By Steve Crane | Editor-in-chief
“I think you need a law degree because the smartest lawyers in Maryland wrote the question. It’s unfortunate, but we hope people will know that if you don’t want partisan, political gerrymandering, you need to say no.” - Del. Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore County), on the complexity of ballot Question 3, which would lift restrictions on how congressional districts are drawn in Maryland.
Welcome to Friday. Early voting began quietly yesterday, but that doesn’t mean the advocates were quiet. And the ballot voters will see when they go into the booth has a healthy number of Latino candidates.
Elected officials were out at the early voting centers Thursday, making arguments for and against Question 3, the constitutional amendment that would change how the state draws congressional districts. It’s likely to ramp up as Election Day draws nearer, as few other high-profile races are on the ballot. William J. Ford has that story.
Speaking of quietly… From a few pioneers three decades ago, the number of Latino candidates on the ballot has grown steadily over the years, until today when they are competing for offices all up and down the ballot, as Rosanne Skirble reports.
Those stories and more are below for your Friday reading. Enjoy!
Voters line up to cast their ballots several minutes after doors opened Thursday at Honeygo Community Center in Baltimore County on the first day of early voting in Maryland. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)
By William J. Ford
Inside the centers on the first day of early voting Thursday, the process appeared smooth and largely calm as voters lined up in relatively short lines to cast their ballots. Outside, it was a slightly different story at select centers.
At the Silver Spring Civic Building, Democratic elected federal, state and local officials gathered to argue for Question 3, the proposed constitutional amendment that would loosen rules on how lawmakers draw congressional districts. The argument was simplified on signs that sprouted up next to the center: “Stop Trump. Votes Yes on 3.” About 48 miles north, the vibe outside the Honeygo Run Regional Park in Baltimore County was different, and so were the signs. Instead of "stop Trump," the signs urged voters to cast their ballots against Question 3 to “stop gerrymandering. Save our voice.”
With few major contests on the ballot this fall, and few seats in doubt, Question 3 is expected to grab most of the attention over the next few weeks, as Election Day approaches.
Latina candidates gather at Arepa Zone in College Park with House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, center, to celebrate and to strategize for the upcoming elecction. (Photo courtesy Joseline-Peña Melnyk))
By Rosanne Skirble
When she entered public life in 1990, Ana Sol Gutierrez was a pioneer, serving two terms on the Montgomery County Board of Education before becoming Maryland's first Latina state legislator when she was elected to the House of Delegates in 2002.
At the time, Gutierrez always carried voter registration forms in her purse and pressed them on Latinos she met. “I ran with the idea that I wanted to get the Latinos registered and active in politics,” Gutierrez said.
That work apparently paid off.
Today, Latinos hold state positions and local office, and work in staff positions throughout state and local government, Gutierrez said. The Maryland Democratic Party said it is following 21 Latino candidates who are running for state and local offices this fall.
IN OTHER NEWS
School mental health: Candidates for school boards around the state generally agreed with a new law that will require the hiring of more mental health counselors, but worry that more resources will be needed, while others called for more parental involvement.
Women running in record numbers: A record 3,824 women are running for state legislative seats this November in the 46 states with legislative elections this fall, up from 2022’s previous record of 3,621 women candidates, according to a new report.
1 million deportations: The Trump administration claims to have expelled nearly a million people through July, but those include voluntary returns and people turned around at the border, according to an analysis by a former Homeland Security official.
Feds indict top Virginia Democrat: Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas, one of the state's most powerful Democrats, was indicted on federal racketeering, marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracy charges in relation to a cannabis business she co-owns.
MATTERS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
It wasn’t Wes: An ad opposing a constitutional amendment that loosens congressional redistricting standards has drawn the attention of -- and a cease and desist demand from -- Gov. Wes Moore, who says it tries to trick voters by mimicking his campaign materials.
Blueprint blues: School board candidates said in a survey on the biggest issues for schools this year said they believe in the sweeping education reform goals of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, but most also conceded they worry about the cost and limits.
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