I don't know about you, but I have no clue how to interpret the 5 Ballot Questions on the Maryland General Election ballot. Why do legislators, election boards and secretaries of state insist on making these ballot questions indecipherable? It couldn't possibly be for nefarious reasons, could it?
Like you, I need an interpreter to understand the ballot questions. I found that the Maryland League of Women Voters offers Election Guides by County.
I downloaded the guide for my county and got to page 59 where I found the Ballot Questions and their translations into modern English. It also summarizes the arguments for and against each ballot question. Read it, then decide.
Interestingly, I also discovered the League of Women Voters Election Guide offers responses from candidates who will appear on the General Election
ballot. Responses were not edited for content, spelling, grammar.
Then I found this article from Maryland Matters that gives a concise breakdown of each of the 5 Ballot Questions in order of appearance:
- Renaming the Court of Appeals and Special Appeals
- Eligibility to Serve as Senators and Delegates based on where the candidate lives
- Jury Trials for Civil cases
- Cannabis Legalization of Adult Use and Possession
- Judges Sitting as Orphans’ Court for Circuit Court for Howard County
Don't despair. Don't pull your hair out.
Get educated, then vote!
The resources are out there for your enjoyment. In this overwhelming information age, there really are some useful resources to help you make important decisions that impact you and your family.
We're not here to make these important decisions for you - but Convention of States Maryland is here to help you on your journey to self-governance.
