1. A. Determination. For an alternative name to be permissible, the State Administrator or designee shall make a determination that the alternative name:

   1. (1) Includes at least a first name or initial;
   2. (2) Except as provided in §B of this regulation includes the candidate's given last name; and

   3. (3) Does not include:

      1. (a) A title, honorary title, or word that gives the impression of a title;
      2. (b) A description of an activity, event, or experience;
      3. (c) A reference to a business or commercial enterprise of the candidate; or
      4. (d) An offensive or derogatory word or phrase.

2. B. Permissive Alternative Names. A candidate may file an alternative name using a last name other than the candidate's given last name if the candidate:

   1. (1) Either:

      1. (a) Is legally entitled to use a last name other than the candidate's given last name; or
      2. (b) Was party to an absolute divorce and continues to use the given name prior to the divorce; and
   2. (2) Files an affidavit in support of alternative name as required under Regulation .03 of this chapter.

Authority: Election Law Article, §2-102(b)(4) and Title 5, Subtitle 3, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date:

Regulations .01—.05 adopted as an emergency provision effective July 2, 2010 (37:16 Md. R. 1059); adopted permanently effective October 18, 2010 (37:21 Md. R. 1439)