Legislation
Maryland Voting Rights Act (MDVRA)
Every eligible American wants to – and should – have a say in deciding which people and policies will determine the future for our families, community, and country.
At a time when far too many eligible voters are wrongly turned away from the polls – or simply don’t have access to them – we must rededicate ourselves to increasing participation among eligible voters.
What is the Maryland Voting Rights Act (MDVRA)?
This landmark legislation builds on the federal Voting Rights Act to codify protections for Black, Indigenous, and other voters of color at the state level, ensuring the right of all eligible Marylanders to cast their ballot regardless of any action taken by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Maryland Voting Rights Act...
Authorizes Preclearance
Rather than voters having to prove that new election laws are discriminatory, jurisdictions that have a history of voter discrimination would need to have election changes “precleared” by the Maryland Attorney General or a court to show the new systems will not disadvantage minority voters.
Prohibits Vote Denial and Dilution
The MDVRA provides a framework to uncover and dissipate voter dilution and barriers that deny voting opportunities in a way that is cost-effective for both voters and local governments in Maryland.
Provides Language Access
According to most recent census data, Maryland is the most diverse state on the East Coast, and home to the top three most diverse cities in the United States. The MDVRA requires local governments to ensure that non-English speakers are not left behind in the voting process. This section requires that in a locality with a population of 2 percent or more in a language minority, the local government or board of elections will provide voting materials in that language.
Stops Voter Intimidation
The MDVRA provides Marylanders with a right to sue to challenge voter intimidation, deception, or obstruction. Strengthening this right is more important now than ever given recent efforts by bad actors to stoke fear, spread disinformation, and block access to the ballot box.
Increases Election Transparency
The MDVRA updates existing law to ensure local governments are required to notify voters of important changes in advance to reduce confusion and facilitate public input, and creates a state wide database of election information to promote best practices and enforcement.
Write Your Lawmakers: Pass the Maryland Voting Rights Act Package!
Now is the time to take action to protect the voting rights of all eligible Marylanders. Can you write your Maryland lawmakers in support of these bills today?
