What are the requirements for running for a political office in Maryland?

In Maryland, the requirements for running for a political office can vary depending on the specific position, but there are some general guidelines that apply to most elected offices. For candidates seeking to run for the Maryland General Assembly, which includes the House of Delegates and the Senate, they must be at least twenty-one years old, have been a Maryland resident for at least six months before the election, and be a registered voter in the district they wish to represent. For state-level offices such as the Governor or Lieutenant Governor, candidates must be at least thirty years old, residents of Maryland for at least five years prior to the election, and registered voters. To run for the position of Comptroller or Attorney General, similar age and residency requirements apply. Local offices may have different eligibility criteria, so it is essential for candidates to verify specific requirements based on the office they are pursuing. Individuals must also gather signatures from registered voters to qualify for the ballot, the number of which varies based on the office. Typically, one can find detailed and specific requirements, as well as any updates to laws or regulations, on the official Maryland Secretary of State website. This is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of running for office in the state.