Signed by Governor Martin O'Malley

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends early voting procedures, effective July 1, 2013.

Highlights:

• Authorizes an individual to register to vote or change the individual’s address during early voting periods (Sec. 1).

• Establishes an online absentee ballot application (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes absentee voting through an online ballot marking tool for voters who request online absentee ballots (Sec. 2).

• Extends hours of operation for early voting centers, beginning the 2nd Thursday before a primary or general election through the Thursday before the election, whereas current law authorizes early voting to begin the 2nd Friday before the election and excludes Sundays (Sec. 2).

• Amends the county population requirements that determine the number of early voting centers as follows (Sec. 2):
• A county with fewer than 125,000 registered voters will have 1 early voting center, but if the county covers an area greater than 400 square miles, then it may establish 1 additional early voting center;
• A county with more than 125,000 registered voters and fewer than 300,000 will have 3 early voting centers;
• A county with more than 300,000 registered voters and fewer than 450,000 will have 5 early voting centers; and
• A county with more than 450,000 registered voters will have 8 early voting centers. 

Full Bill Text