Subject
title
Discussion on the Draft Election Code Update - Work Session #2: Articles VII and VIII
end
Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council discuss the proposed City of Rockville draft Elections Code Chapter 8 Articles VII and VIII, and provide input on the question of whether Rockville should institute the public financing of Rockville municipal elections in 2031.
Change in Law or Policy
Upon adoption, the draft City Election Code - Chapter 8 will significantly modify the laws that govern the Rockville Municipal elections, thus providing clarity and enhancing transparency.
Discussion
At the third work session held on April 27, 2026 <https://rockvillemd.legistar.com/ViewReport.ashx?M=R&N=Text&GID=856&ID=6753733&GUID=9571B634-2E9D-458A-80FB-36CD1873C12A&Title=Legislation+Text>, the Mayor and Council discussed the proposed Election Code Articles I through VI. Articles VII and VIII were to be discussed on June 1. However, after the work session, there appeared to be a desire for a work session on the two Articles before June 1 and before a public hearing could be scheduled, hence this work session. Although the planned discussion is on the two articles, the entire proposed draft Election Code Ordinance is attached (Attachment 1).
Article VII - Campaigns: This Article covers campaigns and regulations of campaign activities, including campaign finance, campaign committee, out-of-state campaign committee, campaign contributions, political action committee, independent expenditures by individuals, campaign finance reporting, and campaign materials, among others. Section 8-117 is drafted to allow the body to discuss and determine during the work session whether the body wants to institute the public financing of Rockville municipal elections beginning in 2031.
Article VIII - Violations; Administrative Hearing: This Article outlines the violations and enforcement mechanism when violations of Chapter 8 occur.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council held two work sessions facilitated by the consultant. The first work
session was held on May 19, 2025 <https://rockvillemd.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7404995&GUID=7CFDD7B4-FF05-4F78-83CD-4B8FD46B95B3&Options=&Search=>. The second work session on July 21, 2025 <https://rockvillemd.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7487860&GUID=F2A2F681-EB5B-4023-B9FF-0F87B54DC86B&Options=&Search=>. The body
accepted the consultant’s final report on the Election Code Update at its September 8, 2025 <https://rockvillemd.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1287321&GUID=16493730-F196-4CE2-8FFD-705676C8BE7B&Options=info|&Search=>,
meeting. On April 27, 2026, the body held its first work session on the draft Election Code and discussed Articles I through VI.
Public Notification and Engagement
As previously noted, members of the Mayor and Council have expressed interest in holding a public hearing on the proposed draft Election Code - Chapter 8. Upon introduction of the Ordinance, a public hearing is anticipated and will be scheduled and held before adoption.
Boards and Commissions Review
The Office of the City Attorney met with the Board of Supervisors of Elections (BSE) on March
26, 2026, where the city attorney provided an outline and overview of their approach to
drafting the proposed code. The proposed draft has been shared with members of the BSE to
review and provide comments/feedback. The BSE plans to review and discuss the draft Election Code at its May 7th and May 14th meetings.
Next Steps
Following this work session and direction from the Mayor and Council, staff will make requisite changes to the draft election code. When the draft Election Code Ordinance is introduced, and a public hearing is requested, one will be held before the adoption of the new Election Code.