Md. Code Regs. 33.17.06.06

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 33.17.06.06 - Special Assistance

A. Inability to Sign.

(1) Subject to the requirements of §A(2) of this regulation:

(a) If a voter is unable to sign a form used at an early voting center, an "X" or similar mark shall be accepted as that individual's signature; and

(b) If a voter is unable to make a mark, the requirement for a signature is met by the execution of the endorsement described in §A(2) of this regulation.

(2) In either of the situations described in §A(1) of this regulation, the election judge checking in or otherwise assisting the voter shall sign and date, on the back of the form, an endorsement indicating that the voter was:

(a) Unable to sign the voter's name; and

(b) If the voter was unable to sign the voter authority card, found qualified to vote by that election judge.

B. Assistance Needed to Cast Ballot.

(1) This section applies when, because of a physical disability or an inability to read or write English, a voter requests assistance in marking or casting the ballot or in filling out a provisional ballot application.

(2) Selection of Individual to Assist.

(a) As provided in Election Law Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, the voter may select anyone to assist the voter, except:

(i) The voter's employer;

(ii) The voter's union representative;

(iii) An officer or agent of the voter's employer or union;

(iv) For a voter casting a provisional ballot, a candidate who is on the voter's ballot; or

(v) A challenger or watcher who has been designated as such for this election.

(b) If the voter declines to select an individual to assist the voter, two election judges representing different political parties shall assist the voter.

(3) The election judges or person assisting the voter shall complete the Voter Assistance Form and the information required by COMAR 33.07.05.

(4) Assistance provided under this regulation shall be limited to:

(a) Reading the instructions or the content of the ballot or the application form to the voter; and

(b) As directed by the voter, marking or casting the ballot, operating the voting unit, or completing a provisional ballot.

C. Name Not on Election Register.

(1) If a voter's name does not appear in the election register, the election judges shall follow the procedures specified in the election judges' manual.

(2) When providing instruction to election judges, the election director shall comply with the procedures required by COMAR 33.07.05.03B.

D. Powers of Attorney. The right to vote may not be delegated to any other person, whether by power of attorney or otherwise.

Md. Code Regs. 33.17.06.06

Regulation .06B amended effective September 6, 2010 (37:18 Md. R. 1215)