# Election Law (GEL)

## Title 5. Candidates

### Subtitle 13. Late Vacancies Before the General Election

#### Section 5-1302

(a) A certificate of designation may not be filed later than 10 days before the day of the general election.

(b) If the name of a nominee who has died, declined the nomination, or been disqualified appears on the ballot and receives a number of votes that would have been sufficient for election if the nominee had not died, declined, or been disqualified for the nomination, the vacancy thereby created shall be:

  (1) deemed to have occurred after the day of the general election; and

  (2) filled in accordance with this article or other provisions of law.

---

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