ANNAPOLIS, Md. - The massive shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando that left 49 dead has renewed efforts in Maryland to keep the state's assault weapons ban in place.
The state's landmark Firearms Safety Act of 2013 is currently being challenged in court. Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh is speaking out after the Orlando nightclub massacre, vowing to fight it. He said there's no reason American citizens need assault weapons unless they're in the military.

"We need to stand together as a nation to end the epidemic of gun violence," he said. "As President Obama has said, our thoughts and prayers alone are no longer enough."

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit ruled the semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity magazines banned by Maryland's Firearm Safety Act "are in common use by law-abiding citizens" and don't fall under the exception to the right to bear arms that applies to "unusual" weapons such as machine guns and hand grenades. The National Rifle Association has applauded that decision, but Frosh vows to fight to keep the ban in place.

Patrick Paschall, executive director of Freestate Maryland and Equality Maryland, said now is the time to stand together to show solidarity, and it's all about love, not hate.

"We encourage our community to be in community with each other and mourn together," he said. "There's strength in numbers and there is an opportunity to share the grief at a large number of vigils that are continuing to be scheduled across the state."

Paschall said it's also the time to demand that lawmakers make changes so everyone feels safe to live in this country, regardless of how they choose to live.

Frosh said Congress needs to act.

"Every time there is a mass murder, I think the pressure builds," he added. "I think the folks in Congress who stand in the way of this kind of legislation will hear from their constituents. They're sick and tired of reading about this stuff and seeing it on television."

Police say the gunman, 29-year-old Omar Mateen, carried an assault rifle and a pistol into the club early Sunday and killed 49 and wounded 53. It's now the deadliest mass shooting in the United States.


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This week, National Voter Registration Day was another timely reminder for Ohioans preparing for the 2024 general election.

The latest reports from the Center for Election Innovation and Research shed some light on expanded early voting options across the U.S., including in Ohio.

Chris Mann, research director at the center, highlighted some key details for Ohio voters.

"The weekend days that are required in Ohio, that accessibility of early in-person voting, is a really important piece of information for folks who work a traditional workweek," Mann pointed out. "If it's close or if there are close races within Ohio, that process will be playing out about counting mail ballots after Election Day."

According to the center's reports, nearly 97% of U.S. voting-age citizens will have at least one option to vote before Election Day, whether by mail or in person. During the 2020 general election, 69% of votes were cast before Election Day. That's up from 40% in 2016, demonstrating a growing reliance on early voting methods nationwide.

David Becker executive director of the center, said while Ohio's early voting system has been historically accessible, recent changes in ballot return procedures could present challenges for some voters.

"There have been efforts recently, coming from the Secretary of State's office, to make it more difficult for voters to return, for instance, their spouse's ballot or other family members' ballots," Becker noted. "And requiring them to actually come down to the election office and sign a form."

As Ohio prepares for the November election, voters are encouraged to take advantage of early voting options and stay informed about any new regulations. With 47 states offering early voting, Ohio's approach reflects national trends aimed at increasing participation while maintaining election integrity.


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New poll results show 80% of likely Arizona voters believe American democracy is under threat.

The new survey from the Center for the Future of Arizona found just as many believe their vote could improve democracy.

Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., said with fewer than 50 days until Election Day, there are important issues on the ballot for Arizonans across the political spectrum and it isn't too late to take action.

"I want people finding candidates and causes they believe in, and get out and work on those campaigns," Stanton urged. "Become a volunteer, knock on doors, make calls, become a 'super voter,' if you will."

Stanton's challenger this year is Republican Kelly Cooper, who also ran against him in 2022. Voters in the Grand Canyon State will weigh in, not only on candidates at the national, state and local levels but will decide on more than a dozen statewide propositions. Check your voter registration status online at My.Arizona.Vote.

Stanton acknowledged there are bad actors out there who may want to drive down voter turnout but encouraged Arizonans to remain resilient. The last day to register to vote in order to participate in the Nov. 5 General Election is Oct. 7, a date he wants younger voters to pay close attention to.

"Maybe you're at Arizona State University, which is in my district, you come from another location, register to vote here," Stanton suggested. "We want you to participate in this election, and to have your voice heard for what's going on, not just in education issues but all of the variety of issues that affect your future."

Stanton contended across the country, younger voters need to participate at higher levels and calls it "good for democracy." A recent poll from Florida Atlantic University found 55% of people ages 18-34 said they're "dissatisfied" with their lives. Stanton hopes their dissatisfaction fuels greater turnout among young voters who want change.

Support for this reporting was provided by The Carnegie Corporation of New York.


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Today is National Voter Registration Day, and volunteers with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters are holding voter registration events across the state - at libraries, school campuses, and churches.

League of Women Voters of Texas President Joyce LeBombard said the organization has seen an increase in interest in the presidential race, on both sides, now that the Democratic ticket has changed.

She added that voters should also pay attention to other races.

"In presidential race years, there is always more excitement than on non-presidential races," said LeBombard. "But I think people need to remember that all elections are important, and what's really important is those down-ballot races - those races that impact your community directly."

LeBombard said if you are already registered to vote, now is a good time to check your voter registration status.

Texas has removed more than a million voters from the rolls since 2021.

If you need information about a ballot item, the League provides its Voter's Guide. Information is also available at the Secretary of States' office or at 'votetexas.gov.'

LeBombard said since its inception, National Voter Registration Day has had a huge impact on elections.

"I think it's a very important day," said LeBombard. "It started in 2012 with both democracy-organizing groups and also elections officials. And since 2012, over 5 million voters have registered to vote or updated their voter registration."

The deadline to register to vote for the November 5 general election is October 7. Texas does not have online registration - you must do so at a community event or at your county elections office.

Support for this reporting was provided by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.




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