Baltimore County Question E — Charter Amendment: Board of Recreation and Parks – Membership and Duties

What it does

This Charter Amendment changes the membership of the Board of Recreation and Parks by increasing the number of at-large members from three (3) to four (4) and provides that district-level members are appointed based on recommendations from County Council members. The amendment also amends and modernizes the Board duties to reflect both current board practices and its role to serve in an advisory capacity to the Department of Recreation and Parks. This would amend Section 533 of the Baltimore County Charter. A vote FOR the amendment changes the membership of the Board of Recreation and Parks and clarifies that the Board is an advisory body to the Department of Recreation and Parks. A vote AGAINST the amendment keeps the current membership and duties of the Board of Recreation and Parks.

A YES vote means

The Board of Recreation and Parks would go from three to four at-large members, district members would be appointed on Council members' recommendations, and the board's role would be stated as advisory.

A NO vote means

The Board of Recreation and Parks would keep its current membership and duties.

Needed to pass

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Left–right lean

Not a left–right issue: a procedural or local question that liberals and conservatives don't typically split on (AI read of the official ballot summary).

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Background

Bill 61-26 was introduced May 4, 2026 by Council Chair Michael Ertel at the request of the County Executive.

Under the bill as passed, the Board of Recreation and Parks would have one district-level member from each councilmanic district, appointed by the County Executive on the recommendation of that district's councilmember, plus four at-large members instead of three; members would serve four-year terms, limited to two consecutive terms.

The bill replaces the Board's current Charter duties over plans, programs and park lands with an advisory role to the Department of Recreation and Parks: holding regular meetings, advising the director, advocating for programs and investments, and engaging residents and recreation councils. According to the Council's legislation record, it passed as amended with six votes in favor and none against.

Put on the ballot by Baltimore County Council, 6–0, 2026 (Bill 61-26), at the request of the County Executive.

From official source.

Next elections here

• 2028 presidential election · Who has filed so far, from FEC filings

Also on Baltimore County ballots

• Baltimore County Question A — Charter Amendment: Baltimore County Farmland Preservation Act (URDL)
• Baltimore County Question B — Charter Amendment: Department of Agriculture – Establishment of Department
• Baltimore County Question C — Charter Amendment: Inspector General Appointment Board
• Baltimore County Question D — Charter Amendment: Charter Review Commission – Membership
• Baltimore County Question F — Bond Issue: Refuse Disposal Borrowing
• Baltimore County Question G — Bond Issue: Community College Borrowing
• Baltimore County Question H — Bond Issue: Public Works Borrowing
• Baltimore County Question I — Bond Issue: Parks, Preservation and Greenways Borrowing
• Baltimore County Question J — Bond Issue: School Borrowing
• Baltimore County Question K — Bond Issue: Agricultural and Rural Land Preservation Borrowing
• Baltimore County Question L — Bond Issue: Community Improvement Project Borrowing
• Baltimore County Question M — Bond Issue: Waterway Improvement Program Borrowing
• Baltimore County Question N — Bond Issue: Operational Buildings Borrowing

All Baltimore County races and measures →

Quick answers

What does a YES vote on Baltimore County Question E mean?

The Board of Recreation and Parks would go from three to four at-large members, district members would be appointed on Council members' recommendations, and the board's role would be stated as advisory.

What does a NO vote on Baltimore County Question E mean?

The Board of Recreation and Parks would keep its current membership and duties.

How many votes does Baltimore County Question E need to pass?

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Should I vote yes or no on Baltimore County Question E?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

When is the vote?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.