Section 11-301 - Organization of local boards of canvassers. - Maryland Statutes

§ 11-301. Organization of local boards of canvassers.
 

(a)  In general.- A board of canvassers shall: 

(1) convene at the designated counting center for that county on or before the day of the election, but not later than 5 p.m. on that day, and be sworn in; 

(2) meet only in public session; and 

(3) subject to regulations adopted by the State Board to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and that the accuracy of the vote tabulation is not impeded or compromised, provide for observation and understanding of the canvass by those individuals in attendance. 

(b)  Election of officers.- Each board of canvassers shall elect by majority vote a chairman and secretary from among its members. 

(c)  Oath required.- Each member of the board of canvassers shall take an oath, administered and recorded by the clerk of the circuit court, to canvass and declare the votes cast truthfully and to perform other duties required by law. 

(d)  Quorum required.-  

(1) At the first meeting of the board of canvassers for the purpose of canvassing, a majority of the whole board of canvassers shall be a quorum. 

(2) If a quorum is not present, the members present shall adjourn until the next day. 

(e)  Majority vote required for decision making.- Except as otherwise provided in this article, all decisions shall be reached by a majority vote of the members present. 

(f)  Substitute members allowed.- If a member is not present at the scheduled time for vote canvassing, a substitute member of the board of canvassers may be sworn in. 

(g)  Representation from principal minority party required.- At least one member of the board of canvassers present shall be a registered voter of the principal minority party. 

(h)  The canvass.- Once the board has satisfied the requirements of subsections (a) through (g) of this section, it may proceed with the canvass in accordance with the regulations of the State Board. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 33, § 11-301; 2002, ch. 291, §§ 2, 4.]