1854                             Joint Resolutions

of the independent contractor hired by the Board of Supervisors of
Elections to set up the machines properly.

Because of the closeness of the election for this nomination and
of the fact that the name of the runner-up was one of those omitted,
the Honorable Meyer M. Cardin decreed that a new election for that
nomination would have to be held in the eight affected precincts.

The Maryland Election Code on this point is vague and contra-
dictory and there is little helpful case law.

The problem should be studied in order that recommendations may
be made to the 1972 General Assembly for enactment of such amend-
ments to the election laws as necessary to eliminate further possi-
bility that at some time an election could not be held as required;
now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the appro-
priate committee or subcommittee of the Legislative Council assess
the desirability of adopting statutory language to make it clear that
a court of competent jurisdiction has the authority, in a proper pro-
ceeding, to declare null and void all or part of a primary or general
election when fraud or negligence of election officials or other third
parties has created a situation which could have affected the outcome
of an election race or races.

Approved May 17, 1971.

No. 53
(Senate Joint Resolution 71)

Senate Joint Resolution to establish the Joint Committee on Ethics
and rules of ethics for the members of the General Assembly of
Maryland.

Whereas, It is essential to the proper operation of a democratic
government that its legislators be independent and impartial, that
public office not be used for private gain other than compensation
provided by law, and that there be public confidence in the integrity
of the members of the General Assembly. It is also essential to the
proper operation of government that those best qualified be encour-
aged to serve the government and that safeguards against conflicts
of interest be designed so as not to unnecessarily or unreasonably
impede the entry into, or retention by the government of those best
qualified to serve it and the people; and

Whereas, The office of the Attorney General issued an opinion
which stated that the rules of one body of the Legislature would not
bind members of that body when the General Assembly was not
convened.

For the above reasons, the General Assembly wishes to establish a
joint committee on ethics and adopt the following rules by this Joint
Resolution to be in full force and effect during the entire terms of
those members now seated.