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HB 641

Election Law - Curbside Voting - Pilot Program

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Derrick Coley and 12 co-sponsors

Maryland pilot program authorizes curbside voting to increase accessibility for voters with mobility challenges and gather data on implementation feasibility.

Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 641

Legislative bill overview

HB 641 establishes a pilot program in Maryland enabling curbside voting, allowing eligible voters to cast ballots from their vehicles at designated polling locations. The bill authorizes select jurisdictions to implement this voting method during specified election cycles to test its feasibility and effectiveness.

Why is this important

Curbside voting can remove physical barriers for voters with mobility challenges, elderly citizens, and those with disabilities, potentially increasing electoral participation. The pilot program approach allows Maryland to gather data on implementation costs, voter usage patterns, and operational challenges before any statewide expansion.

Potential points of contention

  • Election security concerns: Critics may worry about ballot chain-of-custody procedures, observer access, and fraud prevention when voting occurs outside traditional polling place infrastructure
  • Resource allocation: Implementation requires additional poll worker training, vehicle access protocols, and potentially increased costs per jurisdiction that participate
  • Equity and accessibility: Questions about whether curbside voting adequately serves all voters with disabilities or becomes a substitute for more comprehensive accessibility improvements at polling locations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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