The Election Board recently received an election complaint pertaining to a flyer for Genevieve Okoro’s Senate candidacy that was located on “student org tables” in The Commons. The complaint did not include which election rule was believed to be violated.
The flyer was an example of passive campaigning: “activities which do not involve direct physical, verbal engagement with people…” (Rule 5, Election Rules 2026). “Permissible passive campaign methods include but are not limited to: putting posters, flyers, banners, etc. in any location that does not violate UMBC rules (see UMBC Campus Posting Policy); using campaign buttons; wearing a sandwich sign; and posting publicly on social media” (Rule 8, Election Rules 2026). Passive campaigning “will be permitted during the voting period” (Rule 12, Election Rules 2026). The flyer was not found in a prohibited area.
After careful review of the complaint and 2026 Election Rules, the Election Board agreed that no rule was violated and voted to dismiss the complaint.
The Election Board wants to reiterate that any student who believes that they have witnessed an Election Rules violation should report a complaint to the Election Board, remembering that complaints must be filed by 48 hours after an alleged violation is discovered OR by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 19th-- whichever is earliest.