Press Release
PG County Voters Deserve an Accessible Special Election
County Council must prioritize maximizing turnout
MD Press
Media Contacts
Dera Silvestre
East Regional Communications Strategist
dsilvestre@commoncause.org
617-807-4032
Joanne Antoine
Executive Director
jantoine@commoncause.org
443-906-0442
Press Release
U.S. Census Bureau Releases 2020 Census Demographic Data to Kick Off Maryland Redistricting 2021
We urge the Redistricting Commissions to ensure the mapmaking process is fair, transparent, accessible, and inclusive – allowing for timely and meaningful public input throughout the entire process.
Press Release
Senate President Ferguson and House Speaker Jones Announce “Legislative Redistricting Advisory Commission”
While the Senate President and the Speaker have announced plans to host twelve in-person and virtual town hall meetings, they have not stated whether the Commission will comply with Maryland’s Open Meeting Act or whether they will solicit, accept, and consider maps submitted by the public.
Press Release
Common Cause Maryland and League of Women Voters of Maryland call on the Citizens Redistricting Commission to Hold Separate Public Meeting for Baltimore City
We appreciate the Commission's commitment to ensuring Maryland’s line-drawing process centers community input, but are concerned the Central Region grouping may suppress the voices of Baltimore City residents.
Press Release
Voting Rights Advocates Celebrate Passage of Package of Voting Rights Policies that Seek to Make Voting More Accessible
Members of the Expand the Ballot coalition joined the Larry Young Morning Show on WOLB1010AM to celebrate the end of the Maryland General Assembly session and the passage of a comprehensive voting rights package that makes Maryland one of the leading states in America as it relates to voting reform.
Press Release
Maryland General Assembly Updates and Permanently Funds Gubernatorial Public Financing Program
Advocates called on Gov. Hogan to sign the bill, which they deem a monumental step forward to improve on the program and expand the funding to enable multiple candidates to participate.
Press Release
Common Cause Maryland and Maryland PIRG Applaud Baltimore County Action on the Fair Election Fund
Common Cause Maryland and Maryland PIRG look forward to serving on the Baltimore County Fair Election Work Group and providing support as they work to implement a new public financing program.
Press Release
“Sunshine Week” During COVID-19
Maryland’s confidence in our government is more important during a time of crisis than ever. Public officials must do everything in their power to maximize the ability of the public to continue observing and participating in government proceedings.
Press Release
Maryland Senate Updates and Funds Gubernatorial Public Financing Program
In a strong bipartisan vote (39-6), the Maryland State Senate has approved a bill to update and fund the state's small donor public financing program for gubernatorial candidates. Maryland’s current public financing system for the gubernatorial race was implemented in the 1970s.
Press Release
House Committee to Hear Bills to Strengthen Maryland’s Mail-In Voting Process
“During the 2020 election cycle, Maryland experienced a larger-than-average demand for mail-in voting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience proved two things – the convenience of vote by mail presents an opportunity to boost overall participation in our elections and the existing mail-in voting process needs improvement.”
Press Release
The League of Women Voters and Common Cause Support Transparency in Redistricting
The bill would ensure the public regular on-line access to governmental activities and timely notice of meetings, agendas, background materials, and minutes. LWVMD and CCMD are hopeful the Citizens Redistricting Commission that will be appointed by Governor Hogan will fall under the provisions of this legislation.
Press Release
Voting Rights Advocates Announce Groundbreaking Legislation Expanding Ballot Access for Those ‘Behind The Walls’
SB224/HB222 seeks to enhance the voter awareness and mobilization efforts of eligible voters who are currently incarcerated, and those who were recently released, by providing for a mandated informational packet to be sent to eligible voters incarcerated during an election year while providing for those being released with a voter registration application and information detailing their right to vote upon release.
Press Release
Common Cause Maryland Congratulates Keshia Morris Desir for her Appointment to Montgomery County Commission on Redistricting
The Montgomery County Council has named members of the County’s Commission on Redistricting, including Keshia Morris Desir, Census and Mass Incarceration Project Manager at Common Cause.