Media Center

In a strong bipartisan vote (39-6), the Maryland State Senate has approved a bill to update and fund the state's small donor public financing program for gubernatorial candidates. Maryland’s current public financing system for the gubernatorial race was implemented in the 1970s.

“During the 2020 election cycle, Maryland experienced a larger-than-average demand for mail-in voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience proved two things – the convenience of vote by mail presents an opportunity to boost overall participation in our elections and the existing mail-in voting process needs improvement.”

The bill would ensure the public regular on-line access to governmental activities and timely notice of meetings, agendas, background materials, and minutes. LWVMD and CCMD are hopeful the Citizens Redistricting Commission that will be appointed by Governor Hogan will fall under the provisions of this legislation.

SB224/HB222 seeks to enhance the voter awareness and mobilization efforts of eligible voters who are currently incarcerated, and those who were recently released, by providing for a mandated informational packet to be sent to eligible voters incarcerated during an election year while providing for those being released with a voter registration application and information detailing their right to vote upon release.

The Montgomery County Council has named members of the County’s Commission on Redistricting, including Keshia Morris Desir, Census and Mass Incarceration Project Manager at Common Cause.

“Marylanders deserve fair representation. We should be a leader on this issue, but the Maryland General Assembly failed to take action last session on bipartisan redistricting reform even as we prepared to draw new lines the following year. While we continue to urge the legislature to support legislation being introduced this session, we support the steps taken today. We look forward to working with Governor Hogan and the General Assembly to ensure the redistricting process is accessible, transparent, and centers input from the community.”