Marvin Mandel, Governor                         719

(2) If punchcard ballots are used, the following instructions,
which may be numbered and accompanied by diagrams and addi-
tional information, shall be printed on the covering folder or en-
closed with the absentee ballot: "Examine the ballot punchcard
or cards before voting. If there is more than one punchcard, vote
only one card at a time. If both sides are printed, vote both sides
of each card. Record your vote by removing completely the circled
cross to the right of your choice. Use the following method—Put
card on table top; With tip of a ball point pen or pencil, press down
circled cross to the right of each of your choices; and while still
pressing down in circled cross, slowly raise card with the other
hand until circled cross is completely detached from card. Do not vote
for more candidates than the number specified over the names of
candidates for each office. The ballot must be marked secretly. Do
not sign your name or put on the ballot punchcards any mark of
identification or any other mark except the name of a written-in
candidate when permitted. Replace the punchcard or cards in this
covering folder and mail as instructed."

(b) [Then] After voting, enclose the ballot in the Ballot Envelope
and seal the same.

(d) It is absolutely necessary that the "Ballot Envelope" contains
nothing but [one ballot marked by you.] the absentee ballot on which
you indicated your choices.

(f) If, in any election other than a primary, you desire not to
vote for any of the candidates named for any office on the ballot,
you may write in, in the appropriate blank on the ballot, the name
of the person of your choice for such office , and record your vote
for him by marking the ballot after his name in the same manner
as you were instructed to record your vote for candidates whose
names appeared on the ballot.

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That new Section 1-1 (a) (16A)
be and it is hereby added to Article 33 of the Annotated Code of
Maryland (1971 Replacement Volume and 1971 Supplement), title
"Election Code," subtitle "Definitions," to follow immediately after
Section 1-1(a) (16) thereof, and to read as follows:

(16A)

"Punchcard" means a standard computer tabulating card on
which the voter may record his vote by punching a hole opposite
his choices.

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That this Act is hereby de-
clared to be an emergency measure and necessary for the imme-

diate preservation of the public health and safety and having been

passed by a yea and nay vote supported by three-fifths of all the
members elected to each of the two Houses of the General Assembly,

the same shall take effect from the date of its passage. SHALL

TAKE EFFECT JULY 1, 1972.
Approved May 5, 1972.