[Amended 9-27-1983 by Res. No. 1983-36; 1-10-1989 by Res. No.
1989-01; 11-23-2004 by R-04-29; 5-26-2009 by Res. No.
R-09-26; 6-21-2011 by Res. No. R-11-30]
Except as expressly provided herein to the contrary, elections
for office under the Charter shall be conducted pursuant to the Maryland
Election Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended from
time to time. Such elections shall be conducted by the Washington
County Board of Elections.
Qualified voters of the city shall include every person who
(1) is a citizen of the United States, (2) is at least eighteen years
of age, or will be 18 years of age on or before the day of the next
succeeding general or special election, (3) has resided within the
corporate limits of the city for 21 days before the day of the next
succeeding primary, general or special election, and (4) is registered
in accordance with the Maryland Election Code.
[Amended 11-20-2012 by Res. No. R-12-47]
A primary election shall be held every four years in the City
to coincide with the Maryland primary date for the presidential election
and other federal offices beginning in 2012. Beginning in 2016, the
10 persons with the highest number of votes for City Council in a
non-partisan primary election shall become candidates for City Council
in a non-partisan general election. The two persons with the highest
number of votes for Mayor in a non-partisan primary election shall
become candidates for Mayor in a non-partisan general election.
A general election shall be held every four years on the General
Election day in November to coincide with the Presidential Election
and other Federal offices beginning in 2012. The qualified voters
of the City shall elect five persons as Councilmembers, and one person
for Mayor, to serve for the term of four years or until their successor
or successors are duly elected and qualified.
Any special election called by the Council pursuant to § 209
shall be conducted by the Washington County Board of Elections pursuant
to the provisions of the Maryland Election Article at the expense
of the City.
[Amended 11-20-2012 by Res. No. R-12-47]
In case of a vacancy on the Council or in the office of Mayor
for any reason, the Council shall select a qualified person to fill
the vacancy for the unexpired term, without regard to political party.
The person selected shall meet the qualifications of § 202
for Councilmember or § 302 for Mayor.
