# COMAR Title 33 — State Board of Elections

## Subtitle 07 — Election Day Activities

### Chapter 12 — Language Assistance Program

**Authority:** Election Law Article, §§2-102(b)(4), 2-202(b), and 15.5-104, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: March 2, 2026 (53:4 Md. R. 186)

#### Regulation .01 Definitions.

*COMAR 33.07.12.01*

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

  (1) “Designated language” has the meaning stated in Election Law Article, §15.5–101(b), Annotated Code of Maryland.

  (2) “Licensed translation software services” means a tool or service that provides interpretation of spoken communication between designated languages and English.

  (3) “Limited English proficiency” has the meaning stated in Election Law Article, §15.5–101(c), Annotated Code of Maryland.

  (4) “Translated” means the process of a trained individual converting from one written language to another while preserving the original meaning.

  (5) “Voting materials” has the meaning stated in Election Law Article, §15.5–101(e), Annotated Code of Maryland.

#### Regulation .02 Timing for Determination of Significant Need for Language Assistance.

*COMAR 33.07.12.02*

Not later than 8 months preceding a Statewide primary election, the State Board shall determine whether there is significant need for language assistance in a county.

#### Regulation .03 Designating Forms and Instructions Necessary for Voting.

*COMAR 33.07.12.03*

A. Timing. Not later than 7 months preceding a Statewide primary election, the State Board may determine if forms and instructions not named in Election Law Article, § 15.5–101(e), Annotated Code of Maryland, shall be designated as necessary to voting.

B. Procedure. The State Board shall consider recommendations from the State Administrator when designating forms and instructions necessary to voting.

#### Regulation .04 Notice of Significant Need for Language Assistance.

*COMAR 33.07.12.04*

A. To the Public. Not later than 6 months preceding a Statewide primary election, the State Board shall publish its determinations of significant need for language assistance that includes:

  (1) A list of local boards affected; and

  (2) The designated languages.

B. To Local Government Officials. Not later than 6 months preceding a Statewide primary election, the State Administrator shall provide notice of the determination of significant need for language assistance by the State Board to:

  (1) The local board of elections; and

  (2) The chief financial officer of the jurisdiction.

#### Regulation .05 Local Board Requirements.

*COMAR 33.07.12.05*

Upon determination by the State Board of a significant need for language assistance, the local board shall:

A. No later than 11 weeks preceding a Statewide primary election, post translated, downloadable voting materials in designated languages on its website;

B. Place a State Board approved sign, in each designated language, in each early voting center and polling place;

C. Ensure the availability in each early voting center or polling place of:

  (1) Licensed translation software services; and

  (2) A tool or document that communicates in all designated languages and explains how to use the licensed translation software service;

D. Make a reasonable effort to:

  (1) Recruit election judges who can communicate in designated languages;

  (2) Assign election judges who speak the designated languages to each early voting center;

  (3) Determine which polling places are most likely to serve voters who speak designated languages; and

  (4) Assign election judges who speak the designated languages to work in polling places that are most likely to serve voters who speak designated languages; and

E. Include information about the language assistance program in training materials and programs for election judges and local board of elections staff.

#### Regulation .06 Language Assistance in Addition to Required Assistance.

*COMAR 33.07.12.06*

A. Form.

  (1) The State Board shall:

    (a) Prescribe a form for a local board to request approval to provide language assistance services in addition to those required by Regulation .05 of this chapter; and

    (b) Provide the form to local boards not later than 1 year preceding a Statewide primary election.

  (2) The form shall include questions about:

    (a) The population to be served;

    (b) The proposed services;

    (c) Reasons for the local board’s request; and

    (d) Whether approving the request would impose additional costs or duties on the State Board.

  (3) A local board seeking to provide language assistance services that exceed requirements shall:

    (a) Submit the State Board prescribed form for each additional service or language which it proposes to provide; and

    (b) Request State Board approval at least 6 months preceding a Statewide primary election during which the local board proposes to provide additional language assistance services.

B. Approval of Additional Language Assistance.

  (1) Upon receipt of a form requesting approval to provide additional language assistance, the State Administrator shall review and make a recommendation to the State Board to accept or reject the request.

  (2) The State Board shall:

    (a) Vote on a local board’s proposal within 30 days of receipt of a form requesting approval to provide additional language assistance; and

    (b) Within 2 days of its vote on a request to provide additional language assistance, notify the local board of the outcome of the vote.