<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" citation="COMAR 33.07.05.02" title_num="33" subtitle_num="07" chapter_num="05" heading="Assistance Needed to Cast Ballot.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Scope. This regulation applies when, because of a physical disability or an inability to read or write English, a voter requests assistance in marking or casting the ballot or in filling out a provisional ballot application.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Voter's Options.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>As provided in Election Law Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the voter may select anyone to assist the voter, except:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The voter's employer;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The voter's union representative;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>An officer or agent of the voter's employer or union;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>For a voter casting a provisional ballot, a candidate who is on the voter's ballot; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>A challenger or watcher who has been designated as such for this election.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If the voter declines to select an individual to assist the voter, two election judges representing different political parties shall assist the voter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Voter Assistance Record—Voter's Name and Address. The election judges shall enter the voter's name and address on a voter assistance record, in the form that the State Administrator prescribes.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Voter Assistance Record—Signing by Individual Assisting. If the voter has selected someone to assist the voter, the individual selected by the voter shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Enter her or his name and address on the voter assistance record; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Sign the record to affirm that she or he:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Has been asked by the voter to assist the voter in marking or casting the voter's ballot or in filling out a provisional ballot application;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Is not the voter's employer or an agent of the voter's employer;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Is not an officer or agent of the voter's union;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Has not been appointed as a challenger or watcher for this election;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Will assist the voter only by:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Reading instructions or the content of the ballot or the application form to the voter, and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>As directed by the voter, marking or casting the ballot, or completing a provisional ballot application; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Will not attempt to influence the voter or suggest in any way how the voter should vote in any contest or question.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Voter Assistance Record—Signing by Judges Assisting. If election judges will be providing the assistance, they shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Sign the voter assistance record; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Enter their respective party affiliations.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Scope of Assistance. Assistance provided under this regulation shall be limited to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Reading the instructions or the content of the ballot or the application form to the voter; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>As directed by the voter, marking or casting the ballot, or completing a provisional ballot application.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>