Statement: Maryland General Assembly Votes to Establish a Permanent Mail-In Voting List

Maryland PIRG

ANNAPOLIS – Today, the Maryland Senate voted 32-15 to pass HB1048, which would establish a permanent mail-in voting list. This comes after the House passed HB1048 on March 5th. 

Sponsored by Del. Wilkins, this legislation enables eligible voters to apply to be on a permanent mail-in ballot list, receiving a ballot in the mail for every upcoming election without having to apply again each time. 

Now, the legislation moves back to the House for reconciliation. 

In response, Maryland PIRG Democracy Associate Rishi Shah issued the following statement: 

“Voting by mail is becoming increasingly popular among Maryland voters, and as more Marylanders vote by mail, we want to ensure that this process is safe, accessible, and efficient. A permanent mail-in voting list makes voting easier for people with disabilities, elderly people, and people who know that they want to vote by mail every year.

This legislation will help voters, elections staff, and our democracy – we encourage the House to move quickly on this bill and for Gov. Hogan to sign it.”