Voting Rights Restoration Efforts in Maryland
Legislative AdvocacyThe Brennan Center has assisted Maryland advocates over several years in their reform efforts. This year, the Center drafted a bill that re-enfranchised individuals after they have completed their sentences. On April 24th, Governor Martin O’Malley signed this historic legislation restoring the right to vote to over 50,000 Maryland citizens.
Along with drafting the bill, the Brennan Center testified in support of reform. On March 7th, Brennan Center attorney Renée Paradis testified before the Maryland State Senate. Paradis was joined by law enforcement officials, religious leaders, people with felony convictions, and good government advocates. Supporters included former state’s attorney and Baltimore mayor Kurt Schmoke, National Black Police Association representative Ron Stalling , and actor and director Charles Dutton .
Compliance Efforts
In the past, the Center and its state partners conducted a survey in Maryland to investigate how well local election officials understood and followed one of the most complex state laws in the country. Now that Maryland has streamlined its system, the Center will work with its state allies to monitor compliance with the new law.