Local Government News
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...
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....