Md. Code Regs. 33.15.03.02

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 25, December 13, 2024

Section 33.15.03.02 - New or Changed Polling Place

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:

(a) Maintain a contact list of individuals and organizations who wish to be notified about local board meetings at which proposed changes to the locations of polling places will be discussed; and

(b) Enable individuals and organizations to register for the contact list.

(2) At least 14 days before the meeting required by §A of this regulation, 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:

(i) County Executive or Mayor of Baltimore City, if applicable;

(ii) County Commissioner or County Council member elected by voters in the precinct or precincts with the current polling place and proposed polling place; and

(iii) Member of the General Assembly elected by voters in the precinct or precincts with the current polling place and proposed polling place.

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.

Md. Code Regs. 33.15.03.02

Regulations .02 adopted as an emergency provision effective July 1, 2000 (27:15 Md. R. 1398); adopted permanently effective October 16, 2000 (27:20 Md. R. 1844)
Regulation .02B amended effective October 19, 2009 (36:21 Md. R. 1595); Regulation .02 adopted effective 50:23 Md. R. 1005, eff. 11/27/2023