MD HB1043

Prohibits local governments from implementing election policies or practices that result in material disparities in voter participation or access between protected class members (based on race, color, or language minority status) and other voters, or that dilute protected class voting power through methods like at-large elections with racially polarized voting

Requires 15 days public notice before election boards or municipalities consider changes to administrative policies affecting voting rights (reduced to 48 hours during the 21-day period before early voting through Election Day), with notices posted on State Board of Elections website

Expands the definition of "administrative policy affecting voting rights" to include language assistance, disability assistance, and other voter assistance, in addition to existing categories of voter registration, provisional voting, absentee voting, and polling place locations

Authorizes aggrieved persons, organizations, and the Attorney General to file enforcement actions in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, with courts empowered to order remedies including district-based elections, revised districting plans, additional polling locations, and expanded voting hours

Requires parties to send local governments a notification letter before filing suit, with a 60-day waiting period during which governments may propose remedies subject to Attorney General approval; prevailing plaintiffs are entitled to attorney's fees and costs, with the act taking effect January 1, 2026