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In the wake of the June 2nd primary elections, which saw long lines at polling places, Maryland voting rights organizations today urged Governor Larry Hogan to "immediately instruct" the State Board of Elections (SBE) regarding planning for November 3rd. The groups urged Gov. Hogan to direct the SBE "to mail every active voter a ballot and expand in-person and early voting options."

Week-long Delay in Mailing Ballots Disadvantages Baltimore Voters

On Tuesday, May 12th, voting rights advocates called on Governor Hogan to immediately increase efforts to inform voters of election changes ahead of June 2nd Primary Election. Read our letter.

We recognize the gravity of the circumstances created by COVID-19, and fully appreciate the work Maryland State Board of Elections staff have undertaken in the past few weeks to protect the health of the public while providing safe access to voting. But the Boards failure to provide any in-person voting option in the Seventh Congressional District Special Election will compromise the health of our democracy.

In order to effectively accommodate voters under this emergency expansion of absentee voting, we recommend Montgomery County, Baltimore City, Prince George's County, and Baltimore County to establish the max number of Vote Centers allowed for the Primary Election. Additionally, we urge these Boards to select four locations that are accessible to voters using public transportation.

We submitted the following comments to the Maryland State Board of Elections in advance of their meeting on April 2, 2020.