Rockville Board of Supervisors Elections Meeting - October 16, 2026

The Board of Supervisors Elections for the City of Rockville convened on Thursday, October 16, 2026, at 6:49 PM. Chair Jim Molnax presided over the meeting with members Kathy Sindos, Juliette Goldman, Sarah Farrell, and Judy Penny present, establishing a quorum. The meeting covered approvals, committee business, review of the candidate handbook, electronic petition systems, public hearing logistics, the 2027 work plan, and board membership recruitment.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (June 25, 2026): The board discussed the minutes from June 25, 2026. A member noted a missing page in the distributed copy. The board voted to table approval until a complete version is provided at the next meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public testimony was heard during the meeting. The board discussed an upcoming request from Michelle Whitaker (Ranked Choice Voting non-profit) to brief the board on ranked choice voting, but deferred scheduling to the first quarter of 2027.

Discussion Items

• Candidate Handbook Review: Board members reviewed a draft of the candidate handbook and proposed multiple revisions, including: replacing generic day-count references with specific election dates; clarifying language on electronic donation handling and treasurer responsibilities; adding a receipt requirement for donations; defining "slate" in the joint slate section; incorporating electronic petition procedures; adding an introductory paragraph with clickable links; adjusting language on campaign finance thresholds and late fee disclosures. Members divided sections for cross-reference and code verification: Kathy Sindos (A–D), Jim Molnax (E–G), Juliette Goldman (H–N). The revised handbook is due by the next meeting on November 19, 2026.
• Electronic Petition Form Demo Follow-up: The board discussed the electronic petition system demonstrated by staff member Willie Cho. Members expressed support for promoting electronic petitions over paper to reduce administrative burden, and noted the data analysis capabilities. Kathy Sindos requested a separate demonstration. The board agreed to emphasize electronic petition use in candidate materials.
• Upcoming Public Hearings (November 2 & 9, 2026): The board discussed its role at two public hearings on proposed charter and code amendments. Members agreed they should attend to listen to community input but not actively present, as their recommendations have already been incorporated. They discussed the likelihood of public comments on ranked choice voting (outside the scope) and supported communicating to the Mayor and Council to focus discussion on the relevant topics.
• 2027 Work Plan & Calendar: Sarah Farrell presented a draft work plan for 2027. Key deadlines include: January–February – meeting with the State Board of Elections; May 1 – deadline for candidate information packets and all related materials. The board identified four major workstreams: candidate handbook, electronic petitions, candidate information packet, and campaign finance training materials. Members agreed to begin reviewing the updated ordinance and dividing tasks at their November 19 meeting. Community engagement efforts discussed include: registering 16- and 17-year-old voters, promoting drop box use (13.1 miles from city center), staffing booths at city events (e.g., Hometown Holidays Memorial Day weekend), and outreach to high schools, Montgomery College, retirement communities, and Twinbrook area. The board noted the need to identify a secure drop box location in Twinbrook.
• Board Membership Recruitment: The board discussed the status of filling two vacancies. One candidate was interviewed and submitted to the Mayor and Council but no appointment has been made yet; two other candidates withdrew. Members urged ongoing recruitment efforts.
• University of Maryland Research Collaboration: Chair Jim Molnax proposed reaching out to the University of Maryland’s Merrick program to assist with developing standard operating procedures. The board voted unanimously to authorize staff to initiate contact.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of June 25, 2026 – Tabled; full copy requested for next meeting.
• Michelle Whitaker Briefing – Deferred to late first quarter 2027 (March).
• Candidate Handbook Revisions – Divided among members; due November 19, 2026.
• Public Hearings (Nov 2 & 9) – Board members to attend as listeners.
• May 1, 2027 Deadline – All candidate materials must be finalized.
• Board Member Appointment – Waiting on Mayor and Council action; continued recruitment.
• University of Maryland Contact – Authorized to explore collaboration.
• Next Board Meeting – November 19, 2026.