State of Maryland Archives: on Government Reform
Thomas Perez:
Increase accessible voting centers; end long lines
Long voting lines have always been a problem on election day, but during the 2020 election, a reduced number of polling locations led to long lines and raised concerns about accessibility, especially for those with disabilities or
transportation barriers. Maryland can work to further protect voting rights by fully funding our election process so that we can have more accessible voting centers, more accountability, and more voting resources distributed.
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com
Jul 18, 2021
Thomas Perez:
Overhaul state unemployment system from ground up
Tom and his administration will overhaul the UI from the ground up so that it is the safety net that it is intended to be. Tom will use the experience gained from his time running both the US Department of Labor as well as the Maryland Department of
Labor to completely reimagine the administration of UI. Normally none of us find "good government" super-interesting, but when you need government in an emergency you really appreciate having someone running things who is not at his first rodeo.
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com
Jul 18, 2021
Thomas Perez:
Open environmental data to fullest extent possible
As your governor he will protect our most at-risk communities by prioritizing the enforcement of existing environmental law - while at the same time opening the data banks of our environmental agencies to public scrutiny to the fullest extent possible.
Every community in Maryland has the right to know what potential or existing air, land and water contamination issues exist where they live and are raising a family.
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com
Jul 18, 2021
Michael Steele:
We know this is all about a fear of black voters
I have been an advocate of voting reform since I was a county chairman here in Prince George`s County back in the 1990s. My view then, being in a county where I was outnumbered -- there are 800,000 residents, 58,000 of whom at that time were registered
Republican voters, OK? What this is all about, voter suppression. We know this is all about a fear of black voters. This is targeted to states like Georgia, like Michigan, where black voters turned out in numbers.
Source: MSNBC "The ReidOut " on 2022 Maryland Governor race
Mar 29, 2021
Michael Steele:
Biden showed moral courage in criticizing voter suppression
Q: What did you think of this president speak about what he calls Jim Crow racist voter discrimination?STEELE: He showed his interest in the very fundamental thing that we appreciate constitutionally, and that is the right to vote.
And now the test is going to be on us as citizens to meet the challenge of the president to stick our moral courage to that sticking point, if you will, to make sure that these types of offenses to our democracy are rebuffed.
Source: MSNBC "The Beat" on 2022 Maryland Governor race
Mar 25, 2021
Larry Hogan:
Just like Trump he refuses to release his tax returns
Hogan's most notable act as governor has been canceling a public transit project in Baltimore and spending Maryland money on highway developments adjacent to land he owns personally. Just like Trump, instead of divesting
himself of conflicts of interest, he put his business operations in the hands of a relative who keeps him abreast of what is happening. Hogan is making millions, yet just like Trump refuses to release his tax returns.
Source: The Week newsmagazine on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
Dec 16, 2020
Robin Ficker:
2016: Helped pass ballot measure for county term limits
Ficker sponsored a term-limits ballot measure in 2016 that limits the county executive and County Council members to three four-year terms.
The measure passed with nearly 70% of the vote.
Source: Bethesda Magazine on 2022 Maryland gubernatorial race
Apr 1, 2020
Larry Hogan:
nonpartisan redistricting reform to end gerrymandering
In November, a panel of federal judges unanimously ruled that the boundary lines of Maryland's 6th congressional district are unconstitutional. For the past three years, our administration has pushed for comprehensive, nonpartisan redistricting reform
that would remove partisan politics from the redistricting process. Listen to the will of the people of Maryland and finally bring this bill to the floor of both chambers for an up or down vote.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Maryland legislature
Jan 30, 2019
Ben Jealous:
Dual attack: disenfranchisement & Citizens United
Campaign Finance: Support Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations and unions?Hogan: Unclear. Hogan was elected under a public financing system & pushed bill to strengthen.
Jealous: No. Opposes "dual
attack on our democracy: everyday voters are being disenfranchised while corporations are being hyper-enfranchised." Co-founded national coalition of unions, civil rights groups & environmental groups working to roll back money in politics.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maryland Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Ben Jealous:
Require federal nonpartisan redistricting
Elections: Support nonpartisan redistricting to address charges of partisan gerrymandering? Hogan: Yes. Introduced Redistricting Reform Act to create a nonpartisan redistricting commission.
Jealous: Yes. Founded two organizations to require
federal nonpartisan redistricting.
Voting Rules: Voting rights for felons?
Hogan: Vetoed bill to let felons vote when on probation or parole.
Jealous: Strong supporter of felon voting rights.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maryland Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Tony Campbell:
No regulation of corporate indirect campaign contributions
Q: Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
A: Yes
Source: Maryland Congressional Election 2018 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2018
Ian Schlakman:
Make voter registration easier
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Make voter registration easier"?
A: Strongly support
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate
Aug 21, 2018
Tony Campbell:
Regulate campaign contributions from corporations and unions
Q: Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
A: Yes.
Source: VoteSmart Maryland 2018 Political Courage Test
Jul 4, 2018
Richard Madaleno:
Same-day voter registration & automatic registration at MVA
OnTheIssues Q: what are your views on Government Reform issues?- Voted YES to put initiative on ballot to allow same-day voter registration
- Voted YES on automatic voter registration at Motor Vehicle Administration
- Voted YES on allowing
persons to vote in primary elections before turning 18 if voter will turn 18 before general election
- Voted YES on increasing number of early voting centers and on establishing early voting period
- Voted YES on public financing of campaigns
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate
Jun 1, 2018
Shawn Quinn:
Make voter registration easier
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Make voter registration easier"?
A: Support
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate
May 13, 2018
Arvin Vohra:
Make voter registration easier for Libertarians
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Make voter registration easier"?A: Agree. Today, in many states, Libertarian voters face blockades to registering Libertarian, or voting for Libertarian candidates. The two old parties do everything
they can to keep us off the ballot entirely. That is completely immoral. I will do everything I can to stop that kind of voter suppression. Voting is not just for Democrats and Republicans. Libertarians have the right to vote our conscience.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Senate candidate
Mar 30, 2018
Chelsea Manning:
Government is not helping us; we need to help ourselves
We need someone willing to fight. We need to stop asking them to give us our rights. They won't support us. They won't compromise. We need to stop expecting that our systems will somehow fix themselves.
We need to actually take the reins of power from them. We need to challenge them at every level. We need to fix this. We don't need them anymore. We can do better. You're damn right. We got this.
Source: YouTube video on 2018 Maryland Senate race
Jan 31, 2018
Larry Hogan:
End partisan gerrymandering; make term limits
Help us put the issue of term limits on the ballot this year for the people of Maryland to decide this issue for themselves in November. And in order to uphold the public trust and to truly represent the interests of all the people we were elected to
serve, let's put partisanship and self-interest aside and join together with the overwhelming majority of Marylanders to end the practice of partisan gerrymandering in Maryland.
Source: 2018 Maryland State of the State address
Jan 31, 2018
Larry Hogan:
Disallow legislators from drawing their own district lines
We cannot allow the unethical behavior of the few to tarnish the good will of the many. Help us finally bring the transparency that Marylanders want and deserve by passing the Legislative Transparency Act, which provides for all sessions of the General
Assembly to be livestreamed to the public.And isn't it time that we finally pass the Redistricting Reform Act so we can remove the politics and the politicians from drawing their own district lines? Free and fair elections are perhaps the most basic
promise that those in power must provide to citizens.
The people of Maryland desperately want--and certainly deserve--balance, fairness, and bipartisanship in our state. An overwhelming majority of all Marylanders all parties and from all walks of
life strongly support this legislation. But last year, this critically important reform legislation was hidden in a drawer. This year, the people deserve to have it come to the floor of both the House and the Senate for an up or down vote.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Maryland Legislature
Feb 1, 2017
Jamie Raskin:
Restore the voting rights of ex-felons
As "one of America's most ardent advocates for democracy" (The Nation 4/20/15) Jamie is a champion of sweeping campaign finance reform, a powerful defender of voting rights, and a passionate critic of Citizens United and the systematic deregulation of
big money in politics. Jamie was a key force in restoring the voting rights of ex-felons, successfully introduced legislation to lower the voter registration age to 16, and steered the nation's first National Popular Vote law to passage.
After Citizens United was handed down, Jamie successfully introduced legislation in Maryland requiring outside spenders to disclose their spending in Maryland races, and he wrote a General Assembly letter to Congress urging a constitutional amendment
to reverse Citizens United. Jamie was the sole academic witness called by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee in 2014 in favor of the Democrats' constitutional amendment, which every Democrat in Congress then voted to support.
Source: 2016 Maryland House campaign website JamieRaskin.com
Nov 8, 2016
Larry Hogan:
Vetoed restoring voting rights to 40,000 ex-offenders
Virginia is granting more than 200,000 convicted felons the right to vote in the November elections, part of a large-scale effort Gov. Terry McAuliffe says is intended to reverse the state's long history of suppressing the voting rights of
African-Americans.The move echoes a concern in several other states, which have increasingly turned away from harsh criminal sentences and raised new questions about what happens to offenders once they are released, including their ability to
participate fully in society. In Virginia, 1 in 5 African-Americans is disenfranchised, according to the Sentencing Project based in Washington, D.C.
In February, the Maryland State Senate overrode a veto by Republican
Gov. Larry Hogan and expanded voting rights to 40,000 ex-offenders. In that the case, the law actually went further than Virginia's policy by allowing ex-convicts to vote while on parole or probation.
Source: Christian Science Monitor on 2018 Maryland governor race
Apr 22, 2016
Larry Hogan:
Undo restored voting rights to ex-felons
Virginia is granting more than 200,000 convicted felons the right to vote in the November elections, echoing a concern in several other states. In February, the Maryland State Senate overrode a veto by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan and expanded voting
rights to 40,000 ex-offenders. The Maryland law went further than Virginia's policy by allowing ex-convicts to vote while on parole or probation.But the policies have been controversial. Last December, newly elected Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin (R)
reversed an executive order by his Democratic predecessor to grant voting rights to ex-felons in the state once they had completed their sentences. Governor Bevin framed his opposition to the executive order signed by then-Gov. Steve Beshear (D) on
procedural rather than ideological terms. "While I have been a vocal supporter of the restoration of rights, for example, it is an issue that must be addressed through the legislature and by the will of the people," he said in a statement.
Source: Christian Science Monitor on 2018 Maryland governor race
Apr 22, 2016
Sam Faddis:
Stop passing the buck, take responsibility for our problems
Recently, he decided it was "time to stop recommending that somebody else do something about" America's problem at home and overseas, and step up to the
plate himself. "We have to solve problems and get things done," which he said he has had a lifetime of experience doing.
Source: Maryland Reporter on 2018 Maryland Senate race
Nov 5, 2015
Chris Van Hollen:
Do everything we can to make it easier to vote
Rep. Chris Van Hollen urged the Maryland State Board of Elections to reject a decision to replace early voting locations in Burtonsville and Chevy Chase with sites in less-densely populated Brookeville and Potomac.The decision to change two of the
county's nine early voting sites was made with a 3-2 vote along party lines on the Republican-led county Board of Elections. Many claimed the purpose was to make it harder for Democrats along the Route 29 corridor and Bethesda and Chevy Chase to access
early voting. Van Hollen said the change would "have a major negative impact on the success of early voting in Montgomery County. We should do everything we can to make it easier for every citizen to vote. Unfortunately, the current early voting proposal
makes it harder. It will create confusion, undercut early voting and same-day voter registration, and make it harder for low-income and elderly people and people of color to participate in our political process."
Source: Bethesda Magazine on 2016 Maryland Senate race
Sep 25, 2015
Martin O`Malley:
Fair Campaign Financing Act for gubernatorial elections
The strength of our democracy rests on a balanced, honest and open political process that challenges convention and encourages progress. The Fair Campaign Financing Act for gubernatorial elections provides this balance and opens discord.
It levels the playing field and holds our elected leaders accountable.And while many said we would never elect a governor because of the low spending limits mandated in our public finance laws,
I stand before you today as proof that the system does work.
We must replenish this fund as soon as possible and make it available for future candidates.
Therefore, we will submit legislation to reinstate the voluntary check-off which allows a taxpayer to make a donation to go towards the public campaign financing system each year.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Maryland Legislature
Feb 4, 2015
Kathy Szeliga:
Voted NO to online voter registration & online voting
HB 224 Amends Voting Procedures
Concurrence Vote Passed House (99 - 40); Rep. Kathy Szeliga voted Nay.Highlights: - Authorizes an online voter registration system that allows an individual to become
a registered voter or change his or her name, address, or party affiliation.
- Authorizes a registered voter to request an absentee ballot which can be submitted through the mail, a facsimile transmission, or
the completion of the "online ballot marking tool".
- Defines "online ballot marking tool" as a system that allows a voter to access a blank ballot through the internet, electronically mark the
ballot, print a paper copy, and mail to the a local board.
- Increases the number of early voting centers a county is required to operate.
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2013-2014 Maryland voting records
Apr 8, 2013
Kelly M. Schulz:
Voted NO to online voter registration & online voting
HB 224 Amends Voting ProceduresConcurrence Vote Passed House (99 - 40); Del. Kelly Schulz voted Nay.
Highlights:
- Authorizes an online voter registration system that allows an individual to become a registered voter or change his or her name, address, or party affiliation.
-
Authorizes a registered voter to request an absentee ballot which can be submitted through the mail, a facsimile transmission, or the completion of the "online ballot marking tool".
- Defines "online ballot marking tool" as a system that allows a voter
to access a blank ballot through the internet, electronically mark the ballot, print a paper copy, and mail to the a local board.
- Increases the number of early voting centers a county is required to operate.
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2013-14 Maryland voting records HB224
Apr 8, 2013
Jamie Raskin:
Voted YES to online voter registration & online voting
HB 224 Amends Voting Procedures
Concurrence Vote Passed House (99-40-2); passed Senate (36-11-0); Sen. Raskin voted YEA.Highlights: - Authorizes an online voter registration system that allows an individual to become
a registered voter or change his or her name, address, or party affiliation.
- Authorizes a registered voter to request an absentee ballot which can be submitted through the mail, a facsimile transmission, or
the completion of the "online ballot marking tool".
- Defines "online ballot marking tool" as a system that allows a voter to access a blank ballot through the internet, electronically mark the
ballot, print a paper copy, and mail to the a local board.
- Increases the number of early voting centers a county is required to operate.
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2013-2014 Maryland legislative records
Apr 2, 2013
Richard Madaleno:
Voted YES to online voter registration & online voting
HB 224 Amends Voting Procedures
Concurrence Vote Passed House (99-40-2); passed Senate (36-11-0); Sen. Madaleno voted YEA.Highlights: - Authorizes an online voter registration system that allows an individual to become
a registered voter or change his or her name, address, or party affiliation.
- Authorizes a registered voter to request an absentee ballot which can be submitted through the mail, a facsimile transmission, or
the completion of the "online ballot marking tool".
- Defines "online ballot marking tool" as a system that allows a voter to access a blank ballot through the internet, electronically mark the
ballot, print a paper copy, and mail to the a local board.
- Increases the number of early voting centers a county is required to operate.
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2013-2014 Maryland legislative records
Apr 2, 2013
Rob Sobhani:
Public service shouldn't be a life-long career; 2-term limit
Public service is a high calling, but it should not be a life-long career. I will not serve more than two terms in the Senate. And I'll support a limit on the amount of time members of
Congress can serve. Term limits will refresh and restore our democratic foundations, while causing elected officials to live under the same rules they write for others.
Source: 2012 Senate campaign website, www.sobhaniformaryland.com
Oct 15, 2012
Robert Ehrlich:
Let Board of Regents engage in campaign fundraising
HB1674: Prohibiting members of the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland from engaging in campaign fund-raising activities and from being a candidate for a public office.Analysis by The Chronicle of Higher Education:
A member of the Board of Regents who is a top fund raiser for Gov. Ehrlich would have to choose between the two jobs, as would another Regent who will run for State Senate.
Veto message: This denial of a citizen's basic civil rights to
fully participate in our representative government is unacceptable. The unpaid volunteers serving on the Board of Regents are motivated by the highest principles of public service to Maryland; insinuating otherwise is insulting.
Legislative
Outcome: Passed House 87-47-7 on Mar/23/06; Passed Senate 28-17-2 on Mar/29/06; Vetoed by Gov. Robert Ehrlich on Apr/7/2006; Veto overridden House 88-49-4 on Apr/8/06; Senate 29-18-0 on Apr10/06
Source: Analysis of Maryland legislative voting record HB1674
Apr 7, 2006
Peter Franchot:
Prohibit Board of Regents from campaign fundraising
HB1674: Prohibiting members of the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland from engaging in campaign fund-raising activities and from being a candidate for a public office.Analysis by The Chronicle of Higher Education:
A member of the Board of Regents who is a top fund raiser for Gov. Ehrlich would have to choose between the two jobs, as would another Regent who will run for State Senate.
Veto message: This denial of a citizen's basic civil rights to
fully participate in our representative government is unacceptable. The unpaid volunteers serving on the Board of Regents are motivated by the highest principles of public service to Maryland; insinuating otherwise is insulting.
Legislative
Outcome: Passed House 87-47-7 on Mar/23/06; Passed Senate 28-17-2 on Mar/29/06; State Rep. Peter Franchot voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Robert Ehrlich on Apr/7/2006; Veto overridden House 88-49-4 on Apr/8/06; Senate 29-18-0 on Apr10/06
Source: Analysis of Maryland legislative voting record HB1674
Mar 29, 2006
Richard Madaleno:
Prohibit Board of Regents from campaign fundraising
HB1674: Prohibiting members of the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland from engaging in campaign fund-raising activities and from being a candidate for a public office.Analysis by The Chronicle of Higher Education:
A member of the Board of Regents who is a top fund raiser for Gov. Ehrlich would have to choose between the two jobs, as would another Regent who will run for State Senate.
Veto message: This denial of a citizen's basic civil rights to
fully participate in our representative government is unacceptable. The unpaid volunteers serving on the Board of Regents are motivated by the highest principles of public service to Maryland; insinuating otherwise is insulting.
Legislative
Outcome: Passed House 87-47-7 on Mar/23/06; Passed Senate 28-17-2 on Mar/29/06; Sen. Madaleno co-sponsored the bill and voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Robert Ehrlich on Apr/7/2006; Veto overridden House 88-49-4 on Apr/8/06; Senate 29-18-0 on Apr10/06
Source: Analysis of Maryland legislative voting record HB1674
Mar 29, 2006
Anthony Brown:
Prohibit Board of Regents from campaign fundraising
HB1674: Prohibiting members of the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland from engaging in campaign fund-raising activities and from being a candidate for a public office.Analysis by The Chronicle of Higher Education:
A member of the Board of Regents who is a top fund raiser for Gov. Ehrlich would have to choose between the two jobs, as would another Regent who will run for State Senate.
Veto message: This denial of a citizen's basic civil rights to
fully participate in our representative government is unacceptable. The unpaid volunteers serving on the Board of Regents are motivated by the highest principles of public service to Maryland; insinuating otherwise is insulting.
Legislative
Outcome: Passed House 87-47-7 on Mar/23/06; Rep. Brown co-sponsored the bill and voted YES; Passed Senate 28-17-2 on Mar/29/06; Vetoed by Gov. Robert Ehrlich on Apr/7/2006; Veto overridden House 88-49-4 on Apr/8/06; Senate 29-18-0 on Apr10/06
Source: Analysis of Maryland legislative voting record HB1674
Mar 23, 2006
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021