# Election Law (GEL)

## Title 9. Voting

### Subtitle 5. Voting by Mail in Special Elections

#### Section 9-506

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a local board may commence the canvass of vote-by-mail ballots at 2 p.m. on the day of a special election.

(b) The State Board may adopt regulations authorizing a local board to commence the canvass of vote-by-mail ballots before the time specified in subsection (a) of this section.

(c) The State Board shall adopt regulations that provide for:

  (1) public observation of the canvass of vote-by-mail ballots in accordance with Sec. 11-301(a-1) of this article; and

  (2) procedures for maintaining the secrecy of the election results until after 12 a.m. on the day after a special election.

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