Baltimore County Question H — Bond Issue: Public Works Borrowing

Last updated Sat, Nov 7, 3:09 PM ET

Ballot measure · November 3, 2026

What it does
AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $54,380,000 for public works projects, including but not limited to: streets and highways, bridges, storm drain systems, sewer systems, refuse disposal systems, viaducts, environmental projects, grade crossings and parking lots and structures, to be undertaken pursuant to Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter. A vote FOR the bond issue authorizes Baltimore County to borrow $54,380,000 for public works projects. A vote AGAINST the bond issue precludes Baltimore County from borrowing $54,380,000 for public works projects.
A YES vote means
Baltimore County could borrow $54,380,000 for public works such as streets, bridges, storm drains, sewers, refuse systems and parking.
A NO vote means
Baltimore County could not borrow this $54,380,000 for public works projects.
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

This question comes from Bill 44-26, introduced by Council Chair Michael Ertel at the request of the County Executive on April 20, 2026; under Sections 705(a) and 718 of the Baltimore County Charter, county borrowing of this kind must be approved by voters at a referendum.

According to the bill, the amount comes from a Borrowing Plan developed from Planning Board recommendations, reviewed by the County Administrative Officer and Director of Budget and Finance, and submitted by the County Executive to the County Council.

The bill authorizes the county to borrow up to $54,380,000 for public works projects such as streets and highways, bridges and storm drainage systems by issuing general obligation bonds backed by its full faith and credit; the Council passed it with six recorded aye votes and no nays, according to the bill's legislation detail.

Put on the ballot by Baltimore County Council (Bill 44-26), by request of the County Executive.

From official source.

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Quick answers

What does a YES vote on Baltimore County Question H mean?
Baltimore County could borrow $54,380,000 for public works such as streets, bridges, storm drains, sewers, refuse systems and parking.
What does a NO vote on Baltimore County Question H mean?
Baltimore County could not borrow this $54,380,000 for public works projects.
How many votes does Baltimore County Question H 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 H?
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.

Not sure how to decide? Read our nonpartisan guide to the Baltimore County ballot.

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