Election Law - Petitions and Ballot Questions - Contents, Plain Language Requirement, and Procedures
Summary
SB615 revises Maryland election law governing petitions to place questions on the ballot and the wording that appears on ballots and related notices. The bill requires petition signature pages for ballot questions to include either a brief title and a plain-language summary of the proposal, or the full text, plus a brief statement explaining the practical outcome of each voting choice. It also requires ballot question titles and condensed statements to be written in plain, clear language that avoids legal jargon, double negatives, and the passive voice.
The bill also changes the timing and process for preparing ballot question language. It moves certification deadlines to July 1 before a general election for statewide, county, and municipal questions, creates a 15-day public comment period for ballot question text, and requires the responsible official to review comments and submit final plain text for publication. In addition, it extends public posting requirements for complete ballot question text from 65 days to 90 days before the general election and requires links to the underlying legislation where applicable. The State Board of Elections must also issue guidelines for plain-language compliance, including reference to federal plain writing standards.
Impact
SB615 amends multiple sections of the Election Law Article, including provisions on petition contents, ballot question formatting, certification deadlines, public notice, and ballot display. It affects the State Board of Elections, the Secretary of State, county attorneys, municipal attorneys, local boards of elections, and petition sponsors by imposing new drafting, review, and publication obligations. The bill is intended to make ballot questions and petition materials more understandable to voters while also changing administrative timelines for preparing and certifying ballot language.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support in the Senate, passing third reading unanimously by a 47-0 vote. The committee report was favorable with amendments, suggesting general agreement with the bill’s goals but some refinement during committee review. No committee transcript was provided, so the available record indicates a largely positive reception centered on voter clarity and transparency.
Contention
The main policy tension in SB615 is between simplifying ballot language for voters and preserving legally precise wording for election materials. The bill addresses this by requiring plain language and limiting legal jargon, while also stating that it should not be construed to prohibit legislatively mandated ballot question language. Another point of possible concern is the shortened and restructured timeline for certification and the new public comment process, which may increase administrative work for election officials and sponsors. However, the unanimous vote suggests these issues were not politically divisive in the Senate.
Requires ballot question on approval of State bond issue to disclose total amount of debt of State or other entity, debt service on which is funded through annual State appropriation.
Requires that Miranda rights statements be more specific with respect to the right to counsel; requires inquiry into whether such rights are understood.