MD HB1001

Police officers on duty at polling places must obey orders from local election directors, who gain authority to keep the peace and order arrests for breaches of peace, election law violations, or interference with election judges

Local election directors may deny admission to challengers and watchers who arrive less than 30 minutes before polls open, and may require them to leave if their presence would prevent timely opening of the polling place

Expands who can designate accredited challengers or watchers to include political committees and persons required to file campaign finance reports under §§ 13-306 or 13-307, while extending challenger/watcher rights to early voting centers

Designating persons must submit a copy of the challenger or watcher certificate to the appropriate local board before the individual may enter the voting room

Effective date: June 1, 2026