How often is County Council elected?

The position of County Council is typically elected every 4 years.

What does it mean for an election to be partisan?

Partisan elections require candidates to declare a party affiliation, like Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Maryland?

Filing location is the county, need a Campaign Account, financial disclosure is required, $25 filing fee

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the County Board of Elections' office.

Where is the filing office?

9770 Patuxent Woods Dr #200 Columbia, MD 21046

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 410-313-5820.

How do I get started running for County Council?

You can start running for County Council by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for County Council does not include a primary or runoff election.

County Council in Howard County, Maryland

Candidates for County Council

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for County Council.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Who's currently in office

Learn about who represents you in Howard County.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Elizabeth "Liz" WalshDistrict 1
Democratic · Current term 2023 to 2026
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About County Council

About this position

As the elected legislative body of the County, the Council has the exclusive power to enact, repeal, and amend all public local laws. Legislation must take the form of ordinances, which are advertised and come before the Council and the public at their bi-monthly legislative sessions. The Council also entertains resolutions for many administrative issues. The Council is the final fiscal authority of the County, sitting in May in review of the proposed County Budget and adopting the final Budget. Additionally, the Council sits as The Board of Health twice a year.

Office level: County
Election frequency: Every 4 years
Typical salary: $61,449.00
Commitment level: Full Time
Affiliation: Partisan
Positions: 1 open seat

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for County Council

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
Each candidate for the council shall have resided in the County for a period of not less than two years immediately prior to nomination; shall be a registered voter; and shall be a resident of the Council District which the candidate seeks to represent at the time of filing for candidacy and during the full term of office; and shall not be less than twenty-five years of age at the time of election.
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Filing location is the county, need a Campaign Account, financial disclosure is required, $25 filing fee
Filing period
February 25, 2025 - August 3, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the County Board of Elections' office.
Where to file
9770 Patuxent Woods Dr #200 Columbia, MD 21046
Filing phone
410-313-5820
Step 3
Launch your campaign
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Need help? You don't have to run alone. Join the GoodParty.org Community to get advice from real independents who have run and won.

County Council in Howard County, MD

On the ballot

Candidates for County Council

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for Howard County's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About County Council

About this position

Election type

How to run for County Council

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for County Commissioner in 2026

2026 Political Campaign Playbook

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About this guide

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