ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- As Election Day approaches, a coalition of voting-rights groups is urging Maryland's Board of Elections to help eligible citizens vote when they're incarcerated or newly released.
The groups have outlined a plan to ensure voting rights for people in the criminal-justice system, including secure ballot boxes at all correctional facilities.
Qiana Johnson, executive director of Life after Release in Prince George's County, one of the groups behind the plan, said she is concerned that state and local detention facilities won't uphold the law that gives these folks the right to vote.
"It's unacceptable for the state and local officials to not have a plan for individuals who are currently being held pre-trial, who have not yet been convicted of a crime." she said.
The coalition, which includes criminal-justice groups and Maryland's NAACP, wants the board to support nonpartisan educational materials, and add voter information and complaint hotlines to local detention facilities' free-call lists.
Earlier this year, Maryland lawmakers failed to pass a bill that would have put procedures in place to ensure ballot access for people in jail or prison, or just released.
Tierra Bradford, public-policy manager for Common Cause Maryland, said it would have been a first step toward putting a vote-by-mail process for them in place.
"The legislation we were trying to pass had a reporting system requiring that the State Board of Elections do an annual audit, just to see who was voting, and making sure that the voting process was actually taking place each year for the election," she said.
About 47,000 Marylanders, either being held pre-trial or with felony convictions who haven't completed their probation process, have the right to vote, according to Common Cause Maryland. In 2016, felons regained their voting rights in the state as soon as they leave prison.
The coalition letter is online at commoncause.org.
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Support for this reporting was provided by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
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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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