Washington Post: Hogan defends use of all polling sites, requiring applications for mail-in ballots

07.20.2020 / By Ovetta Wiggins
Washington Post: Hogan defends use of all polling sites, requiring applications for mail-in ballots

“We don’t believe that Gov. Hogan is acting in the best interest of Maryland voters,” said Joanne Antoine, executive director of Common Cause Maryland, noting that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that voters consider alternatives to casting ballots in person.

Gov. Larry Hogan on Monday defended his decision to hold a traditional election in November, despite growing concerns from voting rights advocates and election officials about the impact of his choice amid a global pandemic.

Hogan (R) said he opted for a “normal” election instead of a “vote by mail only” because of the chaos that occurred during the June 2 primary, when the state mailed ballots to every voter and opened only a few polling sites in each jurisdiction. Far more voters than expected opted to cast their ballots in person, leading to huge lines and hours-long waits in many placed. …

Voting rights advocates have increasingly criticized Hogan’s decision not to limit polling sites or mail ballots to every voter, calling it misguided. Attorney General Brian Frosh (D) has urged Hogan to reverse his order, saying it could have “devastating consequences.”

“We don’t believe that Gov. Hogan is acting in the best interest of Maryland voters,” said Joanne Antoine, executive director of Common Cause Maryland, noting that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that voters consider alternatives to casting ballots in person.

See More: Voting RightsVoting & ElectionsCOVID-19