PLEDGE TO ACTTHE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT IN Maryland
MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DEMOCRACY
Democracy starts with each of us—and together, we can make a major impact when we speak up for what’s right. We know the ultimate power in a democracy is the people. We are powerful, fearless, ordinary Americans working together to build a democracy that works for us all.
Take action! Join in the democracy work of the organizations below:
- ACLU of Maryland
- Common Cause Maryland
- League of Women Voters of Maryland
- Maryland Public Interest Research Group
- NAACP Maryland
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW VOTING AND ELECTION BILLS IN MARYLAND
An online database created by the Brennan Center has all the most recent information on restrictive and expansive voting bills that are being proposed or have passed in your state. Make sure to stay up-to-date!
VISIT A ‘ONE-STOP-SHOP’ FOR ELECTION INFO: VOTE411.ORG FOR MARYLAND
VOTE411 is a “one-stop-shop” for election information created by League of Women Voters. Get your Personalized Voting Information to find your polling place, see what’s on your ballot, check your voter registration, learn ID requirements, and much more!
VOLUNTEER AT THE POLLS IN MARYLAND
An online portal developed by the Fair Elections Center to share state by state information on poll worker requirements and applications for each state.
LEARN WHERE THE POLITICAL MONEY COMES FROM IN MARYLAND
A searchable database by Open Secrets with profiles showing you who’s making the big political contributions in your state, as well as where the money’s coming from.
LEARN HOW DEMOCRACY REFORMS BECOME LAW IN MARYLAND
Twenty-six states, including Maryland & DC, allow citizen-led ballot initiatives and have a process for citizens to get measures on the ballot to be voted on to become law. This means that a group of citizens may place a measure on the ballot through gathering signatures, and, in some states, getting legislative approval once the set number of signatures is reached. LEARN MORE!
Maryland DEMOCRACY REFORM AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL IS POSSIBLE TOO!
Learn more about the Freedom to Vote Act.
Urgent Action
BALTIMORE COUNTY: UPHOLD THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT
Contact Baltimore City Council members to ensure they make the right decision to protect the rights of Black voters and to uphold the Voting Rights Act. The members have the power to promote equitable representation on the Council and to stop minority vote dilution. We need you to let Baltimore County Council Members know that upholding the Voting Rights Act is required, not an option.
LET EVERY PERSON WHO IS INCARCERATED VOTE
Today, 1 out of 16 Black people are disenfranchised from voting, and an estimated 5.17 million people in the U.S can’t vote because of a felony conviction. Sign the ACLU’s petition to restore voting rights to incarcerated citizens!
Success Stories
Patchwork elections: New laws expanded voting rights in Maryland but court battle ongoing over redistricting
Voting rights in Maryland expanded under legislation passed into law in 2021, but a redistricting plan assessed by some as racist has spurred opposition and a legal challenge as the 2022 midterm elections approach.
County Councils Act on Citizens Elections Programs: Howard County Council approves fix; Anne Arundel County Council falls short, does not send ballot question to voters
Yesterday, the Howard County Council voted 5-0 in support of emergency legislation that clarifies qualifying deadlines so matching funds can be distributed to qualifying candidates participating in the Citizens’ Election Fund program.
Black Voters, Advocacy Groups Urge Federal Court to Block Baltimore County’s Unlawful Redistricting Plan
Voters and civil rights organizations filed papers urging United States District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby to issue an injunction overturning Baltimore County’s racially discriminatory redistricting plan and requiring the County to reconfigure its election system in compliance with the Voting Rights Act.