Baltimore County Question N — Bond Issue: Operational Buildings Borrowing

Last updated Sat, Nov 7, 4:03 PM ET

Ballot measure · November 3, 2026

What it does
AN ORDINANCE to authorize and empower Baltimore County, Maryland to borrow $81,750,000 for public operational buildings, including but not limited to: general, health, police, fire, recreation, library, senior center, and jail buildings or facilities, and necessary or desirable equipment, 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 $81,750,000 for public operational buildings. A vote AGAINST the bond issue precludes Baltimore County from borrowing $81,750,000 for public operational buildings.
A YES vote means
Baltimore County could borrow $81,750,000 for public operational buildings such as general, health, police, fire, recreation, library, senior center and jail facilities.
A NO vote means
Baltimore County could not borrow this $81,750,000 for public operational buildings.
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 50-26, introduced April 20, 2026 by Council Chair Michael Ertel at the request of the County Executive, authorizes Baltimore County to borrow up to $81,750,000 for public operational buildings, including general, health, police, fire, recreation, library, senior center and jail facilities and equipment, subject to voter approval under Sections 705(a) and 718 of the County Charter.

According to the bill, the borrowing reflects the Planning Board's recommendations for capital projects requiring referendum approval, which the County Administrative Officer reviewed with the Director of Budget and Finance and submitted to the County Executive as a borrowing plan.

According to the Council's legislation record, the bill passed with six votes in favor and none against.

Put on the ballot by Baltimore County Council, 6–0, 2026 (Bill 50-26), at the request of the County Executive.

From official source.

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Quick answers

What does a YES vote on Baltimore County Question N mean?
Baltimore County could borrow $81,750,000 for public operational buildings such as general, health, police, fire, recreation, library, senior center and jail facilities.
What does a NO vote on Baltimore County Question N mean?
Baltimore County could not borrow this $81,750,000 for public operational buildings.
How many votes does Baltimore County Question N 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 N?
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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