Indivisible and Progressive Groups Across Maryland just announced this key endorsement. We are looking to get this to as many Maryland political press and top thought leaders on voting rights and democracy reform as we can. Appreciate everyone’s help. Here is our announcement:
Timed to a hearing in the Maryland House of Delegates’ Ways and Means Committee, a large coalition of Maryland grassroots advocacy groups submitted testimony in favor of an important voting rights bill. The bill, House Bill 119, would allow Maryland voters to choose to receive absentee ballots every election unless they decide otherwise. This “permanent absentee voter list” would increase voter participation for people whose disabilities, age, or other issues prevent them from voting in person.
The coalition of groups in support of the bill represent thousands of engaged, progressive voters from across Maryland, and includes Indivisible MoCo, Indivisible Howard County, Indivisible Kent and Queen Anne’s County, Indivisible Worcester County, Indivisible Baltimore, Indivisible Cabin John, MoCoWomen, and Do the Most Good Montgomery.
“HB 119 will help Maryland continue to be a leader in pro-voter reform,” said Indivisible MoCo’s Stu Henderson. “Last year, Maryland passed the Secure and Accessible Registration Act, which will allow eligible Marylanders to automatically register to vote when they interact with certain state agencies unless they opt out. This past November, voters approved a ballot measure allowing for Election Day Registration—by a massive margin. HB 119 will keep Maryland on this pro-voter path, aligning our state with western states that have expanded voting access by making mailed ballots more common.”
Studies have shown that making it easier to vote by mail dramatically increases voter participation rates. Voting by mail as a permanent absentee offers benefits to many potential voters concerned about long lines, lost work, extra childcare, and other issues. It also improves voting access for those with mobility or transit issues.
“HB 119 will help Marylanders be more informed voters,” said Mr. Henderson. “Not everyone does full research on every candidate in every election before they step into the voting booth. When voters have a mail-in ballot, they have more time to research issues and make more informed decisions. We need to be empowering every eligible voice to be heard on election day.”
ABOUT US:
Indivisible MoCo, Indivisible Howard County, Indivisible Kent and Queen Anne’s County, Indivisible Worcester County, Indivisible Baltimore, Indivisible Cabin John, are all independent progressive grassroots organizations aligned with the national Indivisible movement. MoCo Women is a grassroots group of progressive women in Montgomery County. Do the Most Good Montgomery County is a grassroots group promoting inclusive, progressive values in our community and our nation.