§ 4-209. Referendum; proclamation of result

   (a) In general. -- Except as expressly or necessarily modified by this subtitle, a referendum shall be conducted generally according to the procedures and practices for regular countywide elections.

(b) Conduct of referendum; ballots. --

   (1) On the day and during the hours specified for the referendum, the question of incorporation under the proposed municipal charter shall be submitted to the registered voters of the area proposed to be incorporated.

   (2) The county board of elections shall arrange for and conduct the referendum.

   (3) The wording specified by the county commissioners or county council in the resolution authorizing a referendum on the question of the proposed incorporation shall be placed on the ballots used at the referendum.

(c) Tally and certification of results. -- Promptly after the canvass is complete, the county board of elections shall certify the results to the county commissioners or county council.

(d) Proclamation of results; effect of referendum. -- Within 10 days after receiving a certification of the vote on the referendum from the county board of elections:

   (1) if a majority of those who voted on the question voted in favor of incorporation under the proposed municipal charter:

      (i) the county commissioners or county council publicly shall so proclaim; and

      (ii) on the 30th day after the public proclamation, the area proposed to be incorporated shall become a municipality operating under the municipal charter; or

   (2) if less than a majority of those who voted on the question voted in favor of incorporation under the proposed municipal charter:

      (i) the county commissioners or county council publicly shall so proclaim; and

      (ii) the proclamation shall state that the proposed incorporation is not approved.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 23A, § 26, 30(b); 2013, ch. 119, § 2.