On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Carlos Ayala, a Republican member of the Maryland State Board of Elections, was arrested and charged for his alleged role in the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. 

Morgan Drayton, policy and engagement manager at Common Cause Maryland, issued the following statement: 

“It is sickening to think that Ayala was making decisions about our elections after allegedly participating in the attempted insurrection. His disrespect for the voices of Maryland voters and his disregard for the peaceful transfer of power stands in direct contrast to the duties of the Board of Elections. It is concerning that he was allowed to be a part of the Board, but we are grateful that he will be held accountable for his crimes, even if it is 3 years later. 

“After the 2024 election, the General Assembly should seriously consider whether the process for selecting board members needs to be changed. This should be a wake up call.”