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LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

[photo, State House, Annapolis, Maryland] In Maryland, the office of Lieutenant Governor originally was created by the Constitution of 1864 and functioned from 1865 to 1868. The office was reestablished by Constitutional amendment in 1970 (Chapter 532, Acts of 1970, ratified Nov. 3, 1970).

State House, Annapolis, Maryland, April 2005. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

The Lieutenant Governor performs duties delegated by the Governor (Const., Art. II, secs. 1, 1A, 2). In the event of a vacancy in the office of Governor, the Lieutenant Governor succeeds to that office. The Lieutenant Governor also serves as acting governor when notified in writing by the Governor that the Governor will be temporarily unable to perform the duties of office (Const., Art. II, secs. 4, 5, 6).

The Lieutenant Governor chairs the State House Trust. The Lieutenant Governor also serves on the Governor's Executive Council; the Governor's Subcabinet for International Affairs; and the State Planning Committee for Higher Education.

As the second-ranking officer of the State, the Lieutenant Governor is chosen for a four-year term by popular vote at the same election at which the Governor is elected. The Lieutenant Governor's term of office begins on the third Wednesday in January following election. Eligibility requirements for Lieutenant Governor are the same as those for the Governor.

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