Chairman Merdon and members of the County Council:

The League of Women Voters of Howard County supports Council Bill 79-2006 to amend the Howard County Code to require a special election to fill vacancies that occur on the County Council between the time of swearing in and 30 days before the filing deadline for a certificate of candidacy for the Maryland Presidential Primary Election. Citizens of the District, if registered to vote, would have the opportunity to vote for candidates who filed for the County Council position.

Governance is strengthened by election. Under current conditions, it is possible that someone could be appointed to fill a County Council members term for almost 4 years. The citizens of the Council District should be given the opportunity to elect by a majority vote either the County Council member who was appointed by the designated Central Committee if that individual decides to file as a candidate or to elect someone else.

The League’s support for this legislation is based on the Maryland State League position for special primary and general elections to fill vacancies in the Maryland General Assembly to be held at the same time as other regularly scheduled elections.

The League urges a favorable vote on Council Bill 79-2006.

Grace Kubofcik,
Co-President
Howard County League of Women Voters