UPDATE 3/24/2026 3:30 p.m.: The State Board of Elections responded to The Southern Maryland Chronicle after publishing and stated that the disqualification comes from a late filing of his 2025 Financial Disclosure statement.
LA PLATA, Md. — Charles County Commissioner Ralph E. Patterson II was disqualified from running for re-election in District 4 on March 23, 2026, according to the Maryland State Board of Elections.
Patterson had filed for the office and stood unopposed after the candidate filing deadline passed earlier this year. His removal from the ballot now leaves District 4 with no candidate for the 2026 primary or general election.
The Southern Maryland Chronicle reached out to the Maryland Board of Elections and to Patterson’s campaign seeking details on the reason for the disqualification. No response had been received by the time of publication.
District 4 covers key communities in Charles County, a rapidly growing area in Southern Maryland where residents rely on county commissioners to address local issues ranging from infrastructure and public safety to land use and economic development. The sudden vacancy on the ballot comes at a critical time as voters prepare for the June 23 primary and November 3 general election.
Under Maryland Election Law, candidates for local office such as county commissioner can be disqualified for several reasons. These include failure to meet basic eligibility standards such as proper residency in the district or active voter registration status. Other common grounds involve incomplete or untimely filing of the Certificate of Candidacy, failure to submit required financial disclosure statements or campaign finance reports by established deadlines, or other eligibility deficiencies identified by the State Board of Elections during the review process.
The official candidate list maintained by the State Board of Elections confirms Patterson’s status as disqualified but does not specify the exact cause.
Patterson’s disqualification marks an unusual development in a race that had drawn no challengers. With the filing period closed, state procedures limit options for filling the slot. Voters in District 4 now face an election without a declared candidate on either major party line, potentially opening the door for write-in efforts though success in such campaigns remains rare at the local level.
Charles County forms a cornerstone of Southern Maryland’s political landscape alongside St. Mary’s and Calvert counties. The Board of Commissioners plays a direct role in decisions that shape daily life for thousands of families, from school funding and road improvements to emergency services and growth management. District 4 residents, many in established neighborhoods and newer developments, expect consistent representation on these fronts.
The timing of the disqualification—just weeks after the filing window closed—underscores the strict compliance requirements embedded in Maryland’s election system. Candidates must navigate multiple layers of paperwork, deadlines and eligibility checks administered by the State Board and local election offices. Any lapse, even technical, can result in removal from the ballot to maintain the integrity of the process.
Southern Maryland Chronicle reporters continue to monitor the situation for any updates from the Board of Elections or Patterson’s team. In the absence of a candidate, attention turns to how District 4 voters will engage with the election and whether party mechanisms or independent efforts might emerge to address the open seat.
This development arrives amid broader activity in Charles County’s 2026 election cycle, where other districts and countywide offices have drawn competitive fields. The lack of a contender in District 4 stands out as voters weigh the importance of local leadership in a county experiencing steady population gains and infrastructure demands.
Election officials emphasize that the process protects the rights of qualified candidates while upholding deadlines designed to give voters clear choices well in advance of primary day. For now, District 4 stands as the only commissioner race in Charles County without a listed name on the ballot following the March 23 update.
Residents seeking more information on the 2026 elections can consult the Maryland State Board of Elections website or contact their local board office. The situation remains fluid pending any further official statements or potential legal or procedural steps.
The disqualification highlights how even long-serving local officials must adhere precisely to filing and eligibility rules. Patterson had served as commissioner representing District 4, a role that carries significant responsibility in shaping county policy for Southern Maryland families.
As the election calendar advances, the open seat in District 4 could prompt increased community discussion about representation and the path forward for voters who expected continuity in leadership.