# Election Law (GEL)

## Title 5. Candidates

### Subtitle 2. Qualifications

#### Section 5-201

An individual may become a candidate for a public or party office only if the individual satisfies the qualifications for that office established by law and, in the case of a party office, by party constitution or bylaws.

#### Section 5-202

A candidate for public or party office must be a registered voter at an address that satisfies any residence requirement for the office that is imposed by law and, in the case of a party office, by party rules.

#### Section 5-203

(a)

  (1) This subsection does not apply to a candidate for:

    (i) President or Vice President of the United States; or

    (ii) any federal office who seeks nomination by petition.

  (2) Unless the individual is a registered voter affiliated with the political party, an individual may not be a candidate for:

    (i) an office of that political party; or

    (ii) except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, nomination by that political party.

(b) The requirements for party affiliation specified under subsection (a) of this section do not apply to a candidate for:

  (1) a judicial office; or

  (2) a county board of education.

#### Section 5-204

(a) An individual simultaneously may not be a candidate for more than one public office.

(b) An individual simultaneously may not be a candidate for more than one office of a political party.

(c) Unless otherwise prohibited by rule of the applicable political party, an individual simultaneously may be a candidate for a party office and a public office.

#### Section 5-205

(a) In accordance with Article II of the Maryland Constitution, when a candidate for nomination for Governor files a certificate of candidacy for that office, the candidate shall designate a candidate for Lieutenant Governor.

(b) The candidates for nomination for Governor and Lieutenant Governor each shall file for nomination and be considered a unit for nomination to the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

(c)

  (1) The names of the candidates of a unit for Governor and Lieutenant Governor shall be listed jointly on the ballot.

  (2) A vote cast for a candidate for Governor also shall be a vote cast for the candidate for Lieutenant Governor.

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