This section does not apply to a write–in candidate. Unless exempted under subsection (c) of this section, an individual who files a certificate of candidacy shall pay a filing fee at the time the certificate of candidacy is filed. The filing fee shall be as follows: President and Vice President of the United States    No fee Governor or Lieutenant Governor    $290 each Comptroller of the Treasury    $290 Attorney General    $290 United States Senator    $290 Representative in Congress    $100 Member of the General Assembly    $50 Mayor of the City of Baltimore    $150 Comptroller of the City of Baltimore    $150 City Council of Baltimore: President    $150 member at large voted on by the voters of the entire City of Baltimore……………………………………………………………………………………….$150 member voted on by less than the entire City of Baltimore………………………………………………………………………………………...$50 offices of the City of Baltimore, not specified in items (8), (9), and (10) of this subsection, that are voted on by the voters of the entire City of Baltimore……………………………………………………………………………………….$150 any other public office    $25 member of a party central committee    $10 A candidate may petition for a waiver of the filing fee in accordance with this subsection. The filing fee required by this section shall be waived if the candidate establishes inability to pay the fee. A candidate may demonstrate inability to pay the filing fee by attaching to the certificate of candidacy when it is filed a sworn statement on the form prescribed by the State Board of inability to pay which sets forth: the nature, extent, and liquidity of the candidate’s assets; and the candidate’s disposable net income. At its discretion and in order to conduct any investigation of the petition for waiver, the appropriate board may request that the candidate provide additional information concerning the candidate’s financial status. If the appropriate board determines that the candidate is unable to pay the required filing fee, the certificate of candidacy shall be issued without payment of the fee.

Upon request, a candidate who pays a filing fee is entitled to a return of the filing fee upon the filing of the certificate of withdrawal on the form prescribed by the State Board if the candidate enters into active duty with the armed services of the United States during the period between the last date allowed for the withdrawal of candidacy and the printing of the ballots. Subject to the approval of the State Board, the filing fee paid by a candidate may be returned to the candidate for good cause.

Filing fees paid by candidates under § 5–401 of this subtitle shall be distributed to the Fair Campaign Financing Fund established under § 15–103 of this article.