Sec. 33.08.01.02. Board Responsibilities

A. In General.

(1) The canvass shall be conducted by the local board, in its role as a board of canvassers, as provided in Election Law Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, and this chapter.

(2) The local board is responsible for enforcing all provisions of Election Law Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, and all rules, regulations, and directives of the State Board that relate to vote canvassing.

(3) Oath or Affirmation.

(a) In an election where there is no early voting, each member of the local board shall, not later than 5 p.m. on election day, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: I, ........, do swear, (or affirm as the case may be,) that I will support the Constitution of the United States; and that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of Maryland, and support the Constitution and Laws thereof; and that I will, to the best of my skill and judgment, diligently and faithfully, without partiality or prejudice, execute the office of Board of Canvassers, according to the Constitution and Laws of this State.

(b) The oath or affirmation shall be administered and recorded by the clerk of the circuit court.

B. Constant Presence, Supervision Required.

(1) The canvass of votes at the counting center shall be conducted in the presence and under the direct supervision of the local board.

(2) The board shall be present in the counting center throughout each working session of the canvass.