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<section article="gel" article_name="Election Law" number="5-304" title_number="5" title_name="Candidates" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Certificate of Candidacy">
  <level label="a">
    <level label="1">
      <text>A certificate of candidacy may be filed:</text>
      <level label="i">
        <text>in person; or</text>
      </level>
      <level label="ii">
        <text>if authorized by subsection (b) of this section, by certified mail, personal messenger, or other delivery service designated by the filer.</text>
      </level>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>A certificate of candidacy may not be filed by facsimile service or other electronic transmission.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="b">
    <text>A certificate of candidacy may be filed as permitted under subsection (a)(1)(ii) of this section, if:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>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</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>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.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="c">
    <text>On the certificate of candidacy form prescribed by the State Board, the candidate shall specify:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>the office, including, if applicable, the party, district, and circuit to which the candidacy relates;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>the year of the election;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="3">
      <text>the name of the individual filing the certificate;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="4">
      <text>the address on the statewide voter registration list or the current address of that individual;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="5">
      <text>a statement that the individual satisfies the requirements of law for candidacy for the office for which the certificate is being filed; and</text>
    </level>
    <level label="6">
      <text>any information requested by the State Board to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the individual under this subsection.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="d">
    <text>The certificate of candidacy shall be accompanied by:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>a filing fee satisfying the requirements of § 5–401 of this title;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>a separate form, unless such a form has previously been filed, establishing a campaign finance entity under Title 13 of this article;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="3">
      <text>evidence that the individual has filed:</text>
      <level label="i">
        <text>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</text>
      </level>
      <level label="ii">
        <text>any other financial disclosure report required by law; and</text>
      </level>
    </level>
    <level label="4">
      <text>any additional information required by the State Board.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="e">
    <text>The appropriate board shall accept the certificate of candidacy if it determines that all requirements are satisfied.</text>
  </level>
</section>
