Update, May 21
Training Opportunity from People on the Go Maryland, Friday May 22nd.
This is a transcript of some of the discussion and the Chat box in our weekly Zoom call.
Thank you to our Special Guests on Voting Issues:
Sharon Manecki – National Federation of the Blind of Maryland.
Ben Jackson – Disability Rights Maryland
Sharon provided an overview of the challenges to voting in Maryland starting in 2016. They have been telling the Board of Elections concerns about the voting process particularly accessibility and privacy protections with regard to the secret ballot. They have also been working through the legislature and the courts to address it.
This upcoming election, there is a Paper ballot – complete it, sign it and either mail it in, drop it off at the designated locations. If you need an electronic copy, you will need to contact the Board of Elections.
Email will have a link, you’ll get a password and you’ll get the electronic ballot. Then you have to print it out, sign it, drop it off in person or mail it back.
Online Resources:
- Main State Board of Elections Website
- Disability Rights Maryland Voting Page
- National Federation of the Blind Voting Resource Page:
- National Council on Independent Living Voting Resources page
Transcript from the Chat Section:
From Cheryl (she/her) to Everyone: these are the in person voting locations PDF
From Ben J to Everyone: BenJ@DisabilityRightsMD.org
From Susie M to Everyone: So, you can fill out the paper ballot and send it back?
From lweintraub@aucd.org to Everyone: What about plain language
From Ben J to Everyone: vote411.org
From Me to Everyone: vote411.org is a non-partisan website that usually breaks down the poll questions and they send out information to candidates
From Mika Wills to Everyone: if you do not belong to a political party, you should not expect to receive anything in the mail for the primary election, correct?
From NDeVaughn to Everyone: when is the very last date to register if you want to vote in the upcoming election?
From Me to Everyone: you can register in person on election day – June 2nd. You have to go in person to one of the polling places.
From NDeVaughn to Everyone: thank you
From Cheryl (she/her) to Everyone: you can register online up until the 27th
From NDeVaughn to Everyone: great! thank you
From Cheryl (she/her) to Everyone: I think Donna is trying to ask a question
From Me to Everyone: If you assist a voter to vote, there’s an affidavit to complete. Try to ensure as much privacy as possible.
From Me to Everyone: Thank you!
From Martin Zimmerman to Everyone: Baltimore county has update for Seniors food pickup 410 887 2040 for appointment