Keep reading to learn more about the 2026 Village Board election process.
Village board elections are around the corner. Are you interested in being a member of the Village Board or the Columbia Council? All ten villages around Columbia and Howard County have different election procedures as independent corporations, just like we have 50 states in the USA with different voting procedures. You must be a resident of Town Center Village living in a Town Center annexed area/property to run for election to the Village Board or Columbia Council, and must not have any current covenant violations. Keep reading to learn more about the 2026 Village Board election process.
Why Join the Village Board?
Now is the time to get involved with your community! Your ideas and passion will help to improve the quality of life in Town Center and enrich the experiences of all residents. Getting involved helps bring about change as we advocate for areas of most importance, such as affordable housing, tasteful and imaginative development, expanding diversity initiatives, protecting water quality, maintaining safe roadways and neighborhoods, supporting the arts community, and preserving our award-winning school system.
2026 Town Center Village Election Timeline
February 6
Candidate Application available to download on this date and not before: Nomination Period Begins
February 6 – March 8
The application period for candidates for the Village Board and the Columbia Council closes at 12:00 p.m. on March 8th. No exceptions.
March 8
Deadline to submit candidate applications. Application Period Ends March 8at Noon EST. No exceptions.
The application is not complete and accepted without a signed original application and your Candidate’s Statement delivered ELECTRONICALLY to the Village Manager’s Office via email at [email protected]. NOTE: Candidate statements should be in a Microsoft Word format and no more than 100 words.
April 9, 7:15 pm-8:45 pm*
Candidates Forum at Historic Oakland and/or via Zoom Meeting if there is a contested election*.
April 26*: Lease Agreement/Voting
If you live in a rental apartment in the Village of Town Center or a condo/townhouse/single-family house that you do not own, you must have a copy of a current lease agreement on file to participate in the Town Center Village election. Please email a copy to [email protected] or drop it off at Historic Oakland, 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD, no later than Friday, April 17, at 5 pm, or on election day, you can present your most recent utility bill or a valid driver’s license with your name on it showing your Town Center address.
April 25: Election Day*
If there are fewer or equal candidates for the Village Board or Columbia Council than there are Board seats, there will be no election, and all candidates will be deemed elected per TCCA’s By-Laws. In that case, there will not be a Candidates’ Forum, and an election will not be held on April 25.*
THRIVE AT COLUMBIA TOWN CENTER
Town Center is one of the ten villages of Columbia, Maryland. Our Village offices are located in Historic Oakland, one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Howard County. In the heart of Columbia, Town Center’s residents enjoy living in an urban community in a suburban setting with close proximity to all Columbia amenities, attractions, and cultural activities. Visit us to learn more about our community at 5430 Vantage Point Road, Columbia, MD 21044. Call us at 410-730-4744 or visit our website https://www.columbiatowncenter.org/