MD HB182

Political parties and unaffiliated presidential candidates must submit two qualified individuals for each presidential elector position: one designated as "presidential elector nominee" and one as "alternate presidential elector nominee" to the State Board at least 30 days before the general election.

Presidential elector nominees must execute a pledge agreeing to vote for the presidential and vice presidential nominees of the party that nominated them (or for unaffiliated candidates, agreeing to vote for that specific candidate and running mate).

The State Administrator of Elections will preside and serve as secretary at the meeting of presidential electors, and any elector not present to vote creates a vacancy to be filled by the alternate or through a specified succession process.

A presidential elector who refuses to present a ballot, presents an unmarked ballot, or votes in violation of their pledge vacates the office, and the position must be filled by a substitute elector who will then cast a compliant vote.

If the final list of presidential electors differs from the original certificate of ascertainment due to vacancies being filled, the State Administrator must prepare an amended certificate for the Governor's signature and transmission to required federal officials.