Student and Military Voter Empowerment Act Passes through Both Chambers of Maryland General Assembly

Maryland PIRG

ANNAPOLIS – Today, the Maryland Senate unanimously passed SB283, the Student and Military Voter Empowerment Act. This legislation reduces the barriers that students and military members face when registering to vote and turning out. The House of Delegates passed a similar version of this legislation on February 23rd. 

The Student and Military Voter Empowerment Act, sponsored by Sen. Elfreth and Del. Luedtke, allows military members to use their military ID to register to vote online, ensures college students get the information they need to vote, and has local Boards of Elections work with large residential communities in their district. 

Now, the House and Senate will need to resolve the differences between the two bills before sending it to Gov. Hogan.

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

“This is a big win for civic engagement and our democracy. The full participation of young people in the political process is essential to a truly representative, vibrant democracy. Helping students and military members register and vote will increase civic participation for years to come.

“The Student and Military Voter Empowerment Act will help build a stronger democracy and we encourage the General Assembly to finalize the legislation and call on Gov. Hogan to sign in.”