Local Government News
Democracy Groups Urge Vignarajah to Return Fair Election Funds
Baltimore City mayoral candidate Thiru Vignarajah's recent endorsement of one of his opponents has sparked controversy regarding the use of public funds allocated through the city's small donor public financing program. According to the Fair Elections law, candidates who withdraw from the program are required to repay all public funds received, plus interest.Emily Scarr, the Maryland PIRG Director, emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of the Fair Elections program, stating, "While we have yet to hear a legal opinion on the matter, we hope Mr. Vignarajah...
Maryland Lawmakers Fail to Pass Voter Registration for Returning Citizens
On April 17, 2024, the Maryland Senate faced criticism for failing to pass a bill that would have expanded automatic voter registration policies to include the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), thus guaranteeing access to voter registration and the ballot for justice-impacted residents."Maryland had an opportunity to prioritize access to voter registration for those impacted by the criminal legal system, but let politics get in the way," expressed Joanne Antoine, executive director of Common Cause Maryland.Keshia Morris Desir, justice and...