General Assembly - Special Election to Fill a Vacancy in Office

HB 50 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring special elections to fill vacancies in Maryland's General Assembly (Delegates or Senators) when the vacancy occurs 55 days or more before the candidate filing deadline for the regular statewide election held in the second year of a term. This would replace current gubernatorial appointments with a special election held simultaneously with the next regular primary and general elections. The change directly affects legislative districts where vacancies happen early enough to trigger this process, ensuring the replacement is chosen by voters rather than appointed by the governor. The amendment would take effect if approved by voters in the 2026 general election.