Elections and Voter Registration

Town Elections, Candidate Nominations, and Voter Registration procedures are stipulated in Article III of the Town Charter.

Town Elections

Town elections are held on the first Monday in May. In even numbered years the voters elect a mayor and two councilmembers; in odd numbered year the voters elect three councilmembers. Elected officials serve two year terms. Polls are open from 7 to 11 AM and 4 to 7:30 P.M. in the post office lobby, Penn Place, 4600 Waverly Avenue.

Typically election results are tabulated the evening of the Election Day and a swearing-in ceremony and reception is held at the Town Hall. The Town Hall bell is rung before the election results are announced.

Candidate Nominations

Candidates are nominated for elective office at a town meeting in March or by a petition signed by ten registered voter and filed in the town office at least 21 days before the election.

Voter Registration

Both U.S. Citizens and non-citizens who are properly registered Town residents may vote in all Town elections.

U. S. Citizens: A Garrett Park resident who is a United States citizen must be registered with the Montgomery County Board of Elections and be included on the county’s voter list at the time of a Town election. Information and voter registration forms can be obtained by going to the Montgomery County website. Forms are also available at the Garrett Park Post Office and the Town Office. Registration must take place at least 30 days prior to the election for the voter to be placed on the county’s voters list.

Non-U. S. Citizens: A Garrett Park resident who is not a United States citizen is permitted to vote in all Town elections. Non-citizen voters must be registered with the Town at the time of an election. Non-citizen voter registration form may be downloaded from this website. Forms are also available at the Town Office. Registration must take place at least 30 days prior to the election for the voter to be placed on the Town’s voters list.

Absentee Ballots

Absentee ballot procedures are stipulate in the Code of Ordinances

Qualifies voters who are unable to come to the polls on the day of the election may apply to the Town Office for an absentee ballot. Regular absentee ballots are available from the Town Office until close of business 10 days before the election. A voter who will be unable to vote due to illness of conditions of employment may apply for an emergency absentee ballot at any time before the election. Absentee ballots can be picked up from the Town Office or mailed to the requestor. On Election Day the town office will bring a ballot to someone who is physically unable to come to the polls. All absentee ballots must be received by the town office before the polls close if they are to be counted.