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MarylandSB 06702026 Regular SessionSenate

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

Sponsored By: Cheryl C. Kagan (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

ElectionsArrestsBallots -see also- Abs&MailInBallots; Abs&MailInVotingCertificationsElections SupervisorsElections, State Board ofLaw 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: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Election officials and police authority at polls

Beginning June 1, 2026, police on duty at polling places must follow orders from specified election officials. An arrest made under those orders is treated like it was made with a valid warrant. The State Administrator, Deputy, or local election director can keep the peace and order arrests for breaches or interference. A local election director can use these powers without an election judge’s agreement. The director must also protect challengers and watchers as they use their rights.

More groups may observe vote counting

Beginning June 1, 2026, candidates on the ballot in a county, political parties, political committees, and some required filers can name registered voters as observers at counting centers.

Accredited poll watchers get formal rights

Beginning June 1, 2026, more groups can name accredited challengers and watchers, including the State Board, local boards, candidates on the ballot, parties, political committees, and some required filers. Accredited observers can enter 30 minutes before opening, stay all day and through closing, and keep and take outside lists of who voted or cast provisional ballots. The person who designates an accredited observer must send the observer’s certificate to the local board before the observer can enter the voting or canvassing room.

Rules and limits for poll observers

Beginning June 1, 2026, challengers and watchers cannot talk with voters, help them vote, try to learn how they voted, or handle election documents or equipment. Election judges or the local director can remove an observer who breaks these rules. A challenger or watcher must be present 30 minutes before opening to get in early, and the local director can make observers leave before opening if they would delay opening on time. Nonaccredited people may enter to challenge a voter’s right to vote, but officials can limit how many enter and they must leave once the decision is made.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Cheryl C. Kagan

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 213 • No: 5

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 1 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 134 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 38 • No: 4 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 468

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/9/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (41-1)

    4/9/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/9/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (134-0)

    4/8/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/3/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {763329/1 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

    3/21/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (38-4)

    3/20/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {183727/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  14. Motion Laid Over (Senator Ready) Adopted

    3/18/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments {183727/1

    3/18/2026Senate

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

    3/16/2026Senate

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

    2/10/2026Senate

  18. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/9/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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