§ 10-322. Definitions.

(a)

The words defined in this Section shall have the meanings set forth below whenever they appear in this Division unless the context in which they are used clearly requires a different meaning or a different definition is prescribed for a particular provision.

(1)

Applicant candidate means a candidate who is seeking to be a certified candidate in a primary or general election.

(2)

Campaign finance entity means a political committee established pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, Election Law Article, Title 1, Subtitle 1.

(3)

Certified candidate means a candidate who is certified as eligible for public campaign financing from the Fund.

(4)

Citizen funded campaign account means a campaign finance account into which eligible contributions will be received and from which money may be spent in accordance with this Division.

(5)

Commission means the Fair Election Fund Commission.

(6)

Contested election means any election, including a special election, in which there are more candidates for office than the number who can be elected to that office.

(7)

Contribution means the same as defined in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Election Law Article, Title 1, Subtitle 1.

(8)

County Board means the Prince George's County Board of Elections.

(9)

County resident means a natural person who resides in Prince George's County.

(10)

Director means the Director of Finance or the Director's designee.

(11)

Election cycle means the same as defined in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Election Law Article, Title 1, Subtitle 1.

(12)

Eligible contribution means an aggregate donation in a 4-year election cycle from an individual, including an individual who does not reside in the County, that does not exceed the contribution limit set in this Division.

(13)

Fund means the Fair Election Fund.

(14)

Participating candidate means a certified candidate who has received a public contribution from the Fund during the current election cycle.

(15)

Public contribution means money disbursed from the Fund to a certified candidate.

(16)

Qualifying contribution means an eligible contribution in support of an applicant candidate that is:

(A)

made by a County resident;

(B)

made after the beginning of the qualifying period, but no later than the next general election;

(C)

acknowledged by a receipt; and

(D)

not an in-kind contribution of property, goods or services.

(17)

Qualifying period means:

(A)

the time beginning on January 1 following the last election for the office the candidate seeks and ending 45 days before the date of the primary election; or

(B)

for a special election, the time that the County Council shall set by Council resolution.

(18)

Slate means the same as defined in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Elections Law Article, Title 1, Subtitle 1.

(19)

State Board means the Maryland State Board of Elections.

(CB-99-2018)