April 17, 2024
Governor Wes Moore approved a new bill aimed at enhancing penalties for individuals who threaten election workers or their families.
In Annapolis, Maryland, residents engaging in threats towards election officials, poll workers, or their relatives due to their involvement in election operations will now face stricter repercussions as outlined in the bill passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor. Violators may potentially receive a prison sentence of up to three years and a fine of up to $2500.
The bill specifies that the following individuals and their immediate family members are covered by this protection:
* The State Administrator of Elections
* A member of the State Board of Elections
* A member of a local board of elections
* An employee of a local board of elections
* An election judge
This legislation is considered urgent and will come into effect in time for the upcoming May 14th Primary election in Maryland.
According to the state’s Department of Legislative Services, Maryland becomes the 15th state to implement safeguards for election officials and poll workers following the 2020 election.
The Maryland General Assembly also passed two additional bills in the recent session relating to elections. One of these bills updates the requirements for canvassers to investigate any discrepancies found in documents or records at polling stations post-election. The other bill outlines the specific paper records that local election boards must retain and manage for potential recounts. These bills are currently pending the Governor’s approval.
