Maryland State Wire

Yesterday, the Maryland House Ways & Means Committee reviewed HB 174, a bill aimed at involving voters in legislative vacancies. Advocates are pressing for the bill to be voted on by both the Election Subcommittee and the full committee.

Current statistics show that 85% of Maryland voters support this change. At present, over 20% of Maryland legislators first joined the legislature through appointments made by Democratic or Republican central committees as part of the special election process.

The Everyone Votes Maryland Coalition, which includes various civil rights and grassroots organizations, is pushing for increased ballot access in Maryland. Joanne Antoine, Executive Director of Common Cause Maryland, emphasized that this issue concerns voter representation in districts with legislative vacancies. "In this political climate," Antoine stated, "it’s even more critical for the General Assembly double-down on it’s commitment to building an inclusive democracy."

Maryland PIRG Senior Advisor Emily Scarr expressed support for establishing a special elections process for filling legislative vacancies. She noted that voting for representatives is essential to democracy and urged Maryland to continue leading in ballot access.

Rich Norling from the Sierra Club highlighted the importance of transparent public processes and increasing confidence in government through HB 174. Liza Smith from Montgomery County's Democratic Central Committee advocated for equal voting rights as seen in neighboring Virginia, stressing that enhancing democratic processes should be a priority.

The committee hearing recording is available for public viewing.

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