As Early Voting Begins in Maryland, Howard County Voters Have Chance To Improve Democracy By Voting Yes For Question A

Maryland PIRG

With the growing public concern over big money in politics, Howard County voters will have a chance to institute an innovative citizen funded election program to help bring balance to local government and the democratic process. If approved, Question A will amend the Howard County Charter and enable the County Council to establish the Citizens’ Election Fund, a small donor campaign finance system for County Council and County Executive races.

As early voting begins Thursday in Maryland, supporters of Question A plan to deploy dozens of volunteers to drive up support for the initiative and educate voters across Howard County.

“The outreach we are doing to voters during early voting and on Election Day is an example of what this campaign and reform is really about: ensuring everyone can participate and be heard in our democracy,” said Jennifer Bevan-Dangel, Executive Director of Common Cause Maryland.

“This initiative is about giving voters in Howard County an equal voice in local government. Big money in politics has left too many voters frustrated and cynical about our democracy, but Howard County can show a different way forward that prioritizes everyday people over wealthy special interests,” said Emily Scarr, Director of Maryland PIRG.

Question A is supported by a robust and diverse grassroots campaign.

“People across the political spectrum and from diverse communities are coming together to support Question A because they know we need to reform our government so it truly works for and represents everyone,” said Larry Stafford of Progressive Maryland. “Creating a government that is of, by, and for the people is a top priority of voters, which is why Question A is supported by local civic groups, small businesses, environmental organizations, labor unions, civil rights groups, and national election reform organizations.”

“We must ensure our democracy stays in the hands of the people and that everyone in Howard has voice. This is why so many Democracy Initiative organizations are mobilizing our members to vote for Question A.” Wendy Fields, Executive Director Democracy Initiative

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The grassroots campaign in support of Question A has been endorsed by over 30 local and national organizations and small
businesses, including 90+ Cycling, Advertising Media Plus, African Gallery Imports, Artists & Framers, Bearing Gifts, Caplan’s Auction Company, Citizens’ Climate Lobby of Howard County, Clean Water Action, Clipper’s Canine Cafe, Common Cause Maryland, Communication Workers of America (CWA), Democracy Initiative, Every Voice, Finish Werks, Food and Water Action Fund, Free Speech for People, Greenpeace, Howard County Citizens Association, League of Women Voters of Howard County, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Maryland Music Academy, Maryland PIRG, Murillos’ Jewelry, NAACP, Progressive Maryland, Represent US, Sierra Club, Sinex Design Architects, Soft Stuff Ice Cream, Terrapin Adventures, The People’s Voice, TLV Tree Farm, and Twenty Cycling Company.

Authority: Yes! On Citizen Election Fund, Treasurer Jennifer Bevan-Dangel
Distributed by Maryland Public Interest Research Group, 3121 St. Paul St. Suite 26, Baltimore MD 21218.