Maryland court explains ballot removal in residency case

(The Center Square) – Maryland’s highest court explained why it removed a legislative candidate from this year’s Democratic primary ballot, saying he invalidated his certificate of candidacy by listing a residence where he did not live when he filed to run.

In a 40-page opinion filed Monday, the Supreme Court of Maryland explained the legal reasoning behind its April order removing John Calvin Dove Jr. from the District 12B Democratic primary ballot.

Dove challenged incumbent Del. Gary Simmons, D-Anne Arundel. Although Dove had been living in Gambrills, he listed a Pasadena address on his certificate of candidacy after changing his voter registration.

The court said Maryland election law requires candidates to list either the address on their voter registration or, if different, their current address. Because the Pasadena address was not where Dove resided when he filed, the court concluded his certificate of candidacy was invalid.

The case also centered on when Maryland’s constitutional six-month residency...