# Election Law (GEL)

## Title 5. Candidates

### Subtitle 7. Nomination

#### Section 5-703.1

(a) Except for a candidate for a nonpartisan county board of education, this section applies to any candidate for public office subject to this title.

(b) A candidate for a public office may be nominated by a political party under this subtitle if the political party is not required to nominate its candidates by party primary.

(c)

  (1) This subsection does not apply to a candidate nominated by a new political party under Sec. 4-102(f) of this article.

  (2) A candidate for public office who seeks political party nomination under this section shall file a declaration of intent to seek political party nomination.

  (3) The declaration of intent shall be filed with the board at which the candidate files a certificate of candidacy under Subtitle 3 of this title.

  (4) The declaration of intent shall be filed as follows:

    (i) not later than the first Monday in July; and

    (ii) for a special election to fill a vacancy:

      (1) for Representative in Congress, by the date and time specified in the Governor's proclamation; or

      (2) for a local public office, by the date and time specified in the county proclamation.

  (5) A candidate who seeks nomination by political party may not be charged a fee for filing the declaration of intent.

(d)

  (1) A candidate for public office who seeks nomination by political party shall file a certificate of candidacy not later than 5 p.m. on the first Monday in August in the year of the general election for the office.

  (2) Except for the time of filing, the certificate of candidacy for a candidate who seeks nomination by political party shall comply with the requirements for a certificate of candidacy under Subtitle 3 of this title.

(e)

  (1) A candidate for nomination by political party may not have the candidate's name placed on the general election ballot unless the candidate files with the appropriate board, on a form the State Board prescribes, a certificate of nomination signed by the officers of the political party.

  (2) In a special election to fill a vacancy in the office of Representative in Congress, a certificate of nomination shall be filed with the State Board by 5 p.m. on the day of the special primary election.

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