Montgomery County - Voting Methods MC 1-26

HB 580 would allow Montgomery County to adopt either ranked-choice voting (where voters rank candidates by preference) or approval voting (where voters can select multiple candidates) for specific local elections. This applies to races for County Executive, County Council, Circuit Court judges, State's Attorney, Register of Wills, Sheriff, and Board of Education members. If implemented, the County Council would need to pass a local law specifying ballot design, vote counting procedures, and a public education campaign explaining the voting system. The bill does not require adoption but authorizes the County to choose, with changes taking effect January 1, 2027.