Common Cause Maryland
Recent News About Common Cause Maryland
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Bill for language access at polling places seeks governor's approval in Maryland
The Maryland Voting Rights Act Coalition announced the passage of a bill designed to expand access for voters with limited English proficiency.
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Common Cause Maryland denounces SAVE Act, urges Maryland legislative action
Today, Common Cause Maryland criticized the U.S. House's approval of the SAVE Act, labeling it as legislation that would make voting significantly more difficult for millions of Americans, including those in Maryland.
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Maryland bill proposes risk-limiting audits for election accuracy
Today, the final passage of SB 313 / HB 426, aimed at strengthening the post-election audit process, has been completed and is now on its way to the governor for signing into law.
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Common Cause Maryland calls for legislative action against Trump’s voting directive
With the legislative session in Maryland nearing its conclusion on April 7, Common Cause Maryland is urging state legislators to protect their electoral autonomy.
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Maryland advocates urge end to racial vote dilution with new bill
On March 26, 2025, the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee conducted a hearing on Senate Bill 342 (S.B. 342), legislation aimed at preventing racial vote dilution in the state.
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Three states push for stronger voting rights amid federal challenges
On Wednesday, Common Cause advocates from Colorado, Florida, and Maryland held a briefing to discuss their efforts in enacting state-level Voting Rights Acts.
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Maryland considers expanding voter language access under new legislation
HB983, a bill aimed at expanding language access for voters in Maryland, was discussed in the House of Delegates Ways & Means Committee.
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Maryland advocates push for vote on legislation affecting legislative vacancies
Yesterday, the Maryland House Ways & Means Committee reviewed HB 174, a bill aimed at involving voters in legislative vacancies.
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Maryland coalition urges lawmakers to enact key election reforms in 2025
The Everyone Votes Maryland Coalition, comprising over 20 organizations focused on improving voting access and the election process, is urging the Maryland General Assembly to implement significant reforms in the 2025 legislative session.
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Maryland coalitions work together to ensure all voters know their rights
Two Maryland voting rights coalitions, Everyone Votes Maryland and Expand the Ballot, Expand the Vote, are working to ensure that every Maryland resident is aware of their voting rights ahead of Election Day.
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Early voting begins in Maryland for November general election
Voters in Maryland can begin casting their ballots for the 2024 November election starting tomorrow, Thursday, October 24. This opportunity is available to all voters, including those with felony convictions who are not currently incarcerated. Each county in Maryland has designated locations for early voting before the official Election Day on November 5.
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Maryland praised by Common Cause for high scores on democracy scorecard
Common Cause, the nonpartisan watchdog, released its 2024 "Democracy Scorecard," recording every member of Congress' support for voting rights, Supreme Court ethics, and other reforms.
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Calls for transparency in planning PG County special election
Following former Prince George’s County Council member Mel Franklin's resignation, the Council is considering CR-060-2024 to determine the manner of the special election. No details have been provided on when they plan to adopt the resolution or whether a public hearing will be held.
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Common Cause Maryland calls for transparency in PG County special election planning
Following former Prince George’s County Council member Mel Franklin’s resignation, the Council is considering CR-060-2024 to determine the manner of the special election. No details have been provided on when they plan to adopt the resolution or whether they plan to hold a public hearing.
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Democracy Groups Urge Vignarajah to Return Fair Election Funds
Baltimore City mayoral candidate Thiru Vignarajah's recent endorsement of one of his opponents has sparked controversy regarding the use of public funds allocated through the city's small donor public financing program. According to the Fair Elections law, candidates who withdraw from the program are required to repay all public funds received, plus interest.Emily Scarr, the Maryland PIRG Director, emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of the Fair Elections program, stating, "While we have yet to hear a legal opinion on the matter, we hope Mr. Vignarajah...
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Maryland Lawmakers Fail to Pass Voter Registration for Returning Citizens
On April 17, 2024, the Maryland Senate faced criticism for failing to pass a bill that would have expanded automatic voter registration policies to include the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), thus guaranteeing access to voter registration and the ballot for justice-impacted residents."Maryland had an opportunity to prioritize access to voter registration for those impacted by the criminal legal system, but let politics get in the way," expressed Joanne Antoine, executive director of Common Cause Maryland.Keshia Morris Desir, justice and...
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Maryland House Fails Voters on Special Elections
Apr 16, 2024Last week, the Maryland House of Delegates faced criticism for failing to pass a bill that would have empowered voters in the state. Instead, the decision to maintain a process where political insiders hold more sway than the electorate has sparked disappointment and frustration among advocacy groups."We’re extremely disappointed that the House let voters down yet again,” expressed Joanne Antoine, executive director of Common Cause Maryland, reflecting a sentiment shared by many who had hoped for a more democratic approach to filling legislative vacancies....
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Protecting Election Officials is Now Law in Maryland
In a significant development, Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland signed the Protecting Election Officials Act of 2024 into law yesterday. This legislation, which received bipartisan support in both chambers of the Assembly, introduces a new misdemeanor charge for individuals who threaten election officials or their families.Joanne Antoine, the executive director of Common Cause Maryland, expressed her support for the new law by stating, "Our election workers deserve this victory. Here in Maryland, we don’t just talk about the importance of democracy — we defend it, along with all...