Vote  

Local Leaders Slam Hogan for Rejecting Universal Mail-In-Ballots in November

Gov. Larry Hogan announced in a statement Wednesday that he’s directed the State Board of Elections to conduct normal, in person voting—as well as early voting—for the presidential election on November 3, “with enhanced voting options in light of the #COVID19 pandemic.”

In a letter to State Board of Elections Chairman Michael Cogan, Hogan said, “Every effort should be made to promote early voting, absentee voting by mail, and voting at off-peak times as safe and efficient options.”

“The fundamental responsibility of the State Board of Elections is to conduct free and fair elections in a manner that facilitates maximum voter participation,” Hogan said. “This approach—which is already fully authorized by existing state law—will maximize participation in the November election by offering voters more options while minimizing confusion and risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Because of the coronavirus’ unforeseeable future, some local leaders have taken to Twitter to express their dismay about Hogan stopping short of calling for universal mail-in-ballots in November, which would require the State Board of Elections to automatically mail all Maryland voters a ballot ahead of election day. Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh took to Twitter to voice his displeasure with Hogan’s decision.

Montgomery County Councilmember Andrew Friedson tweeted that voting should be “as easy as possible.”

“And we need to follow the consensus of local elections experts and public health officials” Friedson tweeted.

Instead of automatically mailing ballots, Hogan announced all eligible Maryland voters will be mailed applications for absentee ballot requests. Maryland voters can still request a mail-in-ballots online at anytime.

Unlike the upcoming November General Election, Maryland’s Presidential Primary Election on June 2 was primarily conducted through mail, but it was not without problems. For some voters in Montgomery County, mail-in-ballots were delayed. Also, because there was not early voting and because only four voting centers were open on the June 2 election day,  Bethesda Beat reported many voters ended up waiting in long lines. Despite the obstacles, state election officials told Maryland Matters that the state had its highest voter turnout in a Primary Election since 2008.

In his letter to Cogan, Hogan said he wants the State Board of Elections “to conduct free and fair elections in a manner that facilitates maximum voter participation.” Hogan decided to keep all polling locations open on Election Day because he says he is “concerned about the series of failures that—while not intended—potentially resulted in the disenfranchisement and suppression of primary voters.”

He argues his approach “will maximize participation in the November election by offering voters more options while minimizing confusion and risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

On Election Day in November, Hogan says, “Polling places should follow CDC guidelines and public health protocols, and stress the importance of proper sanitization, physical distancing, and face coverings.”

Hogan also defended himself against his critics.

“While I know you have been inundated with suggestions from political leaders in both parties and special interest groups to change the electoral process, this discussion should not be subject to undue partisanship or political influence,” Hogan said in his letter to Cogan. “Providing citizens with accessible, accountable, and transparent ways to cast their ballot is an essential component of our democratic republic and your primary responsibility.”

Montgomery County Elected Leaders Slam Hogan on Twitter

Several State Delegates representing Montgomery County have slammed Hogan’s decision to keep all polling locations open in the November election. Here’s a look at what they are tweeting:

Write a Comment

Related Articles