As used in this chapter, the following terms have the meanings
indicated:
The Board of Supervisors of Elections for the City.
Money that is contributed or loaned to a candidate.
Any material that:
An individual who seeks nomination for election, or seeks
election, to City office.
A donation, grant, or gift, or a promise to make a donation,
grant, or gift, whether money or in-kind, to any candidate or representative,
with exception to certain loans as set forth in this chapter.
Any person who makes a contribution.
Any organization or entity that is formed or organized under
the laws of Maryland, the United States, or any other state or foreign
government.
An individual who is in a "domestic partnership" with another
person that meets the requirements set forth in Maryland Code, § 6-101
of the Health-General Article, which may be amended from time to time.
A day close to, but in advance of, election day, on which the City Council has authorized the polls to be open to qualified voters (referred to in the Charter, § C4-9, as "advance voting day").
General or special elections, referenda, or other questions
at any election held by the City.
The day on which voting for the offices of Mayor and Council and any other included referenda is regularly scheduled to occur as set forth by the City Charter and § 8-3 of this chapter, which does not include special elections or early voting days.
Any transfer, disbursement, or promise of money or valuable
thing, to include in-kind expenditures, by a candidate, treasurer,
or other agent of a candidate to promote or assist in the promotion
of the success or defeat of a candidate or proposition submitted to
a vote at any election.
Any bank licensed to receive deposits and make loans which
is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or a credit
union insured by the National Credit Union Insurance Fund.
The fair market value, which shall be the usual and normal
charge, of anything of value other than direct contributions of money,
including goods or services for which the contributor normally charges,
and payments made on behalf of a candidate, except that volunteering
the contributor's own time or use of a personal vehicle to a campaign
shall not constitute an in-kind contribution.
Any combination of two or more persons, formed in any manner,
which independently collects or expends a cumulative amount of $100
or more to assist in the promotion of the success or defeat of any
candidate or slate of candidates for City elective office or any cause
to be submitted to the voters.
A report of expenditures, loans, and contributions received
by any candidate.
Unexpended funds contributed to a candidate that remain after
the election is certified and all campaign debts, including all loans,
have been paid.
Any person appointed by a candidate to receive or disburse
money or other items of value to promote or assist in the promotion
of any candidate or proposition.
The process whereby voters make application for and submit
completed ballots by either mail or in-person dropoff at a location
authorized by the Board.
A.
Assistance
from City staff. In addition to any power, duty, or responsibility
provided in the City Charter, the Board may obtain the assistance
and support of City staff, with the approval of the City Administrator,
to aid the Board in its official duties.
B.
Administration
and recordkeeping. In addition to any power, duty, or responsibility
provided in the City Charter, the Board shall have the authority to
direct the City Clerk in:
(1)
Issuing and maintaining all election records in a separate filing
system provided by the City; and
(2)
Keeping, maintaining, administering, and updating the City Supplemental
Voter Registry and accepting, examining and, as appropriate, approving
registration applications for the Supplemental Voter Registry.
C.
Campaign
finance. The Board shall have authority to provide, receive, and review
campaign reports, and certify that campaign reports are timely and
complete as outlined in this chapter, and the Board may delegate some
or all of these responsibilities.
D.
Election
duties. In addition to any power, duty, or responsibility provided
in the City Charter, the Board shall:
(1)
Provide for the nominations for elected City officers;
(2)
Verify the eligibility of election candidates and certify eligible
candidates;
(3)
Select and train election judges to assist in the operation of the
polling places for City elections;
(4)
Issue the official election ballot;
(5)
Provide a form for the certificate of polling place challengers and
watchers;
(6)
Provide for voting by vote-by-mail ballot and provisional ballot;
(7)
Prescribe and print or obtain all necessary election forms and related
materials in sufficient time for their respective use, including applications
for candidacy, vote-by-mail applications, vote-by-mail ballots, voter
instructions, ballot envelopes, and related affidavits and statements
as the Board deems necessary;
(8)
Oversee the operations of the polling places;
(9)
Validate the authenticity of returned vote-by-mail ballots and completed
provisional ballots;
(10)
Certify all election results; and
(11)
Provide for recount of ballots.
E.
Enforcement
and review. In addition to any power, duty, or responsibility provided
in the City Charter, the Board shall:
