Maryland State Wire

On Wednesday, Common Cause advocates from Colorado, Florida, and Maryland held a briefing to discuss their efforts in enacting state-level Voting Rights Acts. These actions come as the current administration is perceived to be undermining constitutional protections.

State experts shared details about their legislative initiatives aimed at ensuring equal access to voting for all eligible voters. Additionally, the organization’s national voting rights expert provided updates on federal legislation such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the SAVE Act.

In Maryland, a package of four bills known as the Maryland Voting Rights Act of 2025 aims to strengthen voter protections by prohibiting vote denial and dilution, expanding language assistance, preventing voter intimidation, and stopping discrimination in high-risk areas.

Florida's proposed Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Florida Voting Rights Act seeks to repeal harmful state-level anti-voter laws while enhancing ballot access for Floridians and safeguarding against discriminatory practices.

The Colorado Voting Rights Act intends to codify and expand federal voter protections within state law. It introduces new measures including protections for LGBTQ+ voters and those confined in jail during elections, along with requiring multilingual ballots in municipal elections.

Sylvia Albert from Common Cause emphasized the importance of states taking initiative due to perceived inaction at the federal level: “With the federal government and federal courts no longer doing their jobs...it’s critical that states take the initiative.”

Joanne Antione from Common Cause Maryland highlighted local challenges: “While Congress seeks to take away voting rights...barriers that lead to voter suppression...are still evident.”

Amy Keith from Common Cause Florida noted ongoing struggles: “Florida is facing dangerous backsliding on voting rights but we are fighting every step of the way.”

Aly Belknap from Colorado Common Cause stressed urgency: “Our democracy can’t wait...we’ve moved to enact the Colorado Voting Rights Act...free from discrimination.”

The briefing underscores a coordinated effort across these states to bolster voting rights amidst broader national debates over electoral integrity and access.