Ballot Access - Affiliating With a Party - Unaffiliated Voters
Impact
The enactment of SB39 would facilitate a smoother transition for voters who wish to switch their party affiliation right before elections. This change appears to address concerns related to voter disenfranchisement by ensuring that last-minute decisions to affiliate with a party are honored. The bill amends existing election law to clarify how and when voter affiliation requests must be processed, consequently impacting voter registration procedures and the accessibility of elections for unaffiliated voters.
Summary
Senate Bill 39 is a legislation aimed at improving ballot access for unaffiliated voters in Maryland. The bill mandates that local boards of elections are required to process requests from voters wishing to affiliate with a political party even after the close of registration, provided these requests are received by a specified time. Specifically, if a voter submits their request by 5 PM on the day before early voting begins, the change will take effect starting on the first day of early voting, changing their status from declining to affiliate to being officially affiliated with the chosen party.
Contention
While the bill's intention is to increase voter access, it may also invoke discussions regarding the potential for strategic affiliation changes during election periods. Supporters argue that it allows for greater participation among the electorate, particularly for those who may hesitate to register for a certain party until closer to the voting date. Conversely, critics could argue that this could lead to instances of 'party hopping,' where voters might change affiliations solely to influence primary elections, which may disrupt the integrity of partisan electoral processes.
Changes certain mail-in ballot deadlines; permits opening and canvassing of mail-in ballots prior to election day; permits pickup schedule for certain mail-in ballots; requires confirmation notice when voter changes party affiliation at MVC.
Changes certain mail-in ballot deadlines; permits opening and canvassing of mail-in ballots prior to election day; permits pickup schedule for certain mail-in ballots; requires confirmation notice when voter changes party affiliation at MVC.
Allows voter to vote in any political party primary by changing party affiliation at polling place on primary election day; allows mail-in voter to complete any political primary ballot.