BLAIR LEE III, Acting Governor

977

(Senate Bill 206)

AN ACT concerning

Elections — Ballots for Absentee Voters

FOR the purpose of requiring absentee ballots to contain
either the words "Absentee Ballot" or "Official
Ballot"; and repealing a requirement that the board of
supervisors of elections must indicate certain
information on an absentee voter's ballot before
sending the ballot to a registered absentee voter.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Article 33 - Election Code

Section 27-7(b)

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1976 Replacement Volume and 1977 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That section (s) of the Annotated Code of Maryland
be repealed, amended, or enacted to read as follows:

Article 33 - Election Code

27-7,

(b) The ballots shall contain the words "Absentee
Ballot" OR "OFFICIAL BALLOT" printed in large letters in a
clear space at the top of each paper ballot or of each
punchcard and covering folder as the case may be. If paper
ballots are used, underneath these words shall be printed
the following warning: "Mark ballot by placing X in proper
blank after each candidate or question. Do not erase or
make identifying mark." If punchcard ballots are used,
underneath these words on each punchcard shall be printed
the following warning: "Mark ballot by punching out the
circled cross after each candidate or question indicating
your choice. Do not repair or make identifying mark." If
both sides of one or more punchcards are used to accommodate
the ballot, the words "vote both sides" and the other
wording required by this subsection shall appear on both
sides of each punchcard. Where punchcards are used, these
instructions may appear on stubs attached to the cards which
may be removed after the absentee voter has voted. The
designation of the election district or ward and the
precinct shall be left blank on paper ballots on the back
and outside of said ballots and on punchcard ballots on each
punchcard and on the outside of the covering folders for
said ballots, and such designation [shall] MAY be filled in
by the appropriate board before being sent to any registered
absentee voter.