Election Law - Approval Voting - Authorization for County Elections

SB 996 authorizes Maryland counties to adopt approval voting for local elections for county executive and legislative offices. Approval voting allows voters to support multiple candidates, with the candidate receiving the most votes winning. The bill requires counties using this method to conduct educational campaigns explaining how approval voting works, and gives the State Board authority to create regulations for its administration. This bill does not change statewide voting systems but provides counties with an optional voting method for local elections, effective June 1, 2025.