Election Law - Absentee Ballots - Notice to Request Application
Summary
HB201 requires local boards of elections to provide voters with a written notice explaining how to request a State-approved absentee ballot application before statewide primary elections. The notice must be included with a specimen ballot mailing and may also be included in other mailings sent to eligible voters to increase awareness of absentee voting. The bill is aimed at making absentee voting information more visible to voters ahead of primary elections.
The bill applies only to statewide primary elections and sets a timing requirement of at least 60 days before the election. It also creates exceptions so that the notice does not have to be sent more than once per election, does not have to be included in mailings to voters with permanent absentee ballot status, and does not apply to vote-by-mail elections. The act takes effect October 1, 2025.
Impact
HB201 amends Maryland Election Law by adding new subsection 9-305(e) to require local boards of elections to include absentee ballot application request information in certain voter mailings. It affects local election administration procedures, specimen ballot mailings under ยง 8-102, and the handling of absentee voting outreach for eligible voters. The bill does not change eligibility for absentee voting itself, but it expands notice obligations and standardizes how voters are informed about requesting absentee ballot applications.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been generally supported, as reflected by its favorable committee report with amendments and its passage on third reading by a 99-35 vote. The available record suggests broad agreement on improving voter notice and absentee voting awareness, while the amendments indicate some refinement of the mailing requirements before final passage. Overall, the sentiment was positive but not unanimous.
Contention
The main points of contention likely centered on the administrative burden and scope of the mailing requirement for local boards of elections, especially the mandate to include the notice in specimen ballot or other mailings. The exceptions for permanent absentee voters, duplicate mailings, and vote-by-mail elections suggest concern about avoiding unnecessary or redundant notices. Opposition, as reflected in the 35 nays on final passage, likely came from members concerned about election administration costs, mailing requirements, or the broader policy of expanding absentee voting outreach.