No Permission for Candidates or Campaigns to Use Our Photographs, Board Policy Says

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

The Montgomery County Board of Elections voted unanimously at its August meeting to adopt a policy regarding the use of photographs of Board members or staff by political candidates and campaigns.  To avoid any perception that Board members or staff publicly favor one candidate or campaign over another, the policy states that the Board does not give its permission for the use of any photograph taken of a Board member, staff or Board Attorney, by a candidate, staff, or campaign. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of photographs on a website, social media platform, campaign brochure, sample ballot, or any other campaign media, advertisement, mailer, or endorsement.  The policy defines a “candidate” to include anyone who has filed for office or has publicly declared their candidacy.

The Board Attorney is the official point of contact for any questions about this policy.  He also is responsible for notifying anyone whose use of an image does not appear to be in compliance with this policy, and will request that the image be removed.  Board Attorney Kevin Karpinski may be contacted at (410) 727-5000 or at [email protected].

For all other election related information, call 240-777-8500, visit www.777vote.org, the Maryland State Board of Elections’ website at http://elections.state.md.us, or follow the Montgomery County Board of Elections on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram or X.  

                                                 Your Voice, Your Vote 2026
Media Contact: Gilberto Zelaya  240-777-8625