Harford County Sample Ballot and Guide

Aside from voting for a presidential candidate and state legislators, plus on issues like expanded gambling and same-sex marriage, registered voters in Harford County will have five additional decisions to make.

Five questions on the Harford County ballot involve proposed changes to the county's charter, with issues ranging from employment to zoning.

• Question A proposes creating more specific instructions in the event of the county executive position being vacant.
  
  Here is a summary from the County Council: The Charter Amendment requires that if a vacancy occurs in the office of the County Executive, this position must be filled within 30 days with an appointee of the same political party as when elected. If the vacancy is filled 90 days or more before a congressional primary election, this position will appear on the ballot. The appointed or elected County Executive will serve for the remainder of the term. The current charter does not specify a political party or require the position of County Executive to be placed on the ballot if it is filled 90 days or more before a congressional primary election.

• Question B proposes enabling Council members to be eligible for employment by county government immediately after serving in office.
  
  Here is a summary from the County Council: The current charter language requires a two-year waiting period before a Councilmember may be employed in a Harford County office or position. This Amendment would remove the two-year requirement.

• Question C proposes new parameters for selecting members to service on the commission to redraw districts, which occurs every 10 years.
  
  Here is a summary from the County Council: This charter amendment allows for eligibility of appointment on the redistricting commission for any political party that had at least 15 percent of the registered voters in the county as of the last regular election. Additionally, the Council shall appoint one person who is a registered voter and not a member of any party already represented.

• Question D proposes changing payment classification of some county employees—the chief of staff, administrative secretaries, legislative aides and county auditor—to tax-exempt.
  
  Here is a summary from the County Council: This charter amendment inserts positions on the list of classified and exempt services that fall in this category but have not been previously included on the list.

• Question E defines a zoning case as pending when it has been filed or is pending with the Court of Appeals, Zoning Hearing Examiner, County Council or Harford County Circuit Court.
  
  Here is a summary from the County Council: This charter amendment defines a pending zoning case to allow for citizen communication with a Councilmember.

• Question F would change the requirements for posting public notices in newspapers.
  
  Here is a summary from the County Council: This charter amendment changes the posting of public notices from two newspapers to one and includes posting on an official website.