Maryland House Bill HB951

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/23
• Refer: 2/10/23

Caption

Election Law – Election Officials and Workers – Prohibitions Against Interference and Disclosure of Personal Information

Impact

This legislation is intended to bolster the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that election officials can perform their duties without fear of intimidation or violence. By making it a misdemeanor to interfere with election officials, the law underscores the importance of protecting those who oversee and facilitate fair elections. The changes to the penalties for violators highlight the seriousness with which the state views the need to maintain a secure voting environment, thereby promoting public trust in electoral outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 951 focuses on enhancing the safety and protection of election officials and workers in Maryland by prohibiting interference with their duties and safeguarding their personal information. The bill outlines specific prohibitions against individuals who threaten or coerce election officials while performing their duties and increases the penalties for such actions. It introduces new provisions aimed at preventing the disclosure of personal information of election workers and their immediate families if such disclosure poses a serious threat to their safety.

Contention

Notably, some points of contention may arise concerning the definition of 'interference' and the implications of enforcing stricter privacy measures for election officials. While supporters argue that safeguarding personal information is essential for the safety of election workers, opponents may raise concerns about the potential overreach of the law into public disclosure norms and the balance between transparency and safety. This could lead to debates about the rights of the public to access information versus the privacy rights of individuals working within the electoral system.