Press Release
Common Cause Leads Fight to Restore Inspector Generals’ Access to Public Records
New bill protects transparency after Attorney General guidance hamstrings anti-corruption watchdogs
MD Press
Media Contacts
Maya Majikas
Communications Strategist
mmajikas@commoncause.org
Joanne Antoine
Executive Director
jantoine@commoncause.org
443-906-0442
Press Release
Maryland General Assembly Updates and Permanently Funds Gubernatorial Public Financing Program
Advocates called on Gov. Hogan to sign the bill, which they deem a monumental step forward to improve on the program and expand the funding to enable multiple candidates to participate.
Press Release
Common Cause Maryland and Maryland PIRG Applaud Baltimore County Action on the Fair Election Fund
Common Cause Maryland and Maryland PIRG look forward to serving on the Baltimore County Fair Election Work Group and providing support as they work to implement a new public financing program.
Press Release
“Sunshine Week” During COVID-19
Maryland’s confidence in our government is more important during a time of crisis than ever. Public officials must do everything in their power to maximize the ability of the public to continue observing and participating in government proceedings.
Press Release
Maryland Senate Updates and Funds Gubernatorial Public Financing Program
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.
Press Release
House Committee to Hear Bills to Strengthen Maryland’s Mail-In Voting Process
“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.”
Press Release
The League of Women Voters and Common Cause Support Transparency in Redistricting
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.
Press Release
Voting Rights Advocates Announce Groundbreaking Legislation Expanding Ballot Access for Those ‘Behind The Walls’
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.
Press Release
Common Cause Maryland Congratulates Keshia Morris Desir for her Appointment to Montgomery County Commission on Redistricting
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.
Press Release
Governor Hogan Announces “Citizens Redistricting Commission”
“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.”
Press Release
Marylanders for Open Government call on House and Senate Leadership to ensure this legislative session’s ‘process is fully transparent and accountable’
The Marylanders for Open Government (MDOG) coalition and partner organizations sent a letter to General Assembly leaders outlining concerns with the reopening guidelines provided by each chamber and the overall ability of Maryland’s Legislature to ensure public access as they convene remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Press Release
Common Cause Maryland calls for immediate resignation of Congressman Andy Harris
In the wake of Wednesday’s insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Common Cause Maryland is calling for Congressman Andy Harris to immediately resign after he voted to overturn the will of the people, failed to accept the results of the 2020 presidential election, and played a clear role in spreading disinformation around the election, leading to the violence.
Press Release
Grassroots Groups Celebrate Passage of Question A for the Baltimore County Citizens’ Election Fund
“The Citizens’ Election Fund can expand opportunities to run for office, so more women and people of color can compete for County Council and County Executive races,” explained Common Cause Maryland executive director Joanne Antoine. “We are thrilled that voters have supported Question A to help build a more reflective and representative government.”