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Summary
HB1042 makes two main changes to Maryland election law governing absentee ballots and the use of a “duly authorized agent” to pick up and deliver those ballots. First, it requires each specimen ballot to prominently display the rules in § 9-307(c)(2), which would inform voters that an agent generally may not be a candidate on the ballot or a candidate’s representative. Second, it amends the absentee-ballot agent provisions to define “candidate’s representative” and to bar such representatives from serving as an agent for a voter’s absentee ballot, except in a limited family-member exception.
Under the bill, a family member of a candidate who is on the ballot may still designate the candidate or the candidate’s representative as the agent to handle that family member’s absentee ballot. The bill also preserves existing requirements that the agent be at least 18, be designated in writing under penalty of perjury, and sign an affidavit about delivering and returning the ballot. The State Board of Elections would be required to adopt implementing regulations by January 1, 2026, and the act would take effect October 1, 2025.
Impact
HB1042 would amend Title 9 of the Election Law Article by adding a voter-information requirement for specimen ballots and tightening who may serve as an absentee-ballot agent. It would expand the statutory restrictions on ballot handling by excluding candidates’ representatives from acting as agents, while preserving a narrow exception for family members of candidates. The bill also directs the State Board of Elections to promulgate regulations, which would affect local boards, election administrators, candidates, campaign staff, volunteers, and voters who use absentee-ballot delivery assistance.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes in the provided materials, the bill appears to be framed as an election-integrity and transparency measure. Its stated purpose suggests support for clearer voter notice and a reduction in potential conflicts of interest in absentee-ballot handling. No contrary viewpoints are documented in the supplied context, so there is no clear evidence of organized opposition or support from the available record.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the restriction on who may serve as an absentee-ballot agent, especially the prohibition on candidates’ representatives such as campaign staff and volunteers. Supporters would likely view this as a safeguard against undue influence or perceived ballot-handling conflicts, while critics may argue it could limit practical assistance for voters, particularly in campaigns where family members or trusted aides are involved. The family-member exception softens the restriction, but the bill still draws a line that could be debated as either necessary election protection or an unnecessary burden on voter assistance.