State of Maryland Archives: on Government Reform

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

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

Ashwani Jain: Committed to imposing anti-corruption measures

Imposing a 4-year lobbying ban for the Governor, Lt. Governor and agency heads from becoming corporate lobbyists after they leave their positions.
Requiring the Governor, Lt. Governor and agency heads to place any of their personal businesses into a blind trust to be sold off if elected.
Banning the Governor, Lt. Governor and agency heads from owning stocks or serving on for-profit corporate boards while in office.

Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race May 14, 2021

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

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

Chris Chaffee: Maryland Drop Boxes illegal, elections compromised

Maryland Drop Boxes are also illegal . With State workers suppressing the voters when removal of campaign material to get out the vote . Maryland Elections Compromised . Source: Facebook posting on 2022 Maryland Senate race Jul 25, 2022

Chris Chaffee: Elections should be one day, end the early elections

ELECTIONs Should Be One Day . If you want to vote, vote. End the drop boxes end the early elections. Thank you to all the volunteers. Source: Facebook posting on 2022 Maryland Senate race Jul 25, 2022

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

Chris Van Hollen: Fortify democracy against the "Big Lie," voter suppression

Chris has worked to protect the right to vote and fight back against discriminatory attempts to disenfranchise Americans. An original sponsor of the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act, he believes we must urgently fortify our democracy against the "Big Lie" and GOP voter suppression laws. A leading proponent of campaign finance reform, Chris is the original author of the DISCLOSE Act, which would end the torrents of secret money poisoning our politics. Source: 2022 Maryland Senate campaign website VanHollen.org Jul 20, 2022

Dan Cox: Require citizen voter ID, end unverified mail-in ballots

Ensure election integrity, order a forensic audit and protect the People's right to choose their representatives with one person, one legal vote. I will submit a legislative package to require a valid citizen voter I.D., end unverified mail-in ballots and order a forensic audit of the 2020 election. Source: 2022 Maryland Governor campaign website CoxForFreedom.com Apr 24, 2022

Dan Cox: One of the big issues is less burdensome regulations

Q: What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland?

A: Jobs/small business, lower taxation and education to support a growing need of families to have opportunity and less burdensome regulations.

Source: RedMaryland.com on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race Feb 24, 2018

Dan Cox: We need more transparency; all meetings will be open

Q: Does Maryland have good open government laws? What, if anything, would you change?

COX: Yes, but we need more transparency. As governor, I will order each government agency to provide reports and audits and will publish those online. All government meetings will be open for public access and information.

Source: Frederick News Post on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race Jul 2, 2022

Doug Gansler: Judicial retention elections promote diversity on the bench

Converting judicial elections to judicial retention elections. A diverse bench is vital for racial justice so that people from communities that have been hurt by an overly punitive criminal justice system act as judges. Judicial appointment with retention elections has been shown to promote diversity on the bench and Maryland must move to such a system to improve criminal justice outcomes.
Meaningfully diversify state government at every level. The state government should reflect the diversity of Maryland, which is a majority nonwhite state. The Gansler administration, from the top level down, will reflect that diversity. Our administration is committed to conducting a generational transformation of the State of Maryland's personnel system.

Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website DougGansler.com Dec 29, 2021

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 Procedures

Concurrence Vote Passed House (99 - 40); Del. Kelly Schulz voted Nay.

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

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

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

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: 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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Peter Franchot: Deliver on specific goals to rebuild trust in government

Fill every pothole on state roads;
Clean all trash on state roads; and
Answer every Marylander's call to state agencies within 60 seconds with a live, friendly, trained professional.

Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website TK.com Jul 19, 2021

Peter Franchot: Create a universal, transparent vote by mail system

The significant expansion of the electorate Maryland witnessed via the vote-by-mail system utilized for its 2020 Primary Election is a perfect opportunity to expand our suffrage. Franchot will introduce and champion legislation that creates a universal, well-run, transparent vote by mail system in which every Marylander receives a ballot via mail that can be returned by mail or drop box. Moreover, Maryland will continue to offer in-person early and Election Day balloting. Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website TK.com Jul 19, 2021

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.

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: Same-day voter registration & automatic registration at MVA

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Rushern Baker: Require dark money groups to disclose their donors

For too long, politicians have been unwilling or unable to end the undue influence of special interests and dark money on our elections. Our administration would make public financing available to all state candidates, halt coordination between Super PACs and candidates, require dark money groups to disclose their donors, and empower voters to participate in funding the candidate of their choice with a tax credit for campaign donations. Source: 2022 Maryland Governor campaign website RushernBaker.com Jun 24, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

Wes Moore: Opposed GOP voter ID bill as voter suppression

Moore put out a social media post designed to capture email addresses, a common practice for political candidates. It said, in full: "I'll be blunt: I'm asking for your signature before midnight to stop voter suppression.

"Maryland Republicans just introduced a bill that would make it harder for Black folks to vote.

"I need 5,000 signatures on my petition to show Republicans that Marylanders--and Americans nationwide--OPPOSE voter suppression. Will you add your name before midnight?"

Source: Maryland Matters on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race Jun 11, 2021

Wes Moore: Fill the jobs we desperately need; eliminate ones we don't

Right now, Maryland's government has nearly 10,000 vacancies, with just under 6,100 in the executive branch alone. That means needs are not being met. It means timelines for licensing and approvals are closer to the 19th century, than the 21st. This isn't about creating "big government." This is about creating a better one. That means eliminating and consolidating the positions no longer needed, and filling the ones we desperately do. Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Maryland legislature Feb 1, 2023

Vivek Ramaswamy: I will shut down the Dept. of Education and the FBI

Mr. Ramaswamy said, "The first agency we will shut down is the U.S. Department of Education. The second government agency that I will shut down in this country we should have done this at least 60 years ago. We are going to get it done as finally, it is time to shut down the FBI in America and create something new to take its place because we are done with the J. Edgar Hoover legacy to let this be a self-governing nation again." Source: Speech at the 2023 CPAC Conference in Maryland Mar 5, 2023

Glenn Ivey: Frustrated with politicians refusing to concede an election

Going into his term, one of Ivey's top priorities is protecting democracy and the right to vote. He said he is frustrated with politicians refusing to concede when they lose an election. "I would call it the crybaby politics of election deniers," Ivey said. "We want to get back to the days where if you lost, you help with the transition, so incoming officials can focus on the business of governing and getting the work done for the people." Source: Maryland Matters on 2022 MD-4 House incumbent Nov 16, 2022

Angela Alsobrooks: Expand voting rights; ban gerrymandering

Angela is committed to fighting for the passage of critical legislation, such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which empowers the Department of Justice to enforce voting rights and prevents any right-wing legislature in the country from undermining those fundamental rights. Additionally, Angela will sponsor the For the People Act, which expands voting rights, reforms campaign finance laws, bans gerrymandering, and strengthens ethics laws for all federal office holders. Source: 2024 Maryland Senate campaign website AngelaAlsobrooks.com Feb 16, 2024

Robin Ficker: Require Voter ID; keep the Electoral College

Q: ELECTIONS AND VOTING: People should be able to vote without photo identification?

A: Strongly Disagree

Q: The Electoral College should be abolished?

A: Strongly Disagree

Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 Maryland Senate race Nov 1, 2016

Johnny Olszewski: 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); Del.Olszewski voted YEA.

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

Christopher Bouchat: End partisan gerrymandering of legislative districts

For years, Bouchat has been working on a strategy to end partisan gerrymandering in Maryland by adding an amendment to the state constitution. Rather than having politicians draw their own legislative boundaries, he said, the process should be left up to their constituents. "This is a goal of mine that I want to see done before I die," he said. Source: The Frederick News-Post on 2026 Maryland Gubernatorial race Sep 5, 2022

Christopher Bouchat: Supports amendment for term limits on Congress

U.S. Term Limits is gathering support from state lawmakers across the nation. Its mission is to get 34 states to apply for an amendment proposal convention specific to term limits on Congress. Governor of Maryland candidate, Christopher Bouchat, has committed support for term limits on Congress by signing the Term Limits Convention pledge. In addition, as the current District 5 Delegate, Bouchat has also signed the Article V state pledge for term limits on Congress. Source: Baltimore Post-Examiner on 2026 Maryland Gubernatorial race Oct 16, 2025

The above quotations are from State of Maryland Politicians: Archives. Click here for definitions & background information on Government Reform. Click here for other issues (main summary page).
*2024 Presidential contenders on Government Reform:*
	*Candidates for President & Vice-President:* V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA) Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA) Chase Oliver(L-GA) Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA) Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL) Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH) Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN) Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)	*2024 presidential primary contenders:* Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE) N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R) N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R) Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R) S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R) Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R) Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN) U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN) Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH) S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org! Click for details -- or send donations to: 1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140 E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org (We rely on your support!)

Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026