Yesterday, Gov. Wes Moore signed the Protecting Election Officials Act of 2024 into law. Passed with bipartisan support in both chambers of the Assembly, this law creates a new misdemeanor charge for those who threaten election officials or their families.

“Our election workers deserve this victory,” said Joanne Antoine, executive director of Common Cause Maryland. “Here in Maryland, we don’t just talk about the importance of democracy — we defend it, along with all the officials who help to make it possible. We are tremendously grateful to Gov. Moore for his leadership on this critical issue.”

A recent poll by the Brennan Center found that 45% of local election officials said they fear for the safety of their colleagues. Across the country, election administrators have left their profession in droves. Today’s bill seeks to show election workers in Maryland that they have our collective support. 

More on Common Cause Maryland’s support for this bill is available here.