Regulation .02 New or Changed Polling Place.
Regulation .02 New or Changed Polling Place.LinkCopy Citation
A.
Board Action Required to Change the Location of a Polling Place. A local board may not vote to change the location of a polling place unless the local board first:
(1)
Holds a meeting to discuss the proposed change; and
(2)
Provides an opportunity for interested parties to testify on the proposed change at the meeting.
B.
Notice of Proposed Changes.
(1)
Each local board shall maintain a contact list of individuals and organizations who wish to be notified about local board meetings at which an election plan or any proposed changes to the locations of polling places will be discussed.
(2)
Each local board shall make available in a conspicuous location on its website:
(a)
Information about the contact list in §B(1) of this regulation, including:
(i)
A statement that the purpose of the list is to provide notice about local board meetings where an election plan or proposed change to a location of a polling place will be considered, in fulfillment of this regulation and COMAR 33.01.08.04(a).
(ii)
A statement that by signing up for the list the person will receive notice of any meeting where election plans or polling place changes are considered; and
(iii)
How to register for the list.
(b)
At least 14 days before a meeting where an election plan or polling place change will be discussed, the proposed election plan or written description of the proposed change in polling place.
(3)
At least 14 days before meeting to consider a change of a polling place, the local board shall provide written notice of the meeting to:
(a)
Each individual and organization on the contact list; and
(b)
The following elected officials who represent the precinct containing either the current polling place location or its proposed location:
(i)
The Mayor;
(ii)
County Executive;
(iii)
County Commissioner;
(iv)
County Council member;
(v)
Each Municipal Council member; and
(vi)
Member of the General Assembly.
C.
Exception for Emergency Changes. The requirements of §§A and B of this regulation do not apply if a local board determines that an emergency exists that requires a change to the polling place location during the period beginning 21 days before election day through election day.
D.
Notice Required to Voters.
(1)
Whenever a local board changes the location of a polling place, the local board shall notify all voters who are affected by the change.
(2)
Except as provided in §D(3)(b) of this regulation, the local board shall mail this notice to the affected voters before the next election.
(3)
How and When — Emergencies.
(a)
If an emergency prevents compliance with §B of this regulation, the local board shall:
(i)
Take whatever steps it considers reasonable to notify affected voters of the change; and
(ii)
Inform the State Administrator of the change and the steps being taken to notify voters.
(b)
The notice required by this section:
(i)
Shall include a prominent notice posted at the former polling place; and
(ii)
May include television, radio, and newspaper announcements and advertisements and postings on the Internet.