Rockville Development News

Rockville City Council Reviews Proposed Election Code Amendments

The Rockville City Council held a work session to discuss proposed amendments to the city's election code. Key recommendations from the Board of Supervisors of Elections (BSC) included continuing vote-by-mail for the 2027 election, establishing a third vote center on the east side of Rockville Pike, and providing stipends to BSC members during election years. The council also debated extending the campaign material definition to include robo-calls and pre-recorded messages, clarifying the definition of a 'committee,' removing the absentee ballot definition due to the prevalence of vote-by-mail, and inserting definitions for contributions and expenditures. Further discussions focused on closing voter registration 60 days before elections (instead of 45), allowing BSC to recommend vote center and drop box locations with Mayor and Council approval, reducing mailers from four to three, and eliminating absentee voting provisions. The council also considered increasing late fees for campaign finance reports, streamlining late fee collection, and requiring opt-out options for political text messages. Significant debate occurred regarding the extent of the BSC's authority in investigating violations and issuing infractions, the process for disbanding candidate slates, and the potential need for stipends or reimbursements for board members. The council also discussed new provisions to protect election officials and mimic state laws for municipal elections.