Meet Your Maryland Circuit Court Clerk: Why the 2026 Election Matters

June 2, 2026, is the last day to register to vote or change parties before in-person registration at a primary voting location.

When Maryland notaries think about government offices that affect their commission, many immediately think of the Maryland Secretary of State. While the Secretary of State plays a critical role in commissioning and regulating notaries, there is another elected office that many notaries and members of the public know very little about: the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

In 2026, Maryland voters will once again have the opportunity to vote for the Clerk of the Circuit Court in their county. Although these elections may not receive as much attention as races for Governor, County Executive, or Congress, the Clerk's Office plays an important role in maintaining records and services that affect individuals, families, businesses, attorneys, real estate professionals, and notaries throughout the state.

This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not endorse or oppose any candidate.

What Is a Clerk of the Circuit Court?

The Clerk of the Circuit Court is an elected official who serves within Maryland's judicial system. Each Maryland county, as well as Baltimore City, has its own Circuit Court Clerk.

The Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining and managing many important public records and court-related functions, including:

• Land records and recorded deeds

• Court records and case filings

• Marriage licenses

• Oaths of office

• Jury-related functions

• Various public records maintained by the Circuit Court

While many Maryland residents may never think about the Clerk's Office, they often interact with records maintained by the office when purchasing property, researching court records, obtaining marriage licenses, or conducting other legal and governmental transactions.

Why Should Maryland Notaries Care?

Although the Maryland Secretary of State is the agency responsible for commissioning and regulating notaries, the Clerk of the Circuit Court is often one of the first judicial offices a new notary encounters.

Many notaries become familiar with the Clerk's Office when taking their oath of office. Beyond that initial interaction, notaries routinely work with documents that may eventually be filed, recorded, or maintained by the courts.

Examples include:

• Deeds

• Powers of attorney

• Affidavits

• Court-related documents

• Real estate documents

• Other records requiring notarization before filing

Understanding the role of the Clerk's Office can help notaries gain a broader appreciation for how their work fits into Maryland's legal and recordkeeping systems.

Maryland Circuit Court Clerks (2026)

The following individuals currently serve as Clerks of the Circuit Court throughout Maryland:

Allegany
Dawne D. Lindsey

Anne Arundel
Scott Poyer

Baltimore City
Xavier Conaway

Baltimore County
Julie L. Ensor

Calvert
Kathy P. Smith

Caroline
Terry Lord

Carroll
Heather Dewees

Cecil
Charlene M. Notarcola

Charles
Lisa Yates

Dorchester
Amy J. Craig

Frederick
Sandra K. Dalton

Garrett
William L. Bittinger

Harford
Michelle Karczeski

Howard
Wayne A. Robey

Kent
Sherise L. Kennard

Montgomery
Karen A. Bushell

Prince George's
Mahasin El Amin

Queen Anne's
Katherine Hager

Somerset
Charles Horner

St. Mary's
Debra J. Burch

Talbot
Kathi Dulin Devall

Washington
Kevin R. Tucker

Wicomico
James B. McAllister

Worcester
Susan Braniecki

Because elections and appointments can change over time, readers should verify current officeholders through the Maryland Judiciary.

How to Find Your Clerk

The Maryland Judiciary maintains an official directory containing contact information for each Circuit Court Clerk's Office, including addresses, telephone numbers, and additional resources.

Official Maryland Judiciary Circuit Court Clerks Directory:
https://www.courts.state.md.us/judicialrecords/clerks

Questions Voters May Wish to Research

Before casting a ballot, voters may wish to learn more about the candidates seeking to serve as Clerk of the Circuit Court in their county.

Some questions to consider include:

• What experience does the candidate have managing records or public offices?

• What experience do they have serving the public?

• How do they approach customer service?

• What plans do they have for technology and modernization?

• How do they intend to protect the integrity of public records?

• What qualifications or professional experience do they bring to the role?

Every voter may have different priorities, but understanding the responsibilities of the office is a good place to start.

Final Thoughts

The Clerk of the Circuit Court may not be one of Maryland's most visible elected offices, but it is one of the most important. The office serves as a steward of public records and supports many of the systems that residents, businesses, legal professionals, and notaries rely upon every day.

As the 2026 election approaches, Maryland Notaries in Action encourages readers to learn about the role of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, become familiar with the candidates in their county, and make informed decisions based on their own research.

An informed electorate helps strengthen public trust in Maryland's institutions and the records that help document our lives, property, and legal affairs.