Security Administration and is approved by the State Administrator to receive reports of names and addresses, if available, of all Maryland residents at least 16 years of age who are reported deceased.

(b)

  (1) The State Administrator shall transmit to the appropriate local board information gathered pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

  (2) Every agency or instrumentality of any county which acquires or condemns or razes or causes to be condemned or razed any building used as a residence within the county shall promptly report this fact and the location of the building to the local board in the county or city.

  (3) Registration cancellation information provided by an applicant on any voter registration application shall be provided to the appropriate local board by the State Administrator or another local board.

  (4) A local board may:

    (i) make arrangements to receive change of address information from an entity approved by the State Board; and

    (ii) pay a reasonable fee to the entity for the information.

(c)

  (1)

    (i) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, whenever a local board becomes aware of an obituary or any other reliable report of the death of a registered voter, the election director shall mail a notice to the registered voter, as prescribed by the State Board, to verify whether the voter is in fact deceased.

    (ii) On receipt of a verification of the death of a voter, provided in accordance with the notice mailed under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the election director may remove the voter from the statewide voter registration list under Sec. 3-501 of this subtitle.

  (2)

    (i) Whenever a local board receives a report obtained by the State Administrator under subsection (a)(3) of this section that includes a registered voter, the election director shall mail to the address shown on the statewide voter registration list, by regular U.S. mail, a notice that:

      (1) states that the registered voter has been reported by the Social Security Administration to have died; and

      (2) notifies the registered voter or a person attending the affairs of a deceased voter that the voter will be removed from the statewide voter registration list unless, within 2 weeks after the date of the letter, the registered voter or a representative:

      (A) objects to the removal; and

      (B) shows cause why the removal should not proceed.

    (ii) If the registered voter or a representative timely objects and shows cause why the removal should not proceed, the election director may:

      (1) terminate the removal process and retain the registered voter on the statewide voter registration list; or

      (2) refer the matter to the local board for a hearing to determine the registered voter's status.

    (iii) If the registered voter or a representative fails to timely object and show cause why the removal should not proceed, the registration shall be canceled and the registered voter removed from the statewide voter registration list.

#### Section 3-505

(a) The State Board shall adopt regulations for the retention and storage of and reasonable access to original voter registration applications and other voter registration records the State Board considers appropriate.

(b)

  (1) Voter registration records stored and retained in a local board office shall be open to public inspection.

  (2) For the purpose of public inspection, original voter registration records:

    (i) subject to Sec. 4-527(b) of the Family Law Article and Sec. 7-309(b) of the State Government Article and except upon the special order of the local board, shall be available at all times when a local board is open; and

    (ii) may not be removed from the office of the local board except:

      (1) on order of a court; or

      (2) for temporary removal solely for purposes of data processing.

(c)

  (1) Consistent with regulations adopted by the State Board, local boards shall maintain for at least 2 years all records concerning programs to ensure the accuracy and currency of the statewide voter registration list.

  (2) Except for records concerning a declination to register or the identity of a voter registration agency through which a particular voter applies for registration, the records described in paragraph (1) of this subsection are accessible under Title 4 of the General Provisions Article (Access to Public Records).

#### Section 3-506

(a)

  (1) A copy of a list of registered voters shall be provided to a Maryland registered voter on receipt of:

    (i) a written application; and

    (ii) a statement, signed under oath, that the list is not intended to be used for:

      (1) commercial solicitation; or

      (2) any other purpose not related to the electoral process.

  (2) In consultation with the local boards, the State Board shall adopt regulations that specify:

    (i) the time for a list to be provided under this subsection;

    (ii) the authorization to be required for providing a list;

    (iii) the fee to be paid for providing a list;

    (iv) the information to be included on a list;

    (v) that the residence address of an individual who is a participant in an address confidentiality program may not be disclosed;

    (vi) that a participant in an address confidentiality program is not required to apply to the State Board to keep the individual's residence address confidential;

    (vii) the format of the information; and

    (viii) the medium or media on which the information is to be provided.

(b)

  (1) The State Administrator or a designee shall provide a copy of the statewide voter registration list and voter registration records to a jury commissioner on request and without charge by means agreed to with the Administrative Office of the Courts.

  (2) On application of the Attorney General, a circuit court may compel compliance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(c) A person who knowingly allows a list of registered voters, under the person's control, to be used for any purpose not related to the electoral process is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to the penalties under Title 16 of this article.

### Subtitle 6. Resolution of Registration Disputes and Challenges

#### Section 3-601.1

(a) In this section, "clerical error" means an inadvertent mistake in a voter registration record made by an election official or an automatic voter registration agency.

(b) The State Administrator or an election director shall make the determination whether an error in a voter registration record is a clerical error.

(c) If the State Administrator or election director determines that a clerical error has been made, the State Administrator or election director shall:

  (1) cause the error to be corrected; and

  (2) promptly notify the voter of the correction.

(d)

  (1) On election day, if it is alleged that the name of a registered voter is missing from the precinct register because of a clerical error, the chief election judge shall contact the State Board or local board to determine whether a clerical error has been made.

  (2) If the State Administrator or election director determines that the absence of the name from the precinct register is the result of a clerical error, the State Administrator or election director shall authorize the chief election judge to:

    (i) issue a blank voter authority card to the affected voter; and

    (ii) allow the affected voter to vote after the affected voter completes the voter authority card and provides any other documentation required by the State Board.

#### Section 3-602

(a) Under the procedures established by the State Board, an administrative complaint may be filed by:

  (1) a person who feels aggrieved by an action of a local board regarding voter registration; or

  (2) a local board with reason to believe that a registration has been erroneously added to or omitted from the statewide voter registration list other than by clerical error.

(b) In determining whether an individual is or is not a resident of an election district or precinct, the presumption shall be that an individual shown to have acquired a residence in one locality retains that residence until it is affirmatively shown that the individual has acquired a residence elsewhere.

(c)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a final determination issued under the administrative complaint procedures established by the State Board is not subject to judicial review.

  (2) Any final determination regarding the eligibility of an individual to register to vote or remain registered to vote is subject to judicial review.

    (i)

      (1) A petition for judicial review shall be filed with the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County.

      (2) The petition may be brought at any time, except that it may not be later than the third Tuesday preceding the next succeeding election.

    (ii)

      (1) The court, on presentation of satisfactory evidence, may, in its discretion, dispose of the matter summarily or otherwise set the matter for hearing.

      (2) On appropriate order of the court, the State Board shall make the required corrections.

(d)

  (1) An appeal may be taken from any ruling of the circuit court to the Appellate Court of Maryland.

  (2) The appeal shall be taken within 5 days from the date of the decision by the circuit court, and the appeal shall be heard and decided by the Appellate Court of Maryland as soon after the transmission of the record as practicable.

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