Expands the petition “black-out” window for forming new political parties from August back to July. The Forward Party opposes the change, arguing it raises an already high barrier to ballot access.

Lets counties skip a closed primary and run a single open special election for council or executive vacancies, saving money and letting all voters participate. Forward supports the bill as a cost-effective way to broaden access.

Constitutional amendment: requires a special election (not an appointment) to fill General Assembly seats if the vacancy occurs early in the term. Forward supports it to return the choice to voters.

Enables any party to adopt ranked-choice voting in Maryland’s presidential primaries starting 2028; funds statewide voter-education, certifies election tech, and orders a post-election study. Forward supports it as a voter-empowerment, majority-winner reform.

Authorizes secure e-signatures, reasonableness in name matching, and error-correction for voters, making petitions more accessible. Forward supports the update.

Enables Montgomery County to adopt ranked-choice or approval voting for local offices when ready. Forward urges passage, citing majority-winner problems in recent primaries.

Lets unaffiliated voters request a Democratic or Republican ballot in a primary without changing their registration. Forward is favorable but wants language strengthened so any unaffiliated voter can choose a party ballot at the polls.

Senate companion to HB 174: Mandates special elections to fill early legislative vacancies. Forward supports, calling it a fix for undemocratic appointments.

Separates and limits how money raised by exploratory committees can be moved or spent once a candidate runs, adding clear accounting and refund options. Forward is favorable because the bill closes a transparency loophole and protects donor intent.

Requires priority lines, seating, and training so elderly and disabled voters can vote quickly and comfortably. Forward supports for inclusivity.

Adds transparency rules for party central-committee appointments (public interviews, roll-call votes, recusals). Forward backs it as an incremental step while still preferring elections.

Lets counties hold a single general special election (no primary) for vacancies and permits drop boxes, expanding participation and cutting costs. Forward supports.

Expands the party-petition blackout window by a month (July start). Forward opposes, saying the longer blackout further discourages new parties.