The following article was submitted by Baltimore County Councilman David Marks about the possibility of Special Elections in Baltimore County
Throughout the United States, states and local jurisdictions have special elections when there are vacancies. Maryland is somewhat of an anomaly—vacancies for the state legislature are filled by the governor after the recommendation of the local political party, and open seats in places like Baltimore County are resolved through appointment.
Earlier this year, I proposed a bill that would have modified the way Council vacancies are filled, but it failed due to opposition from one of the two major party committees.
I think an argument can also be made that we need to reform the way that vacancies are filled for County Executive.
Under the charter, the County Council picks a replacement when there is a vacancy for County Executive.
That has happened three times—when County Executive Dale Anderson was removed due to corruption in 1974, when Kevin Kamenetz died in 2018, and when John Olszewski, Jr., was elected to Congress in 2024.
Should the voters have a direct say in who serves as County Executive?
When there is a vacancy with only a few months remaining in a term, it seems impractical and costly for Baltimore County to order an election. When County Executive Kamenetz passed away, for example, there was about six months remaining in his term.
Holding an election would have cut the actual term of an elected County Executive to two or three months, given the time for primary and general contests. But what if there is a vacancy that results in an interim County Executive who serves for a year or more?
I fully understand that elections cost money, which is an argument for keeping the current system. If a vacancy occurs before a Presidential election, however, there may be a way to time the race so there are minimal expenses and give voters their say at the same time they are voting in a federal election.
I am exploring this concept with my colleagues and appreciate your insight. Please feel free to contact me at dmarks@baltimorecountymd.gov with your thoughts.
Any change would require an amendment to the county charter—and ultimately, approval by the voters.
