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MarylandHB 10012026 Regular SessionHouse

Election Law - Authority at Polling Places, Early Voting Centers, and Counting Centers - Revisions

Sponsored By: Dana Jones (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

ElectionsArrestsCertificationsCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Elections SupervisorsElections, State Board ofEvaluations and ReviewsLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PolicePolitical CandidatesReportsSafety -see also- Occupational SafetyStandards and Best PracticesVoting -see also- Absentee and Mail-In VotingWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Broader observation at counting centers

Beginning June 1, 2026, boards of canvassers and local board staff can be observed as they complete each part of the canvass. Candidates on the county ballot, political parties, political committees, and certain campaign‑finance filers may name observers at each counting center. Other members of the public who wish to be present may also observe.

Election officials direct police at polls

Beginning June 1, 2026, on‑duty police at a polling place must follow orders from the election judge or election administrators. An officer who arrests someone under such an order is protected as if the arrest were backed by a valid warrant. Police must also protect challengers and watchers while they do their duties. Election administrators can keep the peace and order arrests for breaches of the peace or interference with judges. A local election director can act without an election judge, and may refuse pre‑opening entry to observers who were not there 30 minutes early or make observers leave if they would delay opening.

More access for accredited watchers

Beginning June 1, 2026, more groups can name accredited challengers and watchers, including the State Board, local boards, candidates on the ballot, political parties, political committees, and certain campaign‑finance filers. Accredited observers can enter 30 minutes before polls open, stay all day, and remain through closing tasks. They may keep a list of who voted or cast provisional ballots and take that list outside and return. They must be placed near the judges so they can see and hear each person as they offer to vote. A signed certificate from the designator is required, and a copy must be filed with the local board before the observer may enter the voting room. The designator may remove the observer at any time.

Rules and limits for poll challengers

Beginning June 1, 2026, challengers and watchers may not ask or try to learn how a voter voted, talk with voters inside, assist voters, or handle original documents or voting machines. Election judges or the local election director can eject any observer who breaks these rules. Nonaccredited people may enter to challenge a voter’s right to vote, but judges or the director can limit how many are inside at once. Nonaccredited challengers must leave once the challenge is decided. All the same conduct limits apply to nonaccredited challengers and watchers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Dana Jones

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 302 • No: 0

House vote • 4/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 130 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 40 • No: 0 • Other: 4

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 132 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 467

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/11/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (130-0)

    4/11/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/11/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (40-0)

    4/10/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {303128/1 Adopted

    4/10/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/10/2026Senate

  9. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/19/2026Senate

  10. Third Reading Passed (132-0)

    3/18/2026House

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/17/2026House

  12. Favorable with Amendments {693227/1 Adopted

    3/17/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    3/16/2026House

  14. Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/11/2026House

  15. First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections

    2/6/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/11/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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