<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" citation="COMAR 33.08.02.03" title_num="33" subtitle_num="08" chapter_num="02" heading="Write-in Voting Generally.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Any abbreviation, misspelling, or other minor variation in the form of the name of a candidate shall be disregarded in determining the validity of a write-in vote as long as the intended candidate can be determined.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Writing in only the last name of a candidate constitutes a valid vote, unless there is more than one filed candidate with the same last name for that office. If there is more than one filed candidate with the same last name for that office, writing in only the last name is not a valid vote.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B-1.">
    <text>Writing in only the first name or initials of a candidate constitutes a valid vote, unless there is more than one filed candidate with the same first name or initials for that office. If there is more than one filed candidate with the same first name or initials for that office, writing in only the first name or initials is not a valid vote.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Writing in the name of the candidate for Governor or the name of the candidate for Lieutenant Governor is sufficient to cast a write-in vote for the joint office.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Writing in the name of the candidate for President or the name of the candidate for Vice President is sufficient to cast a write-in vote for the joint office.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>