Expansion of Early Voting and Same Day Voter Registration Passed in the Maryland Legislature | Andalman & Flynn Law Firm
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Expansion of Early Voting and Same Day Voter Registration Passed in the Maryland Legislature

Apr 22, 2013 | Maryland Law

By: Amanda Vann, Esq.
Email: Avann@a-f.net

On Monday, April 8th, 2013, the Maryland Senate, after approval from the House of Delegates, approved a bill that will allow more Maryland residents to take advantage of early voting. While some states are creating laws making it more difficult for people to vote, the Maryland Legislature has passed a bill doing the opposite.

The new legislation mandates that there to be more early voting centers created allowing Maryland voters to have more opportunity to get out and vote. Additionally, the bill calls for an expansion from 6 days of early voting to 8 days of early voting.

More impressively, the bill enables a Maryland resident to register to vote or update an existing voter registration on the same day as casting a ballot during early voting.

In order to register to vote and cast your ballot on the same day during early registration, a Maryland resident must (1) complete the electronic voter registration application, (2) attest under penalties of perjury that the information contained in their application is true and meets all qualifications, and (3) must provide either a valid Maryland driver’s license number or a valid Maryland identification card number and the last 4 digits of their social security number. If the individual is an absent uniformed services voter or an overseas voter and doesn’t have a valid Maryland driver’s license number or Maryland identification card number, they must provide their full social security number and affirmatively consent to the use of an electronic signature on file with the MVA or individuals social security number.

The bill now moves to the Governor’s desk for signature.