The Baltimore Sun: Empowering voters in Howard County
Check out our Op-Ed in the Baltimore Sun to learn more about the next steps for empowering Howard County voters!
Howard County Voters Vote for Fair Elections by Passing Ballot Question A
Fair Elections ballot initiative passes in Howard County. Columbia, MD – On Tuesday night, Howard County voters approved a charter amendment to bring balance to our democracy and make local government more representative and accountable to everyday people. The win lays the groundwork for a citizen-funded elections program for county council and county executive races. The new program will provide matching funds for small donor contributions to candidates who don’t accept large or corporate contributions. Montgomery County, MD passed a similar program in 2014, and the candidates are now filing to use the system for the 2018 elections. Congressman John Sarbanes, who endorsed Question A and represents much of Howard County, has also authored similar legislation at the national level, The Government By the People Act. The Fair Elections Howard…
As Early Voting Begins in Maryland, Howard County Voters Have Chance To Improve Democracy By Voting Yes On Question A
With the growing public concern over big money in politics, Howard County voters will have a chance to institute an innovative citizen funded election program to help bring balance to local government and the democratic process. If approved, Question A will amend the Howard County Charter and enable the County Council to establish the Citizens’ Election Fund, a small donor campaign finance system for County Council and County Executive races. As early voting begins Thursday in Maryland, supporters of Question A plan to deploy dozens of volunteers to drive up support for the initiative and educate voters across Howard County. “The outreach we are doing to voters during early voting and on Election Day is an example of what this campaign and reform is really about: ensuring everyone can participate…
Maryland Reporter: Public Funding of county campaigns on the Howard ballot
Read today's article from Len Lazarick at Maryland Reporter.
Grassroots Coalition Launches Campaign for Yes on Question A in Howard County
A packed crowd gathered last night at Kelsey’s Restaurant in Ellicott City to officially launch “Yes on A! For the Citizens Election Fund.” The campaign is building support for ballot question A, which would establish a Citizens’ Election Fund to create a small donor empowerment program for Howard County elections. In a small donor system, candidates for County Council or County Executive who turn down large contributions and contributions from special interests can receive limited matching funds for small contributions from county residents. Candidates must qualify to participate in the program by showing strong support from citizens. In April, Councilmembers Jon Weinstein and Jen Terrasa sponsored the resolution to add “Citizen Funded Campaigns” to the Howard County charter. The resolution is necessary to authorize the council to fund the program.…