§ 11-1. Definitions.
(a) In general.
In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(b) Applicant candidate.
"Applicant candidate" means a candidate who is seeking to be a certified candidate in a primary or general election.
(c) Campaign finance entity.
"Campaign finance entity" means a political committee established under Title 13 of the State Election Article {"Campaign Finance"}.
(d) Certified candidate.
"Certified candidate" means a candidate who is certified as eligible for public campaign financing from the Fund.
(e) Commission.
"Commission" means the Baltimore City Fair Election Fund Commission.
(f) Contested election.
"Contested election" means any election in which there are more candidates for an office than the number who can be elected to that office.
(g) Contribution.
"Contribution" has the meaning stated in State Election Law Article, § 1-101 {"Definitions: Contribution"}.
(h) City Board.
"City Board" means the Baltimore City Board of Elections.
(i) City resident.
"City resident" means a natural person who resides in Baltimore City.
(j) Director.
"Director" means the Director of Finance or the Director's designee.
(k) Election cycle.
"Election cycle" has the meaning stated in State Election Law Article, § 1-101 {"Definitions: Election cycle"}.
(l) Eligible contribution.
"Eligible contribution" means an aggregate donation in a 4-year election cycle from an individual, including an individual who does not reside in the City, that does not exceed the contribution level established in this subtitle.
(m) Fund.
"Fund" means the Baltimore City Fair Election Fund.
(n) Participating candidate.
"Participating candidate" means a certified candidate who has received a public contribution from the Fund during the current election cycle.
(o) Public contribution.
"Public contribution" means any money disbursed from the Fund to a certified candidate.
(p) Publicly funded campaign account.
"Publicly funded campaign account" means a campaign finance account established by a candidate for the exclusive purpose of receiving eligible contributions and spending funds in accordance with this subtitle.
(q) Qualifying boost.
"Qualifying boost" means a one-time disbursement from the Fund to candidates for Mayor or Council President on certification under this subtitle.
(r) Qualifying contribution.
(1) In general.
"Qualifying contribution" means an eligible contribution in support of an applicant candidate that is:
(i) made by a City resident;
(ii) made after the beginning of the designated qualifying period, but no later than the respective election; and
(iii) acknowledged by receipt that identifies the contributor's name and residential address and signed by the contributor directly or by a digital signature using a method approved by the State Board.
(2) Exclusion.
"Qualifying contribution" does not include an in-kind contribution of property, goods, or services.
(s) Qualifying period.
"Qualifying period" means 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.
(t) Slate.
"Slate" has the meaning stated in State Election Law Article, § 1-101 {"Definitions: Slate"}.
(u) State Board.
"State Board" means the Maryland State Board of Elections.