MD HB1001

Local board of elections employees gain authority to keep the peace at polling places and order arrests of persons who breach the peace, violate election law, or interfere with election judges' work

Police officers on duty at polling places must obey orders from local board employees, in addition to existing requirement to obey election judges

Local board employees may deny admission to challengers or watchers who arrive less than 30 minutes before polls open, and may require them to leave if their presence would delay opening

Local board employees may eject challengers or watchers who violate rules (such as attempting to determine how someone voted, conversing with voters, or handling election documents)

Local board employees may exercise these authorities independently of election judges assigned to the polling place; effective June 1, 2026