Tell the Maryland Senate: Override Governor Hogan's Veto and Unlock the Vote

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    Tell the Maryland Senate: Override Governor Hogan's Veto and Unlock the Vote

    UPDATE: The vote has passed the House of Delegates and now moves onto the Senate this Friday. Join ColorOfChange and advocates in Maryland to tell your State Senators to Unlock the Vote! 

    Join us in urging members of the Maryland House of Delegates to override Governor Larry Hogan's veto of HB980. This bill will “Unlock the Vote” for returning citizens upon their release from prison so that they can become full participants in our democracy.

    The stakes are high. In Maryland, Black people make up 30% of the population but 65% of those denied the right to vote because of a felony conviction. Freddie Gray lived and was killed in a Baltimore neighborhood that suffers from extremely high incarceration rates, impacts of lead poisoning and economic deprivation

    This bill is General Assembly's chance to restore power to the people who need it most — those who suffer from the effects of decisions but have no voice in influencing them.


    Here's the letter we'll send to your state senator on your behalf urging them to override Governor Hogan's veto and restore the freedom to vote. (You can add a comment in the box provided)

    Dear Senator,

    I am writing to urge you to override Governor Hogan's veto of HB 980, legislation that would remove barriers to the ballot box for people released from prison and those no longer incarcerated. This commonsense legislation would make returning citizens eligible to vote immediately instead of further restricting their democratic participation until they have completed parole or probation.

    The bill would significantly increase civic engagement of Black communities throughout the state — by allowing those most directly affected by crime and incarceration to participate fully in the development of solutions.

    All Marylanders will benefit from a more engaged populace, as evidenced by the diverse group of stakeholders in support of this legislation, ranging from civil rights and labor groups to elected officials. I urge you to "Unlock the Vote” today and remove barriers to full democratic participation.

    Sincerely,

    Your Name
    Hagerstown, MD

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