MarylandSB 00292026 Regular SessionSenate

Election Law - Petitions and Ballot Questions - Contents, Plain Language Requirement, and Procedures

Sponsored By: Cheryl C. Kagan (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

ElectionsBallots -see also- Abs&MailInBallots; Abs&MailInVotingChartered Counties -see also- AACo; BCo; CecilCo; etc.ChartersCode Counties -see also- AllegCo; CarolineCo; ChsCo; etc.Constitutional AmendmentsElections, State Board ofGeneral Assembly -see also- AELR Cmte; LegislativePolCmteInternet -see also- Internet AccessLanguage -see also- Communications; LiteracyPetitionsPublic InformationReferendumRules and RegulationsSignaturesTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Clear ballot questions with public review

Beginning June 1, 2026, every ballot question must have a bold short title, a plain-language summary of the change, the choices, and a short result statement for each choice. Officials must prepare and certify this information by July 1 before the general election; if they miss, the circuit court clerk must do it by the first Friday in August. The State Board posts draft language for 15 days of public comment, then the preparer has 4 days to review comments and send certified text for posting. Certifying a ballot does not also approve the exact plain-language wording; those are separate steps.

Full ballot texts posted 90 days early

Beginning June 1, 2026, the State Board and local boards must post the full text of proposed constitutions and amendments, referred state laws, and county charters and measures for at least 90 days before the general election. Each posting must include a link to the official General Assembly or county webpage for the measure.

Plain-English petitions with full text access

Beginning June 1, 2026, the State Board uses plain-language rules for petition guidance and forms. It must avoid passive voice, legal jargon, and double negatives. The Board gives the public free guidelines, instructions, and sample petition forms on request. Each signature page must have a short title, either a plain summary or the full text, and a short result statement for each voting choice. If a page shows only a summary, the circulator must have the full text at signing and the page must say it is available.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Cheryl C. Kagan
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 179 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 135 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 2/5/2026