Subject
title
Public Hearing #1 - Amendments to Chapter 8, “Elections” of the Rockville City Code to update Definitions, Campaign Finance provisions, Enforcement provisions,; to add Power of Duties Section for the Board of Supervisors of Elections; to enact new provisions enabling 16 and 17 year olds to register and vote; to enact term limits; to implement new requirement from the state; and to make additional modifications to improve the Administration of this Chapter.
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Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommend the Mayor and Council conduct the Public Hearing.
Change in Law or Policy
The ordinance would amend Chapter 8 of the City Code entitled “Elections” (the “Election Code”).
Discussion
The Mayor and Council requested a public hearing to receive community input on proposed amendments to Chapter 8, entitled “Elections,” of the Rockville City Code and related Charter amendments. The proposed amendments focus on specific operational, administrative, and policy matters identified by staff and the Board of Supervisors of Elections, rather than a comprehensive revision of Chapter 8.
The proposed revisions reflect recommendations from the Board of Supervisors of Elections and feedback and direction provided by the Mayor and Council at the September 14, 2026, Worksession.
The proposed amendments are intended to improve the City’s election procedures and address operational and administrative issues identified during the 2023 municipal election cycle.
If approved, the amendments would update election procedures, clarify responsibilities, and improve election administration and enforcement. Community input received during the public hearings will help inform the Mayor and Council’s consideration of the proposed amendments.
Impact Statements
The proposed amendments to Chapter 8, “Elections,” update definitions, campaign finance and enforcement provisions; establish the powers and duties of the Board of Supervisors of Elections; and improve election administration. Related Charter amendments would allow eligible 16 and 17 year olds to register and vote and establish term limits. The updates also incorporate new state requirements.
Equity
The proposed changes would expand participation to eligible 16 and 17 year-olds and provide clearer guidance for voters, candidates, and election officials. Updated campaign finance and enforcement provisions would support transparency, accountability, and consistent administration of election requirements.
Environment
No direct environmental impacts are anticipated from the proposed amendments.
Economy
Implementation may require expenditures for voter education, staff and Board training, election materials, and administrative updates. Clearer procedures and requirements may improve operational efficiency. No direct impact on the local economy is anticipated.
Mayor and Council History
This is the first public hearing on the proposed amendments. A second public hearing will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026.
Public Notification and Engagement
In addition to advertising in the Washington Post, the Community has been notified of this Public Hearing through Rockville Reports, outreach to Boards, Commissions, Committees and Task Force, social media and City’s website.
Boards and Commissions Review
The Board of Supervisors of Elections recommendations on the proposed updates were presented to Mayor and Council at June 8, 2026, Worksession, following a second Worksession on September 14, 2026, and Introduction on October 5, 2026.
Procurement
Conducting November 2, 2027, the municipal election will require procurement of election services, equipment, and supplies in accordance with the City’s procurement requirements. Anticipated needs include ballot printing and mailing, election software programming, voting equipment, staff training, and on-site technical support.
Fiscal Impact
Election costs will include voter outreach, ballot production and postage, equipment and software, staffing, training, and other administrative expenses. The total fiscal impact will be determined as vendor estimates are finalized and operational needs are confirmed. Any additional costs associated with implementing the proposed Election Code and Charter amendments will be identified and incorporated into the election budget.
Next Steps
A second public hearing will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026. The Mayor and Council are scheduled to consider adoption of the ordinance at their November 16, 2026, meeting.