ACLU Calls on Governor Hogan to Mail Ballots to Uphold Marylanders’ Right to Vote During Pandemic

The following can be attributed to Amy Cruice, Director of the ACLU of Maryland’s Election Protection Campaign:

“There is good reason to fear that Governor Larry Hogan’s plan for the General Election will cause confusion that will lead to Marylanders being denied their right to vote. The voters impacted most will be people with disabilities and people who are at risk of severe illness if exposed to COVID-19, including older adults.

“The June Primary was the first statewide election in which ballots were mailed, postage was pre-paid for returning ballots, and touch-free drop boxes were available. Because of this accessible plan, and despite the pandemic, completely new voting options, and mistakes made, voter turnout was high. And, of the people who voted, 97% voted by mail. Unacceptably, none of these options are included in the Governor’s directive for the General Election issued today.

“The State of Maryland should save everyone the time, burden, and confusion of the Governor’s current plan and instead mail ballots to all eligible voters to ensure that the vast majority of voters can cast their ballots safely. Mailing ballots to registered voters, paired with expanded in-person voting options during early voting and Election Day and drop boxes, will make it possible for the vast majority of voters to exercise their right to vote safely.”