Baltimore, MD— Yesterday, the Maryland House Ways & Means Committee heard  HB 174, a bill that would give voters a say in legislative vacancies. The recording of the hearing can be viewed here starting at 2:16.

Advocates are urging the House of Delegates to bring the bill for a vote in the Election Subcommittee followed by the full committee.

Eighty-five percent of Maryland voters approve of this change. Currently, more than 1 in 5 Maryland legislators first came to the legislature by appointment from a Democratic or Republican central committee through the current special election process.

The Everyone Votes Maryland Coalition is a group of good government, civil rights, environmental, labor, and grassroots organizations working toward increasing access to the ballot in Maryland.

“This isn’t about any individual appointee; it’s about the voters in these districts whose voices aren’t being heard in the process for filling legislative vacancies,” said Joanne Antoine, Common Cause Maryland Executive Director. “In this political climate, it’s even more critical for the General Assembly double-down on it’s commitment to building an inclusive democracy. That means working to ensure voters always have a say in who represents them and their interests.”

“It’s time for Maryland to establish a special elections process to fill legislative vacancies,” said Maryland PIRG Senior Advisor Emily Scarr. “Being able to vote for our representatives is fundamental to our democracy. Maryland is a national leader on democracy and ballot access. It’s time to democratize the process to fill vacancies and support policies that are proven effective in building a representative democracy.”

“As a grassroots organization, the Sierra Club seeks to foster strong relationships between voters and their representatives in government. We support HB 174 because it will expand the opportunity for voters to elect their leaders in a fully transparent, public process and increase confidence in government.” Rich Norling, Chair of Voting Rights Committee, Maryland Sierra Club.

“As a proud member of the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee representing District 14, I have tirelessly advocated in Annapolis for the past three years to ensure that Maryland residents have the vital opportunity to cast their votes for state representatives in the event of a vacancy. If our neighbors in Virginia enjoy this right, why should Marylanders be denied the same privilege? The cornerstone of our democracy lies in the right to vote, and Maryland should lead by example in ensuring accessible and equitable elections across the state. Our focus should be on enhancing the democratic process, endorsing impactful policies, and fostering a representative democracy that resonates throughout Maryland,” said Liza Smith.  

You can view the committee hearing recording here.   

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The Everyone Votes Maryland Coalition is a group of good government, civil rights, environmental, labor, and grassroots organizations working toward increasing access to the ballot in Maryland.