An individual may become a candidate for a public or party office only if: the individual files a certificate of candidacy in accordance with this subtitle; and the individual does not file a certificate of withdrawal under Subtitle 5 of this title. The appropriate board shall determine whether an individual filing a certificate of candidacy meets the requirements of this article, including: the voter registration and party affiliation requirements under Subtitle 2 of this title; and the campaign finance reporting requirements under Title 13 of this article. On the certificate of candidacy, a candidate shall designate how the candidate’s name is to appear on the ballot. Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a candidate shall file a certificate of candidacy in which the candidate lists any given name, an initial letter of any other given name, and surname. A candidate may file a certificate of candidacy in a name different than that specified under paragraph (2) of this subsection if the candidate files an affidavit, under penalties of perjury, attesting that the candidate is generally known by that other name in: press accounts concerning the candidate, if any; or if press accounts do not exist, the candidate’s everyday encounters with members of the community. Except for the use of quotation marks to enclose a portion of a name, the use of symbols, titles, degrees, or other professional designations on a certificate of candidacy is prohibited. A candidate who seeks nomination by petition shall file a certificate of candidacy as provided in § 5–703 of this title. A write–in candidate shall file a certificate of candidacy as provided under this subtitle. On or before the first Monday in August in the year in which a justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland must stand for continuance in office, the Clerk of the Supreme Court of Maryland shall provide written notice to the State Board of the name of the justice that is to be placed on the ballot at the next succeeding general election together with the identification of the judicial circuit from which the qualified voters of that circuit may cast a vote for the justice’s continuance in office. On or before the first Monday in August in the year in which a justice of the Appellate Court of Maryland must stand for continuance in office, the Clerk of the Appellate Court of Maryland shall provide written notice to the State Board of the name of the justice that is to be placed on the ballot at the next succeeding general election together with: the identification of the judicial circuit from which the qualified voters of that circuit may cast a vote for the justice’s continuance in office; or a statement that the voters of the entire State may cast a vote for the justice’s continuance in office. An incumbent justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland or Appellate Court of Maryland is not required to file a certificate of candidacy for an election for continuance in office. A candidate for President or Vice President of the United States nominated by a national party convention is not required to file a certificate of candidacy under this section. If more than one written notice naming different presidential and vice presidential nominees is provided to the State Board by persons purporting to be the presiding officer of the same party convention, the State Board shall require the chairman of the State party to provide written reaffirmation of the party’s nominees within 5 days after the State Board’s demand. The presiding officers of the national party convention shall file a certificate of nomination with the State Board within 5 days after the conclusion of the national party convention.

A certificate of candidacy shall be filed under oath on the prescribed form. The certificate of candidacy shall be filed with the State Board if the candidacy is for: an office to be voted upon by the voters of the entire State; the General Assembly of Maryland; Representative in Congress; the office of judge of the circuit court for a county; or an office of elected delegate to a presidential national convention provided for under Title 8, Subtitle 5 of this article. If the candidacy is for an office other than an office described in subsection (b) of this section, the certificate of candidacy shall be filed with the local board of the applicable county. In accordance with regulations adopted by the State Board, each local board shall provide the name and other required information for each candidate to the State Board. The State Administrator may designate satellite locations for a temporary period to receive a certificate of candidacy.

Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section: in the year in which the Governor is elected, a certificate of candidacy shall be filed not later than 9 p.m. on the last Tuesday in February in the year in which the primary election will be held; and for any other regularly scheduled election, a certificate of candidacy shall be filed not later than 9 p.m. on the 95th day before the day on which the primary election will be held. Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a certificate of candidacy for an office to be filled by a special election under this article shall be received and filed in the office of the appropriate board not later than 5 p.m. on the first Monday that is 3 weeks or 21 days after the issuance of the proclamation by the Governor for the special primary election. Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the certificate of candidacy for the election of a write–in candidate shall be filed by the earlier of: 7 days after a total expenditure of at least $51 is made to promote the candidacy by a campaign finance entity of the candidate; or 5 p.m. on the 7th day preceding the start of early voting for which the certificate is filed. The certificate of candidacy for a special election of a write–in candidate shall be filed by the earlier of: 7 days after a total expenditure of at least $51 is made to promote the candidacy by any authorized candidate campaign committee of the candidate; or 5 p.m. on the 7th day preceding the start of voting at a precinct polling place or, if the election is being conducted by mail, the voting center established under § 9–503 of this article for which the certificate is filed.

A certificate of candidacy may be filed: in person; or if authorized by subsection (b) of this section, by certified mail, personal messenger, or other delivery service designated by the filer. A certificate of candidacy may not be filed by facsimile service or other electronic transmission. A certificate of candidacy may be filed as permitted under subsection (a)(1)(ii) of this section, if: the individual filing the certificate is unable to do so in person because of illness, service in the uniformed services, or temporary absence from the State; and the certificate is accompanied by an affidavit signed by the individual filing the certificate setting forth fully the facts that prevent that individual from filing the certificate in person. On the certificate of candidacy form prescribed by the State Board, the candidate shall specify: the office, including, if applicable, the party, district, and circuit to which the candidacy relates; the year of the election; the name of the individual filing the certificate; the address on the statewide voter registration list or the current address of that individual; a statement that the individual satisfies the requirements of law for candidacy for the office for which the certificate is being filed; and any information requested by the State Board to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the individual under this subsection. The certificate of candidacy shall be accompanied by: a filing fee satisfying the requirements of § 5–401 of this title; a separate form, unless such a form has previously been filed, establishing a campaign finance entity under Title 13 of this article; evidence that the individual has filed: a financial disclosure statement with the State Ethics Commission in accordance with the requirements of Title 5, Subtitle 6 of the General Provisions Article; or any other financial disclosure report required by law; and any additional information required by the State Board. The appropriate board shall accept the certificate of candidacy if it determines that all requirements are satisfied.

This section applies only to a petition that will affect the right of a candidate to have the candidate’s name appear on the ballot in a primary or general election. A registered voter who is a resident of the district or other geographic area in which a candidate is seeking office may file a petition with the circuit court for that district or geographic area to challenge the candidate’s residency as provided in § 5–202 of this title. The petition must be filed 15 days after the filing dates provided in § 5–303 of this subtitle and §§ 5–703(c) and 5–703.1(c) of this title for which the candidate filed a certificate of candidacy. Judicial review of any petition that is filed under subsection (b) of this section shall be expedited by the circuit court that hears the cause to the extent necessary in consideration of the deadlines established by law, and in no case longer than 7 days from the date the petition is filed. A judicial proceeding under this section shall be conducted in accordance with the Maryland Rules, except that: the case shall be heard and decided without a jury and as expeditiously as the circumstances require; and an appeal shall be taken directly to the Supreme Court of Maryland within 5 days after the date of the decision of the circuit court. The Supreme Court of Maryland shall give priority to hear and decide an appeal brought under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection as expeditiously as the circumstances require.