<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" citation="COMAR 33.15.03.02" title_num="33" subtitle_num="15" chapter_num="03" heading="New or Changed Polling Place.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>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:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Holds a meeting to discuss the proposed change; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Provides an opportunity for interested parties to testify on the proposed change at the meeting.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Notice of Proposed Changes.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>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.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Each local board shall make available in a conspicuous location on its website:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Information about the contact list in §B(1) of this regulation, including:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>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).</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>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</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>How to register for the list.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>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.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>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:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Each individual and organization on the contact list; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The following elected officials who represent the precinct containing either the current polling place location or its proposed location:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>The Mayor;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>County Executive;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>County Commissioner;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iv)">
          <text>County Council member;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(v)">
          <text>Each Municipal Council member; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(vi)">
          <text>Member of the General Assembly.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>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.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Notice Required to Voters.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Whenever a local board changes the location of a polling place, the local board shall notify all voters who are affected by the change.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>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.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>How and When — Emergencies.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>If an emergency prevents compliance with §B of this regulation, the local board shall:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Take whatever steps it considers reasonable to notify affected voters of the change; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Inform the State Administrator of the change and the steps being taken to notify voters.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The notice required by this section:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Shall include a prominent notice posted at the former polling place; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>May include television, radio, and newspaper announcements and advertisements and postings on the Internet.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>