Code of Maryland Regulations Title 33 - STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS
Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) - Title 33: State Board of Elections
Title 33 of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) pertains to the State Board of Elections and outlines the rules, procedures, and guidelines for the administration of elections in the state of Maryland. The regulations in this title provide a framework for the functioning of the Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) and set forth the processes for voter registration, election procedures, candidate filing, voting systems, and the administration of elections.
Here is an overview of the key elements covered under Title 33: State Board of Elections:
Key Sections in Title 33 - COMAR
General Provisions (33.01)
This section covers the general rules and guidelines related to the functioning of the Maryland State Board of Elections. It includes definitions, rules of conduct, and the structure of the Board.
Authority: The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) is given the authority to create regulations, manage elections, and oversee voting processes in the state.
Purpose: To ensure fair, transparent, and efficient administration of elections and election-related activities.
Voter Registration (33.02)
Eligibility: This section outlines the eligibility criteria for voter registration in Maryland, including the requirements for U.S. citizens, residency, and age.
Registration Process: Describes the procedures for voter registration, including in-person registration, mail-in registration, and online registration.
Voter Identification: Provides the rules for voter identification requirements and procedures to confirm voter identity at polling places.
Registration Deadlines: Specifies the deadlines for voter registration and procedures for updating voter information.
Public Information: Defines the procedures by which voter registration information can be accessed, and conditions under which that information can be used or released.
Election Administration (33.03)
This section addresses the administrative procedures for the organization and oversight of elections, including the scheduling of elections, polling place setup, election judges, and training for election officials.
It also includes guidelines for absentee voting, early voting, provisional voting, and vote-by-mail procedures.
Voting Equipment: Provides the standards for the use and certification of voting systems and equipment to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and security in voting processes.
Voting Procedures: Sets forth the procedures for casting and counting votes, including the use of optical scanners and electronic voting systems.
Campaign Finance (33.04)
This section deals with campaign finance regulations, including the rules for political donations, contributions, and expenditures for election campaigns.
Disclosure Requirements: Details the reporting and disclosure obligations for candidates, political committees, and other entities involved in campaign financing.
Public Funding: Includes rules for public funding of campaigns, if applicable, and the procedures for requesting and using public funds for election purposes.
Candidate Nomination (33.05)
Provides the criteria and procedures for individuals seeking to become candidates in state elections, including the filing process, deadlines, and requirements for nominating petitions.
Signature Requirements: Specifies the number of signatures required to qualify for various elected positions in Maryland, such as the Governor, legislature, and other local offices.
Qualification: Candidates must meet eligibility criteria related to age, citizenship, and residency to appear on the ballot.
Voting Accessibility (33.06)
This section is concerned with ensuring that elections are accessible to all eligible voters, including people with disabilities and language minorities.
Assistive Technologies: It includes provisions for accessible voting systems (e.g., audio ballots, braille ballots) and the accommodation of voters with physical disabilities.
Language Access: It addresses the requirements for providing voting materials in multiple languages where necessary.
Absentee and Early Voting (33.07)
Absentee Voting: Defines the eligibility criteria and procedures for voting absentee, including the process of requesting and returning absentee ballots.
Early Voting: Covers the process of early voting, including locations, timelines, and procedures for voters to cast ballots before Election Day.
Election Results and Certification (33.08)
This section covers the process of counting and certifying election results, including the procedures for canvassing and tabulation of ballots.
Certification of Results: Explains the process by which the State Board of Elections certifies the final results of an election.
Recounts: Includes provisions for conducting recounts if necessary, such as when results are close or if requested by a candidate or voter.
Election Security and Integrity (33.09)
Outlines the policies and procedures for ensuring the integrity and security of the election process, including cybersecurity measures, the protection of voting systems, and safeguards against voter fraud.
Election Audits: Specifies the procedures for conducting audits of the election results to ensure accuracy and prevent tampering or errors in vote counting.
Fraud Prevention: Includes measures to prevent voter impersonation, illegal voting, and other forms of electoral fraud.
Enforcement and Penalties (33.10)
This section deals with the enforcement of election laws, including penalties for violating voting laws or campaign finance regulations.
Investigations: Provides for the investigation of election violations, such as voter fraud or failure to comply with registration procedures.
Penalties: Sets forth the penalties for violations, which may include fines, disqualification from running for office, or criminal charges.
Purpose and Impact of Title 33
The Code of Maryland Regulations, Title 33 is critical for ensuring that elections are conducted efficiently, fairly, and transparently. It is designed to facilitate voter participation, protect voters' rights, and ensure that the election process remains secure and free from tampering.
Key goals of Title 33 include:
Promoting Transparency and Trust: By setting clear rules and regulations, Title 33 ensures that the public can trust the election process and its outcomes.
Ensuring Accessibility: The provisions for absentee voting, early voting, and accessible voting systems ensure that all eligible voters can participate, including those with disabilities and those who may face barriers in traditional voting methods.
Safeguarding Integrity: The regulations related to election security, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and audits help protect the integrity of Maryland elections.
Supporting Voter Participation: With provisions for voter registration, candidate nomination, and accessible voting systems, Title 33 works to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
Conclusion
Title 33 of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) provides a comprehensive framework for election administration in Maryland. It ensures the orderly conduct of elections, voter participation, and the protection of voting rights. By addressing voter registration, absentee voting, campaign finance, election security, and other key aspects, it helps maintain public confidence in the democratic process and ensures that elections are conducted fairly and transparently.
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