2022 Maryland Statutes
Election Law
Title 9 - Voting
Subtitle 5 - Voting by Mail in Special Elections
Section 9-501 - Voting by Mail
(a) This subtitle applies only to a special election that is not held concurrently with a regularly scheduled primary or general election.
(b) Voting by mail may be utilized in a special election in accordance with this subtitle.
(c) A special election to fill a vacancy in the Office of Representative in Congress shall be conducted by mail if the Governor’s proclamation issued under § 8–710 of this article directs that the election be conducted by mail.
(d) (1) In this subsection, “local special election” means a special election to:
(i) fill a vacancy in the offices of county council member, chief executive officer, or county executive of a charter county if the charter of that county provides for special elections;
(ii) fill a vacancy in the board of county commissioners of a code home rule county if a local law enacted by that county provides for special elections;
(iii) fill a vacancy in the board of county commissioners of a commission county if a law provides for special elections;
(iv) fill a vacancy in a local board of education if State law provides for special elections;
(v) elect members of a charter board or submit a proposed charter to the voters for adoption or rejection in accordance with Article XI–A, § 1A of the Maryland Constitution; or
(vi) submit a local law enacted by a code home rule county to the voters for adoption or rejection in accordance with § 9–313 of the Local Government Article.
(2) A local special election shall be conducted by mail if the resolution of the county council or board of county commissioners establishing the date of the special election directs that the election be conducted by mail.
(e) Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle:
(1) provisions of this article relating to absentee voting apply to voting by mail; and
(2) all pertinent State or local laws relating to the conduct of a special election apply to a special election conducted under this subtitle.
(f) Provisions of this article relating to the conduct of elections apply to a special election conducted under this subtitle, unless a law specifically relevant to a special election applies.
