HB641 would have required each local board of elections to designate an outdoor location for curbside voting. Factors for location selection included proximity to polling places and accessibility for voters with disabilities, but any voter can use it.
The Maryland State House of Representatives passed HB641 on March 12, 2024 by a vote of 116 to 20. We have assigned pluses to the nays because weakening election security and transparency threatens the integrity of our electoral process. Curbside voting compromises ballot security by creating opportunities for fraud, coercion, and mishandling of votes outside the safeguards of a controlled polling place. Allowing any voter to use curbside voting further undermines election integrity by expanding the potential for abuse. Additionally, this bill erodes public confidence in our elections, and we must continue to push back against such policies to ensure free and fair elections.
United States Constitution
Article I Section 4
The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.
The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.
United States Constitution
Fifth Amendment
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
United States Constitution
14th Amendment Section 1
All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
United States Constitution
26th Amendment Section 1
The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.
