Subject
title
Approval of an Ordinance Election Code Chapter 8 entitled "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 Approve the attached Ordinance Election Code Chapter 8 entitled "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.
Change in Law or Policy
The ordinance would amend Chapter 8 of the City Code entitled “Elections”.
Discussion
The proposed amendments to Chapter 8, entitled “Elections,” of the Rockville City Code and related Charter amendments are presented to the Mayor and Council for adoption following public hearings held on November 2 and November 9, 2026.
The amendments address specific operational, administrative, and policy matters identified by staff and the Board of Supervisors of Elections. They are intended to clarify responsibilities, improve election administration and enforcement, and address issues identified during the 2023 municipal election cycle. These targeted updates do not constitute a comprehensive revision of Chapter 8.
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.
Please refer to the following resources for background information and additional details regarding the proposed updates to the Chapter 8 Election Code and Charter Amendments.
1. Draft Chapter 8 Ordinance - Changes
The ordinance includes changes related to:
• Addition of a third ballot drop box location.
• Implementation of an electronic petition form.
• Potential election process changes for the 2031 election, including:
1. Ranked Choice Voting.
2. Random Ballot Voting.
3. Public Financing.
• Allowing 16 and 17 year old residents to vote in City municipal elections but not run for office.
• Establishing term limits of four (4) consecutive terms.
• Require Mayor and Council members to be 18 years old to serve.
Impact Statements
Equity
The proposed amendments are intended to support clear, consistent, and accessible election procedures. An additional ballot drop box could improve access for voters, depending on its location, accessibility, and proximity to underserved areas. Electronic petitions could provide an additional way to participate in the candidate nomination process. Implementation should address language access, disability access, and barriers faced by residents with limited internet access or digital skills. Changes to voter or candidate eligibility should be evaluated against the final Charter amendment language.
Environment
Electronic petitions may reduce paper use and some travel associated with collecting signatures. An additional ballot drop box may reduce travel for some voters while requiring additional collection trips by staff. The overall environmental effect will depend on implementation and use.
Economy
Clearer election procedures may help candidates and participants understand and plan for compliance responsibilities. Potential economic effects associated with future election policy changes, including public financing, would require separate analysis as those proposals are developed.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council held public hearings on November 2 and November 9, 2026, to receive community input on the proposed amendments. The amendments are being presented for adoption this evening.
Public Notification and Engagement
In addition to advertising in the Washington Post on October 9 and 15, 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 on June 8, 2026, Worksession, following a second Worksession on September 14, 2026, and Introduction on October 5, 2026.
Procurement
Implementation of approved amendments may require purchases or services related to a third ballot drop box, installation and security, electronic petition technology, accessibility, printing, training, or voter outreach. Any resulting procurement would follow applicable City requirements and available budget authority. Potential changes for 2031 would require further evaluation of vendor capabilities, equipment compatibility, and procurement needs.
Fiscal Impact
A final implementation cost estimate has not been established in the information provided for this report. Costs may include ballot drop box acquisition and installation, security and collection operations, electronic petition development or licensing, staff training, revised forms and publications, and voter education.
Staff will need to identify one-time and recurring costs and determine whether they can be accommodated within the election budget or require additional funding. Potential 2031 changes would require separate cost estimates. Public financing, if pursued, would require analysis of both program funding and administrative costs.
Next Steps
If the ordinance is approved by the Mayor and Council. Following adoption, staff will update procedures, forms, training materials, and public information to reflect the approved provisions and effective dates.