(a)      (1)      This section applies to each employee of a local board.

            (2)      This section does not apply to:

                  (i)      local board counsel; or

                  (ii)      an election judge.

      (b)      This section does not alter in any manner the method by which the salary of an employee of a local board is funded by the county in which the employee is employed.

      (c)      (1)      Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, if the employees of a local board are covered by its county merit system:

                  (i)      the employees shall be classified employees under the county merit system; and

                  (ii)      the employees may be appointed and removed subject to the personnel regulations of the county in which the local board is located.

            (2)      If the employees of a local board are not covered by its county merit system:

                  (i)      the employees shall be in the skilled service or professional service of the State Personnel Management System;

                  (ii)      appointment and removal of the employees shall be in accordance with the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article that govern skilled service or professional service employees; and

                  (iii)      notwithstanding § 4-201 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article, upon recommendation of the State Administrator, the State Board shall determine the fixed rate of compensation of the employees.

      (d)      Each classified employee shall be a registered voter of the State.

      (e)      An employee of a local board is subject to the restrictions and requirements of § 2-301 of this article.

      (f)      The election director in Prince George's County shall be in the exempt service under the Prince George's County Personnel System.