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MarylandSB 02372026 Regular SessionSenate

Election Law - Presidential Electors - Selection and Voting

Sponsored By: Cheryl C. Kagan (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

ElectionsBallots -see also- Abs&MailInBallots; Abs&MailInVotingCertificationsElections, State Board ofFederal GovernmentGovernorMeetings -see also- Hearings; Open GovernmentOathsPolitical CandidatesPolitical PartiesSignaturesSunsetVoting -see also- Absentee and Mail-In Voting

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Faster, clearer certification of electors’ votes

The Governor’s certificate of ascertainment must state that named electors serve unless a vacancy occurs and that an amended certificate will be sent if substitutes serve. After electors vote, if the final list changed, the State Administrator must prepare an amended certificate for the Governor’s signature and prompt delivery. The State Administrator must also prepare the certificate of the vote, get electors’ signatures, and send all required documents under federal law. These certification steps take effect October 1, 2026.

How Maryland electors meet and vote

Electors meet at the State House in Annapolis on the date set by federal law. The State Administrator of Elections runs the meeting and serves as secretary. Electors fill any vacancies first, take the oath, and then vote. If the national popular vote agreement is in effect, they vote for the national winner; otherwise, they vote for Maryland’s winner. Each elector must mark a presidential and a vice-presidential ballot and sign and print their name on the certificate of vote. These rules take effect October 1, 2026.

Parties must file electors and pledges

Parties and unaffiliated presidential candidates must file two names for each Maryland elector: one nominee and one alternate. Party leaders or the unaffiliated candidate must certify the names. Each nominee and alternate must sign a written pledge to serve and vote for that ticket. If a party’s nominee dies or withdraws, the pledge covers the party’s chosen successor. These filing and pledge rules take effect October 1, 2026, and filings are due at least 30 days before the general election.

Enforcing pledges and filling elector vacancies

If an elector is absent at the meeting, the office is vacant. Vacancies are filled in order: the named alternate if present; then by lot from same‑ticket alternates; then by plurality vote of remaining electors from any qualified person, with ties by lot. If all positions are empty and cannot be filled that way, the State Administrator appoints one elector, and the rest are filled under the same rules. Substitutes must sign a pledge matching the person they replace before voting. The State Administrator accepts only ballots that match each elector’s pledge; anyone who refuses to present a ballot, gives an unmarked unsigned ballot, or votes against their pledge vacates the office and is replaced. These rules take effect October 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Cheryl C. Kagan

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 211 • No: 10

Senate vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 32 • No: 10 • Other: 2

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 134 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 469

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (32-10)

    4/10/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (134-0)

    4/8/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/3/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {443822/1 Adopted

    4/3/2026House

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

    4/3/2026House

  9. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/24/2026House

  10. Referred Government, Labor, and Elections

    3/13/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/12/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed

    3/10/2026Senate

  13. Favorable Adopted

    3/10/2026Senate

  14. Favorable Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/9/2026Senate

  15. Hearing 2/11 at 2:00 p.m.

    2/9/2026Senate

  16. Hearing canceled

    2/9/2026Senate

  17. Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/16/2026Senate

  18. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/15/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/10/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/15/2026

    PDF

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