Thank you for your interest in running as a candidate of the Maryland Green Party.  This page will help you navigate the process of becoming a candidate, running, and being nominated by the Maryland Green Party.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I have to do to be eligible to run as a Green candidate?

You must have selected “Green” as your party affiliation when you registered to vote. You must also be legally eligible to serve in the office you are seeking. For U.S. House of Representatives races, that means you must be at least 25 years-old, a resident of the state of Maryland and have been a U.S. citizen for at least seven years.

How do I become a Green candidate?

You must become the official nominee of the Maryland Green Party (MGP) for the particular office you are seeking. You do that by winning the primary election for that office, and having the MGP Coordinating Council (CC) certify the results of the election.

How do I get my name on the primary ballot?

First, you must completely fill out a candidate application form. For a copy of the form, click here (PDF version) or here (Microsoft Word version). Mail one copy of the candidate form to the Maryland Green Party, 1443 Gorsuch Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21218 and keep another copy to show to local representatives.  Then, you must approach at least one local whose jurisdiction overlaps the jurisdiction of the office you are seeking, and ask that local to support your request to appear on the primary ballot.  Locals will follow the nominating procedures approved by the Electoral Committee of the Maryland Green Party Coordinating Council. 

There are currently active locals in Baltimore City, as well as Baltimore, Harford, Anne Arundel, Howard, Frederick, Montgomery and Prince Georges counties. For a complete list of MGP locals, click here.

How can I get a local to support my request to get my name on the primary ballot?

After you fill out the candidate application completely, approach the “convener” of the local and ask what their procedures are. Most locals will want to meet with you in person at one of their regular meetings. If you are registered Green, support Green values, and are sincere in your desire to be a candidate, it should not be a problem to secure enough support to have your name placed on the primary ballot.

When are the primaries held?

In 2008, they will be held during March.  For a complete election calendar with important deadlines for both the Maryland Green Party and Maryland State Board of Election's deadlines, click here. 

What happens if I win the primary?

Winners of the primary elections will have their names submitted to the Coordinating Council, the ruling body of the MGP. The CC officially certifies the election, then submits an official letter to the Maryland State Board of Elections making you the Green Party candidate for the General Election in November.

I’ve heard the CC can overturn a primary election. Is this true?

The CC is required by MGP by-laws to certify all MGP candidates for elective office. In theory, yes, the CC could overturn the results of an election. However, it has never done so, and would only do so only in extraordinary circumstances.

Important Documents

Candidate Application Form
Election Calendar
Nominating Procedures