Maryland electoral reforms go into effect without governor’s signature

Maryland is making big strides toward a fairer, more accessible democracy.

In May, several Maryland PIRG-backed bills went into law without Gov. Larry Hogan’s signature. The new policies will increase access to early voting, improve the state’s mail-in voting system, and reduce the influence of corporate interests in our elections by fully funding the public campaign financing program for the gubernatorial race. Most of the bills passed with significant bipartisan support.

When electoral reforms such as the federal For The People Act stall in Congress, it’s up to states to pick up the slack. Maryland has already implemented many of the provisions of the For The People Act and is an example to other states for how to implement electoral reform.

“Our democracy works best when we all participate and everyone’s voice is heard — in Maryland, the 49 other states and Washington, D.C.,” said Maryland PIRG Director Emily Scarr. “Instituting these electoral reforms is a powerful way to ensure we have a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

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