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League of Women Voters 2008 General Election
Voters’ Guide For Howard County |
President and Vice President of the United States
Representative in Congress – The Office
Representative in Congress – District 3
Representative in Congress – District 7
Judge of the Circuit Court – The Office
Judge of the Circuit Court – Circuit 5
Judge of the Court of Special Appeals At Large
Board of Education – Howard County
State Constitutional Amendments
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Miscellaneous Voting Information ·
POLLS are OPEN 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. ·
EMERGENCY ABSENTEE BALLOTS may be obtained at your local Board of
Elections office in the 7 days prior to and on election day. You may fill out the application form,
obtain the absentee ballot and VOTE in one visit. ·
POLLING PLACES are usually less crowded between 10 a.m. and 2
p.m. Try voting on your lunch hour. (Located at the end of this
document) |
PRESIDENT AND
VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
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About the
Office SALARY: $400,000 per year TERM: Four years.
Limit of two terms. HOW
ELECTED: Every
four years political parties nominate candidates to run for President of the
United States in a general election that is held on the first Tuesday in
November of years divisible by the number four. Although the parties use conventions to
nominate their candidates, in most states the Democratic and Republican
parties also run state-wide primary elections. The results of the primary influence how
the delegates to their respective party’s convention will cast ballots for
candidates for President. The degree
to which the result of the primary election influences the votes of delegates
at conventions varies from state to state. DUTIES: The President is the head of state of the
United States of America and is the Chief Executive Officer and the Commander
in Chief of all military forces. The
powers of the President are described in the Constitution and federal law. The President appoints the members of the
Cabinet, ambassadors to other nations and the United Nations, Supreme Court
Justices and federal judges subject to Senate approval. The President, along with the Cabinet and
its agencies, is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the laws of the
United States. The President may also
recommend legislation to the United States Congress. |
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Questions asked candidates for President: The
League of Women Voters of the United States posed questions to the candidates
for President in accordance with the following criteria: ·
All qualified presidential
candidates were invited to provide biographical information and responses to
five issue specific questions. Candidates were qualified if they met the
following criteria: 1) the candidate must have made a public announcement of
her/his intention to run for President; 2) the candidate must qualify for the
ballot in enough states to win a majority of electoral votes; and 3) the
candidate must meet the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act's minimum
contribution threshold requirements for qualifying for matching funds, based
on the most recent data publicly available on the FEC Web site as of August
8, 2008. ·
Responses were limited to 50
words and truncated after the 50th word. ·
Additional information on
presidential candidates is available on the League's voter information Web
site, www.VOTE411.org. In Maryland Write-in candidates are
allowed to file, after spending $50.00 in pursuit of the office, until seven
days prior to the election. If they
file as write-ins, their names will be posted in each polling place on
Election Day and votes for them will be counted. Their names will NOT be on any ballots. BIOGRAPHY: GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: What, if anything, do you believe the federal
government should do to control global climate change? COST
OF HEALTH CARE: What should be done at the
federal level, if anything, to combat the high cost of health care? ECONOMIC DISPARITY: What,
if anything, should the federal government do about the growing economic
disparity between the middleclass and the well-to-do? EDUCATION:
What, if anything, should the federal
government do to create the world's best educational system for all children
in America? U.S.
STRATEGY – RISING GLOBAL POWERS: What
should the U.S. strategy be towards rising global powers like Russia and
China? The responses to these
questions are copyrighted by the League of Women Voters of the United States. |
Vote for One:
Barack Obama (Illinois) -- Joe Biden (Delaware)
Party: Democratic
Website: www.barackobama.com
BIOGRAPHY: Obama began his career as a
community organizer on Chicago’s South Side and headed a voter registration drive.
Obama practiced civil rights law and taught constitutional law. He served eight
years in the State Senate before his election to the U.S. Senate. He graduated
from Columbia University and Harvard Law.
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: I believe the
federal government should pursue multiple paths to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and address the threat of global climate change, including
implementing aggressive cap and trade requirements to reduce U.S. emissions by
80% from 1990 levels and investing heavily in clean energy and advanced vehicle
technologies.
COST
OF HEALTH CARE: My
healthcare plan will make aggressive investments in cost-cutting technologies
and will place more focus on prevention and chronic care management. The net
result will be to bring down the costs of healthcare spending by $2,500 for a
typical family, annually, and lower the expense of Medicare’s services.
ECONOMIC DISPARITY: I will cut
taxes for the middle class and roll back some of the Bush tax cuts for those
making over $250,000 to restore fairness to the tax code. I will make long term
public investments in R&D, clean energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing
to create millions of good-paying jobs.
EDUCATION: I will
strengthen public schools by expanding early childhood education, reforming and
funding No Child Left Behind, recruiting and rewarding high-quality teachers,
and expanding afterschool and summer learning opportunities. I will create a
$4,000 American Opportunity Tax Credit and expand financial aid to make higher
education affordable for all.
U.S.
STRATEGY – RISING GLOBAL POWERS: We must
enhance our abilities both to collaborate and compete with China, while being
vigilant about China’s military modernization and respect for human rights. As
we seek a future of clear-eyed engagement with Russia, we must ensure Russia
acts as a force for progress, not regression to past conflicts.
John McCain
(Arizona) -- Sarah Palin (Alaska)
Party: Republican
Website: www.johnmccain.com
BIOGRAPHY: John McCain graduated from
the Naval Academy and served for 22 years as a naval aviator. He was elected to the House of
Representatives in 1982 and the Senate in 1986.
He has served as chairman of the Commerce Committee and ranking member
of the Armed Services Committee.
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: I support
developing a cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 60% by
2050, providing tax credits for alternative energy, promoting zero-carbon
nuclear power, reducing the federal government’s carbon footprint, funding
research into clean-coal technology, and offering incentives for America’s
automobile industry to develop electric cars.
COST
OF HEALTH CARE: Under
my plan, American families will receive $5,000 tax credits to purchase insurance,
either through employers or the private market––insurance that can follow them
if they change jobs or leave the workforce.
I will work for reforms to lower costs and provide coverage to Americans
with pre-existing conditions.
ECONOMIC DISPARITY: We must spur
growth, create jobs, improve educational attainment, and enhance financial
security. My plan will keep income and
payroll taxes low, reduce the price of gas, double the dependent exemption,
bring down health-care costs, give deserving homeowners new fixed mortgages,
slash our high business taxes, and expand trade.
EDUCATION: Our education
system must focus on standards, accountability, and choice. My plan calls for recruiting highly qualified
teachers in the neediest communities, empowering parents to choose the best
schools for their children, expanding online educational opportunities,
providing low-income families with access to tutors, and funding professional
development for teachers.
U.S.
STRATEGY – RISING GLOBAL POWERS: As President,
I will work to establish good relations with other nations. At the same time, I will stand up for
democratic values and human rights, and I will oppose aggression and
Cynthia
McKinney (California) -- Rosa Clemente (North Carolina)
Party: Green
Website: www.mckinney2008.com
Did
not meet LWVUS/EF criteria stated above.
Bob Barr (Georgia) -- Wayne A. Root
(Nevada)
Party: Libertarian
Website: www.bobbarr2008.com
Did
not meet LWVUS/EF criteria stated above.
Ralph Nader
(Connecticut) -- Matt Gonzalez (California)
Party: Independent
Website: www.votenader.org
BIOGRAPHY: Attorney, author, and
consumer advocate, named by Time Magazine one of the "100 Most Influential
Americans in the 20th Century."
Over 4 decades of public service. Helped establish the OSHA, EPA,
Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Safe Drinking Water Act, Motor Vehicle
Safety Act, and Freedom of Information Act.
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: The government
should stop subsidizing fossil fuels: oil, electric and coal mining interests. Invest
in renewable energy that is efficient, sustainable, and environmentally
friendly: wind and solar power. Encourage more efficient automobiles, homes and
businesses. Ratify the Kyoto Protocol. Create an independent Oceanic Protection
Agency. Adopt a carbon pollution tax.
COST
OF HEALTH CARE: Adopt
a private delivery, free choice of hospital and doctor, single payer public
health insurance system. This would save $350 billion annually by eliminating
exorbitant executive pay, advertising, computerized billing fraud and abuse,
and apply those savings to comprehensively cover everyone without increasing
taxpayer costs. Lower costs through bulk purchasing.
ECONOMIC DISPARITY: Unfair
legislation allows the middle class to suffer while the rich entrench their
status. To correct this we should enact a living $10 wage, adopt a fair
tax, and provide equal pay for women. We
must end corporate subsidies and bailouts. Repeal NAFTA and the anti-union
Taft/Hartley Law.
EDUCATION:
Increase
civic education and decrease standardized testing. Repeal “No Child Left
Behind” Act. Do not tie test performance to school funding. Provide full
funding for pre-school and nutrition
programs. Get product marketing out of the schools. Ensure that the nation's
crumbling schools are repaired within 3 years.
U.S.
STRATEGY – RISING GLOBAL POWERS: The US should
be a humanitarian superpower. Our foreign policy must redefine global security,
peace, arms control, an end to nuclear weapons and expand the many assets of
our country to assist with major initiatives against global infectious
diseases. Stop support of foreign dictators. Human rights come before trade,
profit.
Chuck Baldwin
(Florida) -- Darrell L. Castle (Tennessee)
Party: Constitution
Website: www.baldwin08.com
Did
not meet LWVUS/EF criteria stated above.
WRITE-IN CANDIDATES WHO HAVE FILED IN MARYLAND:
Donald K. Allen
(Ohio)
Party: Unaffiliated
Website: www.donaldkallenforpresident.com
Lawson Mitchell
Bone (Tennessee)
Party: Independent
Theodis (Ted)
Brown, Sr. (Missouri)
Party: Independent
James D.
Criveau (Virginia)
Party: Non_Partisan
RaeDeen R.
Heupel (Montana)
Party: Independent
Website: www.raedeen.com/
Ronald G. Hobbs
(Pennsylvania)
Party: Independent
Keith Russell
Judd (Texas)
Party: Non-Partisan
Frank Moore
(California)
Party: Independent
Website: www.frankmooreforpresident08.com
Lynne A. Starr
(Florida)
Party: Independent
Blaine Taylor
(Maryland)
Party: Democratic
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About the U.S. House of Representatives: SALARY: $169,300 per year. TERM: Two years, no term limit. HOW ELECTED: The
United States is divided into 435 Congressional Districts that are
reapportioned after every decennial census. All seats in the House of
Representatives are up for election in every even-numbered year. DUTIES: Representatives share
responsibility with Senators for enactment of the nation’s laws as provided
for in the U.S. Constitution. |
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Questions asked candidates for
Representative in Congress: BACKGROUND: What are your
qualifications for this office? IMMIGRATION: What changes, if
any, do you support in regard to immigration policy? CLIMATE CHANGE:
Describe Federal legislation you
would support to address global climate changes. ECONOMY:
Identify a major challenge to the U.S. economy and how Congress should address it. EDUCATION: What are your
views on the No Child Left Behind legislation? HEALTH CARE: What plans need to be put into place to meet
the country’s health care needs? NATIONAL SECURITY: Identify a national security issue and how
Congress should address it. |
Vote for no more than one
candidate.
REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS – DISTRICT 3
John P.
Sarbanes
Party: Democratic
Website: www.johnsarbanes.com
BACKGROUND: Prior to my time in congress I spent two
decades in the private, public and non-profit sectors. Since elected I have
served on 3 committees including, the Education and Labor Committee, Natural
Resources Committee, and Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
IMMIGRATION: Responsible immigration reform requires
balancing America’s security with opportunity for earned citizenship. I support
a comprehensive reform strategy that strongly enforces our borders, punishes
businesses that hire outside the law, and affords a fair and structured path to
citizenship for those who abide by the rules.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Our focus has to primarily be a combination of
developing clean technology including solar and wind power, and other renewable
energy sources as well as reducing consumption. The best way to combat climate
change is to educate the next generation on good environmental habits. This is
why I introduced the No Child Left Inside act
....
ECONOMY: The most immediate challenge is the
deteriorating financial crisis which was precipitated by the sub prime mortgage
industry. Congress has already taken some steps to assist people who are in
foreclosure or facing foreclosure, while at the same time seeking to ensure
that there is enough credit liquidity in the market ..... .
EDUCATION: I believe that NCLB needs a significant
overhaul that will lesson the hyper focus and high stakes testing around math
and reading proficiency, and allow more flexibility for schools to prepare
students in all subjects. Additionally,
while important to maintain high
standards, we need sufficient resources to meet those standards. ...
HEALTH CARE: We need to move quickly and deliberately to
establish universal healthcare coverage as we work towards that we should take
immediate steps to provide adequate coverage for children, our veterans and
seniors.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Making sure that we have strong
infrastructure in our own country that will allow us to meet any challenges of
natural disasters or attacks on our country is absolutely critical. And the
democratic congress has been working very hard to strengthen those crucial
infrastructures like bridges, tunnels and highways.
Thomas E.
“Pinkston” Harris
Party: Republican
Website: None given.
BACKGROUND: Educated at Delaware State, Coppin and Johns
Hopkins Universities. Trained in
Economics at Hopkins Masters program.
Also owned health business for 20 years.
I’m an expert here.
IMMIGRATION: We should commit to rigorously enforcing the
laws already on the books. We should
secure our northern border better. Next
deny sanctuary cities federal funds. Deport all alien law breakers.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Mandate that within five years at least 25%
of all new cars and trucks powered by natural gas. It's cheaper and cleaner than oil. Expedite the building of new nuclear power
plants. Improve clean coal technology.
Invest more into alternative fuels such as wind sun and next generation
bio-fuels.
ECONOMY: Keep U.S. dollars home. Renew the Bush tax
cuts. This will give investors the
incentive to invest here. Drilling at
home and building new nuclear power plants means jobs. End capital gains to
invest in the economy.
EDUCATION: A failure. It had teachers teaching for the
test and this is not education. It led to too many teachers cheating. Education
should be localized.
HEALTH CARE: A program similar to the IRA. Individuals place
what they can afford in a tax deductable fund.
These monies can be used as a deductable for coverage in a nonprofit
insurance company that handles preexisting conditions.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Our number one security issue is that we get
70% of our energy from people that hate us.
We give them billions to kill us with.
We need to become self sufficient in energy
REPRESENTATIVE
IN CONGRESS – DISTRICT 7
(If you live in this district, vote
for no more than one candidate)
Elijah Cummings
Party: Democratic
E-mail:
campaign@cummingsforcongress.com
CAMPAIGN
WEB-SITE ADDRESS: http://www.cummingsforcongress.com
BACKGROUND: Howard University (Phi Beta Kappa) 1973.
University of Maryland Law School (JD 1976). Maryland General Assembly (14
years Speaker Pro Tem). U.S. House of
Representatives (1996 - ) Oversight, Armed Services Joint Economic &
Transportation Committees (Chair, Coast Guard Subcommittee). Task Force on Health Care Reform. Past Chair,
Congressional Black Caucus. Attorney.
IMMIGRATION:
I support comprehensive immigration reform to better secure our borders,
protect workers against abuse, limit the downward pressure on wages and unify
families. We must act both realistically
and humanely toward the millions of undocumented workers and their families who
currently are within the U.S.
CLIMATE
CHANGE:
I support the "1Sky" Coalition goals: (1) create 5 million
green jobs - conserve 20% of our energy by 2015; (2) freeze pollution levels
now, cut by at least 25% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050; (3) limit
new coal plants; & (4) invest in renewable energy.
ECONOMY:
The federal deficit: We should reinstate the more progressive tax structure of
the 1990s, remain true to the "pay-go" budget discipline
re-established by the current Democratic leadership and end the War in Iraq as
soon as possible.
EDUCATION:
No Child Left Behind has existed as an under-funded federal mandate for far too
long. We must provide the resources to our schools and teachers that will allow
us to properly educate every child.
HEALTH
CARE:
I have long supported a universal, single-payer health care system for
all Americans based upon Medicare.
NATIONAL
SECURITY:
I voted against the Bush Administration's unilateral invasion of
Iraq. Now, it is time for a new
strategy: a responsible redeployment of American troops and diplomacy that encourages
political reconciliation in Iraq - and a refocusing of international action in
Afghanistan.
Michael T.
Hargadon
Party: Republican
CAMPAIGN
WEB-SITE ADDRESS: www.HargadonForUSCongress.com
BACKGROUND:
I have run a successful health care practice for 25 years. I know how to balance budgets and make
difficult decisions to discontinue staff or overhead expenses. I have served in leadership of several
groups, which serve the community and the church. I can bring common sense to
Congress.
IMMIGRATION: I would enforce the current immigration laws
without amnesty. Immediately deport
persons who are here illegally who have committed a crime, or threaten our society.
Discontinue any government services to people who are here illegally. Secure our borders, and end
"anchor" baby abuse. Enforce
visa rules, and pass immigration reform.
CLIMATE
CHANGE: I would not involve the Federal
Government in legislation concerning climate change unless it can be
demonstrated that this phenomenon is occurring, and that we are
responsible. A strict enforcement of
property rights should protect our environment.
I would support the Congressional Green Scissors Coalition.
ECONOMY:
Our deficit is the major challenge to the U.S. economy. Living beyond our means is a terminal
condition which needs to be stopped.
Every program lacking constitutional mandate should transitionally be
eliminated or offered to the states. Congress must balance the budget, and take
back control of the money supply.
EDUCATION:
Education of children is the primary responsibility of parents. Local education authorities, teachers, and
parents, can much better deal with education issues than a federal Department
of Education. I would repeal NCLB. Why send funds to Washington, when they can
be used effectively, and accounted for, at the local level.
HEALTH
CARE: The health care needs of our
citizens are private, and best made by the individual. Government involvement
at the federal level is a huge mistake.
Bureaucracies cannot compete with consumer driven health care options
which need to provide for an available, quality, and cost effective delivery
system.
NATIONAL
SECURITY: Our foreign policy is wed to the
military industrial complex. We are
overextended. We spend $1,000,000,000,000 a year to maintain our 700 bases in
130 foreign countries. Would we want
foreign troops in our country? We have
no constitutional authority, nor can we afford to be the world's policemen.
Ronald M.
Owens-Bey
Party: Libertarian
BACKGROUND: Married, two college trained adult sons, two
grandchildren. Paul Laurence Dunbar High School; Baltimore City Community College,
A.A. Degree; Morgan State University, B.A. Degree. License Social Worker
Associate since 1977. Lifelong
Baltimorean - formerly a resident of the Oliver Community who is presently
residing in the Forest Park Community.
IMMIGRATION: No response by deadline.
CLIMATE CHANGE: No response by deadline.
ECONOMY: No response by deadline.
EDUCATION: No response by deadline.
HEALTH: No response by deadline.
NATIONAL SECURITY: No response by deadline.
Write-In Candidates
Ray Bly
Party: Independent
E-mail: raybly@verizon.net
BACKGROUND: Self employed, 35 years, owner operator of
two businesses, activist, champion of the Bill of Rights, Christian, manager of
a lot of places I've worked, Vietnam combat vet.
IMMIGRATION: Easier to immigrate. National ID cards. Financial and criminal penalties enforced
against anybody that helps illegals in any way, including states.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Mass transit in urban areas. Drill, explore, solar and wind will help save
our environment. We've got to get the
cars off the road and the airplanes out of the air.
ECONOMY: No more income tax. Value added tax like Europe. The rich would have to pay their fair share
and the poor would pay a lot less, which would give them more spending
power. Tariffs on a lot of imports.
EDUCATION: No Child Left Behind is a disaster. Discipline, respect, ABCs, 123s is what we
should be teaching our children and with vouchers, parents would have a choice
of schools, and our public education would go out of business, like they did in
Europe.
HEALTH CARE: You have to be right wing and a Christian to
be a Republican. What hypocrites! I'm a
Christian and as Jesus put it to his rich disciples, "Give your money away
and help the poor." We all help
each other and national health care should be a priority, for eyes, teeth and
prescriptions also.
NATIONAL SECURITY: The left wing Democrats want to ban guns in
America and ban the right to defend yourself.
What hypocrites! Arm
America. Make it a requirement to learn
how to use and handle firearms.
Americans will defend our country ourselves, like they did on that
airplane in 9/11.
Charles U.
Smith
Party: Democratic
BACKGROUND:
I have devoted my career to public service unpaid; Major in mental health at
Morgan State (1972); Ordained Minister (1971), youth services (1973-1993); 39th
and York Road in Baltimore.
IMMIGRATION: Should be enforced on an individual basis.
CLIMATE
CHANGE:
Current and future legislation should be used to gain control over the
problem.
ECONOMY: Mortgage and credit crisis people through no
fault of their own should be given by congress legislation.
EDUCATION: It is not working.
HEALTH: National non-profit system should be set up.
NATIONAL
SECURITY:
There are so many, but it should start at the top. Our elected officials have failed the
American people.
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About the
Office: SALARY: $140,352 annual base. TERM: Fifteen years, no term limit. HOW ELECTED: When there is a vacancy, the Governor
appoints a qualified person to fill the office. Each newly appointed Circuit Judge then
must stand for election at the first election that occurs at least one year later. The judge may be opposed formally by one or
more qualified members of the bar. All
candidates run on both the Democratic and Republican ballots. Independents vote only in the general
election. DUTIES: Judges preside in the Circuit Court which
is a trial court of general jurisdiction covering major civil cases and more
serious criminal matters. Circuit
Courts also may decide appeals from District Court and certain administrative
agencies. |
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Questions
asked the Judges: BACKGROUND: What education and life experiences qualify
you to hold this office? JUSTICE SYSTEM NEEDS: What is the area of greatest need in the
Maryland judicial system? LEGAL ACCESS: What can be done to provide individuals
with wider and better access to legal help and the legal system? |
JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT –
CIRCUIT 5
Tim McCrone -- Howard
BACKGROUND One of the
professional experiences which prepared me to serve as a Maryland Judge was
serving as law clerk to Judge J. Thomas Nissel, Judge Raymond J. Kane and Judge
Robert F. Fischer during law school. To
have been privileged to work for these extraordinary jurists was a wonderful
learning opportunity. Also, having
served as Howard County’s State’s Attorney.
JUSTICE
SYSTEM NEEDS:
The judicial system depends upon integrity and fairness. It is essential that the litigants be treated
with appropriate dignity and respect in reaching a resolution in each case.
LEGAL
ACCESS
I believe it is appropriate to manage the courthouse in a manner that
allows every citizen to access the full resources of the court, and to be
treated with courtesy and respect. The
court must do justice for all citizens and the services provided by the court
must be accessible to all.
JUDGE OF THE COURT OF SPECIAL APPEALS AT LARGE
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About the Office: SALARY: $149,552. annual base TERM: 10 years – no term limit HOW
ELECTED: The Governor appoints judges to the Court
of Special Appeals. The State Senate
must confirm these appointments. At
the end of a ten-year term, these judges’ names must appear on the
ballot. Voters vote “yes” for
retention, or “no” to remove from office.
Judges may not be opposed by other candidates in retention
elections. Maryland is divided into 7
Appellate Judicial Circuits. One judge
is appointed from each of these circuits and six members are appointed from
the state at large. There are a total
of 13 judges in the Court of Special Appeals.
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Questions asked the Court of Appeals candidates: BACKGROUND: What are your qualifications for this
office? JUDICIAL SYSTEM NEEDS: What is area of greatest need in the
Maryland judicial system? LEGAL ACCESS: What can be done to provide individuals with
wider and better access to legal help and the legal system? |
Vote “yes” for continuance in
office or “no” for removal.
Deborah Eyler
BACKGROUND: In 11 years of service as a
judge on the Court of Special Appeals, I have authored more than 1,000 case
opinions. From that experience, I have gained in-depth knowledge of all aspects
of Maryland law and have become skilled at producing case opinions that are
thorough, fair, and timely.
JUDICIAL SYSTEM NEEDS: In the criminal justice
system, additional "drug court" diversion programs because the vast
majority of crimes in Maryland are rooted in the distribution and use of
illegal drugs. In the civil justice system, affordable legal representation,
especially for parents and children in contested custody cases.
LEGAL ACCESS: More outreach by courts and
the judiciary's local pro-bono committees, which exist in each county, to link
up, early in a case, a party who cannot afford representation with a pro bono
lawyer who can handle the matter for free or at a substantially reduced rate.
Robert
A. Zarnoch
BACKGROUND: Before my appointment, I
served 30 sessions as the Attorney General's Counsel to the General Assembly. I
reviewed 20,000 bills and authored thousands of advice letters. I argued in the
Supreme Court and participated in 39 cases in the State's highest court,
including one making the Camden Yards stadiums possible.
JUDICIAL SYSTEM NEEDS: A 2008 Harris Poll
discloses that only 16% of the public has a great deal of confidence in the
courts and the justice system. Such numbers will never be reversed until judges
demonstrate by performance that the system is accessible, deals fairly with
all, and reaches just results.
LEGAL ACCESS: Studies note that a citizen
is more likely to go to court than be hospitalized. Greater support for legal
aid and pro bono lawyering is needed. Promotion of pre-paid legal plans and
self-help, expanding small claims courts and streamlining legal procedures
would also help citizens obtain affordable legal assistance.
BOARD OF
EDUCATION – HOWARD COUNTY
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About the Office: DUTIES: The Board of Education of Howard County is
responsible for setting local education policy consistent with state and
federal laws governing public education. At the direction of the Board, the Superintendent
and the school system's administrative staff develop procedures and
administrative regulations to support policy decisions. The Board is composed
of seven members elected at-large for four-year terms, and a student member
elected by students for a one-year term. TERM: 4 years SALARY: $15,000 chair; $12,000
individual |
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Questions asked the Board of Education candidates: WANT TO ACCOMPLISH: What do you want to accomplish as a member
of the Board of Education? ADVOCATE FOR FUNDS FOR SCHOOL MAINTENANCE: How will you
advocate for the funds needed for school maintenance and renovations? PUBLIC ACCESS TO REPORTS: How will you support the right of the
public to access school department reports, contracts and budget documents? ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY OPPORTUNITIES: What
opportunities are there to make Howard County Schools more environmentally
friendly or green? CHILD OBESITY: Child obesity is a major issue. How can the school system address this
issue? CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS: How will you recognize and reward the
teaching of critical thinking skills in the classroom? LOW PERFORMANCE: How should the Department of Education help
low-performing students and low- performing schools? ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Howard County Schools are ranked as
excellent. What ideas do you have that will challenge the school system to
strive for even higher academic achievement? |
Diane
Butler
Ellicott City, Age 53
Biography:
Home school mom of a 15 year old daughter. Previous PTA and Fundraising Coordinator in
California (8 years ago). President of
the St. John’s Community Association for 4 of the last 5 years. Currently Vice President. Served on the County Infill and Rt. 40
Committees. Howard School Board Citizen’s
Committee.
Want
to Accomplish: To help educate the public about our
exploding budget and to help our students compete in a math, science global
environment. Introduce magnet programs
and an International Baccalaureate program.
Advocate
for Funds for school maintenance: Make better
decisions with the outrageous amounts of money that we currently spend.
Public
access to reports: All school department reports,
contracts, and budget documents should be public records easily accessible and
easy to read. Our masses of paper work
hide the most inconvenient truths. These
are public tax dollars being spent.
Environmentally
friendly opportunities: Leading by example we need to stop
bussing our kids all over the county. We
waste so much in the county as adults, it is hard to teach children the right
thing when we are not doing it ourselves.
Teach by example. A crucial sense
of community is lost by bussing. “Green”
county, my eye!
Child
Obesity: Put physical education back in the
Elementary Schools. Do at least 20
minutes of calisthenics every school day.
Get rid of all the test prep time and use it to get back to some
movement.
Critical
Thinking Skills: Allow teachers to teach in their
classrooms. The rigidity of teaching to
the assessment tests is why our children do not develop their own critical
thinking skills. The “reward” will be in
the child’s own personal development.
Low
Performance: We shouldn’t have any low performing
schools as long as we back the teachers on proper discipline and work with the
parents of the children. I was able to
set up “at risk” reading programs for elementary children in California for
$100 a school. They involved
parent/teacher partnerships!
Academic
Achievement: Quit saying how great you are and
start being a truly good, efficient system for all students, including the
gifted. Introduce magnet schools and an
International Baccalaureate Program.
Allen
Dyer
Ellicott City, Age: 60
BIOGRAPHY: As a lawyer, I know the Maryland
Education Article. I am a
computer consultant experienced in network systems and I have taught at Anne
Arundel Community College. I was an Air
Force flight instructor and I flew combat in Southeast Asia. My children graduated from Howard County
Public Schools.
WANT TO ACCOMPLISH: Adhere to
state requirements, improve partnerships with the county government and all
communities. Open communication with, and honestly disclose issues important
to, the communities. Create a safe and
healthy school environment that provides each child with the foundation and
opportunity to reach his/her potential as a human being.
ADVOCATE FOR FUNDS FOR SCHOOL MAINTENANCE: Require
evaluations using standardized process and specs. Fully disclose findings to public and county
officials. Require complete accounting
of costs (operating/capital). Estimates driven by needs not arbitrary
caps. Education can’t be viewed as a
separate/distinct entity. A well
planned, cost effective method will allow proper prioritization of resources.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO RECORDS: Require
that all documents prepared by or for the school system also be provided in computer
file format with information not releasable under the Public Information Act
segregated or tagged for automated redaction.
Require posting of publicly releasable documents to the web within 30
days of creation or receipt.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY OPPORTUNITIES: Partner
closely with Montgomery County and others who have integrated green practices
into their operations and construction programs. Work with the Department of Public Works
which has already built green buildings.
Require LEED certification.
Schools represent abundant opportunities for studying how to build a
sustainable living environment.
CHILD OBESITY: Focus
on improving the quality of all foods and beverages sold on school grounds and
providing more opportunities to engage in regular physical activity for
students, parents, school employees and board members. Require annual physical fitness tests and
body mass index assessments for all students, school employees and board
members.
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS: I
can’t answer this fundamental question in 50 words. But, I would vigorously support every
teacher’s right to carve out instructional time to devote to the analysis,
integration, and application of the fact based content presented to our
students. “Learning how to learn” is our
most important product.
LOW PERFORMANCE: Excellent
teachers are our most valuable resource so financial incentives should be used
to match our best teachers with schools and students identified as low
performing. Low performing students
should also receive extra educational resources such as parental involvement in
crafting solutions, community involvement, and after hours access to computers.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Higher
academic achievement is not enough. Our
students must be prepared to successfully face the challenges of life in a
democracy. To assess whether graduates
are having difficulty reaching their full potential and to inform our efforts
to improve, we must establish and maintain a system of feedback from graduates.
Ellen
Flynn Giles
Scaggsville,
Age: 57
BIOGRAPHY: Editor/Analyst;
24-year resident; Four children, HCPSS
graduates; Current BOE Vice Chair; 20+-years experience, PTA Exec/SIT, CAC
(8-term Chair), Operating Budget Review, Attendance Area Committee, School Health
Council, Education Funding & BOE
Responsibilities Task Forces; Member, VisionHC, Women’s Giving Circle &
LWV; National PTA Lifetime & BOE Friends of Education Awards.
WANT TO ACCOMPLISH: Improve long-term planning to address the
infrastructure and technology required to support ongoing program development
and evaluation, design and operation of efficient and effective facilities,
implementation of critical staffing models, and the delivery of the quality
instruction and assessment critical to graduating students prepared for
post-secondary opportunities and responsibilities.
ADVOCATE FOR FUNDS FOR SCHOOL MAINTENANCE: With decreased state funding, we must clearly articulate our priorities and
the impact of delay on essential projects, some already long-deferred. Funding options considered must include a
bonding authorization increase; partnering in facility development and
operation; and designation of critical maintenance as one-time expenditures to
qualify for surplus fund allocation.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO REPORTS: Public access is non-negotiable.
The Feasibility, Budget, and Attendance Area documents are on the
homepage, but improvements should include standardization of school web-sites and
links; an FAQ to identify key reports and facilitate navigation and use of
Board Docs; and a simplified process for Public Information Office requests for
information.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY OPPORTUNITIES: Through the environmental curriculum and long-term partnerships with
MDE, the Conservancy and local groups, students have made a positive impact on
local eco-systems and should be supported in taking ownership of additional
Green School projects. System-wide, we
should expand implementation of energy management, green O&M, and LEED
standards in renovations.
CHILD OBESITY: Promote and model healthy life choices during the school day, from
stretches during morning announcements, to increased options in lunch/snacks, to recess walking
clubs; expand after- school
intramurals and physical activity opportunities; and work with community
groups, PTAs and Boosters to support healthy concession stand offerings and
fund-raising options.
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS: Objectives to develop students’ ability to reason, connect and
communicate are imbedded throughout the curriculum. Innovative teachers should be provided with
opportunities to share best practices and expertise with their peers, showcase
their successes through presentations such as the Spotlight on Excellence, and
be recognized as mentors.
LOW PERFORMANCE: There is no one size fits all.
Allocation of needs-based resources, including staffing, technology, and
related supports, must continue for programs that provide for critical
assessment, evaluation and continuous improvement of targeted instruction and
interventions for individual students.
These include tutorials, double-booked classes, co-teaching models, and
after-school and summer programs.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Increased opportunities and participation in honors, GT and independent
study; enhancements to the world language program to provide a wider selection
for instruction at all levels, increase participation, and introduce language
study at the elementary level; and expansion of current offerings,
participation and requirements for science, technology, engineering and
mathematics.
Betsy
Grater
Ellicott City BIOGRAPHY: B.A. Elementary Education, Kutztown University. M.A. Early Childhood Education, Vanderbilt University. Kindergarten through third grade teacher. Elected Raleigh, NC Board of Education 1971. Development Coordinator Maryland Committee for Children. Proprietor Betsy’s Bed & Breakfast,owner of Amanda’s Bed & Breakfast Reservation Service. Past Co-President the League of Women Voters, HC. Three grandchildren in HCPSS.
WANT TO ACCOMPLISH: I
would like to ensure that all the Howard County students receive the best
education (all around) that our funding can provide, and that our teachers can
provide. HC schools have an excellent
reputation and I would work to see our schools reach even higher standards.
ADVOCATE FOR FUNDS FOR SCHOOL MAINTENANCE: Maintenance
and renovations are important items to keep the schools safe and welcoming.
When budgets are being prepared, I will support adequate funding for
maintenance and renovations to keep our schools in good condition and up to
date.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO REPORTS: All
school documents, reports, contracts, and budgets that are not protected by
law, in my opinion should be made available to all parties interested in
reviewing them.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY OPPORTUNITIES: There are
green programs happening right now in some schools, building compost bins and
creating habitats. These should be
supported and encouraged by the administration and teachers. Also, there are organizations that would be
interested in helping, for example, Master Gardeners. The schools should use native plants and
Bay-wise practices.
CHILD OBESITY: Use
every opportunity to educate the students about healthy eating and life styles,
(exercise and sports). Limit the non-nutritious food available in vending
machines and use the school lunches to demonstrate healthful food groups.
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS: I
would have to recommend programs, exhibits, exercises and demonstrations the
students produce because school board members are not in the classroom to
observe the process taking place. The teachers responsible for instilling good
critical thinking should be given special recognition.
LOW PERFORMANCE: Each
student and school should be able to take advantage of every resource the
system has available to encourage students toward excellence. The administration should make each school
and each teacher aware of those resources and how best to access them. Parents should be involved with home
activities and studies to enrich the lives and facilitate the advancement of
each student
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Enriching
the experiences of the underachievers, breeching the languages barriers, educating
the whole child, closing the achievement gap, providing state of the art
technology and up-to-date textbooks and smaller classes should help enable
higher achievement. Teacher’s salaries
will need to be kept competitive to retain and recruit good candidates.
Janet
Siddiqui
Age:
46
BIOGRAPHY: Current
Board of Education member, Pediatrician at Johns Hopkins 13yrs., Georgetown University
Medical Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, M.D., Children in Ho. Co. schools, PTA member, HCPSS Anti-bullying Task force
, HCPSS Citizens Advisory
Committee. Ho. Co. Dept. of Citizen
Services, Community Services Grant review committee. Patuxent River Commission,
22 yr resident.
WANT TO ACCOMPLISH: Maintain and improve academic excellence. Find ways to
address individual needs of each child. Equitable compensation and professional
development for teachers; Facilities improvements, technology and wellness
initiatives; Engaging parents and the community to work together to close the
achievement gap, and prepare students for the future.
ADVOCATE FOR FUNDS FOR SCHOOL MAINTENANCE: We should
prioritize the needs, and work with state and county officials, and community
leaders to continue to advocate for the resources required for the school
system. In a fiscally responsible way, identify funding sources to address the
educational program needs, while maintaining safety and health standards for
all children.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO REPORTS: Efforts
should continue to maintain transparency and provide easy access and
availability of information to the public through the web site or office, while
protecting information that is confidential such as personnel and student
information.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY OPPORTUNITIES: An energy
audit at each school should be considered to determine effective and economical
changes that can be put in place. As we renovate schools, we should try to
incorporate energy efficient ideas. We should continue to encourage students,
schools, and the community to learn and practice Green initiatives.
CHILD OBESITY: I
recognize the importance of this issue and initiated discussions to find ways
to incorporate healthier options for the students. We should find creative ways
to introduce more physical activity during and after school. We should engage parents and the community,
and team with county government for resources and ideas.
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS: It’s
important that children be able to analyze and apply information that they have
learned. There should be crossover in problem solving, life skills and
abilities in math, sciences, languages, and arts. From student achievement and
excellence in these areas will generate pride and recognition for the students
and teachers.
LOW PERFORMANCE: While
the school system continues to make strides in these areas, each student needs
to achieve academic success. Good principal leadership in the schools, working
with community and school leaders, engaging parents, setting high standards and
using proven effective methods and programs will help to continue to close
those gaps.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Setting
higher standards for educators, staff and children and challenging them to
strive for excellence. Retain and attract highly qualified teachers and focus
on the needs of each individual student. Use of the latest technology,
programs, innovative methods, along with leadership within the system will
guide us into the future.
Di
Zou
Glenwood,
Age 19
BIOGRAPHY: 19
year old graduate of Glenelg High School Class of 2006; Sophomore at the University
of Maryland College Park; Pursuing a degree in Mathematics and Economics; 9
year resident of Howard County; In the Howard County Public School System for 8
years; Eight year old brother at Bushy Park Elementary School
WANT TO ACCOMPLISH: Reform
county level standardized testing; Work with the state to reform state mandated
standardized testing; Reintroduce vocational education system; Use my knowledge
of technology to make sure the school system has a efficient technological
base; Make sure the school system has a smart and thoughtful plan towards
school construction and renovation
ADVOCATE FOR FUNDS FOR SCHOOL
MAINTENANCE: I would
make sure the funds are allocated properly and thoughtfully, make the oldest
schools the priority for construction and renovation, make sure that schools
would not degrade like Mt. Hebron High School, make sure costs and construction
make sense. Marriott's Ridge High School cost $34 million to build, yet cost
$50 million to renovate Mt. Hebron.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO REPORTS: I fully
support the right for the public to access all school department reports,
contracts, and budget documents. The only information I would restrict access
to the public would be private information and health records. Everything else
I would allow the public to have access to.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
OPPORTUNITIES: One idea
get rid of styrofoam and switch to plastic or paper in school cafeterias.
Increase in computer and technology use for assignments which would reduce the
amount of paper waste in schools, promoting recycling in the classroom.
Encourage energy efficient windows and doors in school construction and
renovation.
CHILD OBESITY: At the
elementary and middle school levels, we cannot cut activities like gym and
recess for kids. We must start educating children about the heath effects and
dangers of obesity earlier in life. After school sports activities for children
introduced at the middle and elementary school level.
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS: I would
support incentives for rewarding teachers. Besides incentives for teaching
critical thinking skills in the classroom, I would allow teachers who teach
critical thinking well to pick the classes they want to teach.
LOW PERFORMANCE: I would
encourage teachers to work individually with students that are
under-performing. I would also encourage more teachers to work with a class
that is under-performing. I would also explore the use of alternative teaching
methods with under-performing students.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Introduction
of charter schools in Howard County. The school system needs to provide the
best education for our students, not the best schooling. We need competition
among schools so parents may choose the best education for their children. Make
sure the students, family, community, and teachers stay interested in
education.
STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
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Question 1 - Constitutional Amendment (Chapter 513, Acts of 2007) Early Voting; Polling Places; Absentee Ballots Authorizes the General Assembly to enact legislation to
allow qualified voters to vote at polling places inside or outside of their
election districts or wards and to vote up to two weeks before an election.
This amendment also authorizes the General Assembly to enact legislation to
allow absentee voting by qualified voters who choose to vote by absentee
ballot, in addition to voters who are absent at the time of the election or
who are unable to vote personally. (Amends Article I, §§1 and 3 of the Maryland Constitution)
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Origin
of this Ballot Question – Legislation that would
allow early voting and “no-excuse” absentee voting was passed by the General
Assembly in 2006, but a court decision found the legislation to be in conflict
with the Maryland Constitution.
Therefore, in the 2007 session, the General Assembly passed SB 1 -
Elective Franchise - Early Voting and Polling Places which amends the Maryland
Constitution to allow the General Assembly to pass legislation that will
establish early voting sites and allow voters to vote by absentee ballot
without having to give a reason. All
Constitutional Amendments must be passed by a majority of voters statewide.
Present
Practice – Article I, Section 1 of the
Maryland Constitution states that a voter “shall be entitled to vote in the
ward or election district in which he resides.”
As currently interpreted, this means that a voter cannot vote at an early
voting location outside the voter’s election district and that a provisional
ballot cast by a voter outside his or her election district cannot be
counted. Article XV, Section 7 of the
Maryland Constitution designates the “Tuesday after the first Monday of
November” as the date of the general election.
This has been interpreted by the Court of Appeals to mean that early
voting is not permissible.
Absentee
ballots are only for use by voters who are absent at the time of an election or
who are unable to vote in person at the assigned voting precinct. The absentee ballot application requires a
voter to affirm this fact.
Proposed
Change – If the amendment passes, the
General Assembly may enact laws to establish early voting sites. Early voting would allow registered voters to
vote, in person, up to two weeks before a state-wide primary or general
election at polling places outside of their normal district or precinct. Early voting sites can accommodate voters from
multiple precincts or even from the entire state. However, passing this amendment only allows
the General Assembly to establish an early voting process. The details of how many early voting sites
will be established and how the locations for them will be determined will come
in future legislation.
Passage
of this amendment will also allow the General Assembly to pass legislation that
enables any qualified voter to vote by absentee ballot if they choose to do
so. The enabling legislation could
remove the requirement to sign a statement telling why the voter wants to vote
by absentee ballot.
Pros: Allows for
in-person voting by voters who, due to work hours, long commutes or other
reasons, are unable to vote during the limited hours on Election Day. Early voting should ease long lines and
lengthy wait times at precincts on Election Day and should ease the workload of
precinct workers. This measure also
increases the likelihood that a voter’s provisional ballot will be counted by
allowing a provisional ballot cast outside the voter’s election district to be
counted for eligible races.
Cons: There will
be increased costs associated with providing polling locations prior to
Election Day. Voters who vote during
early voting may not have access to late campaign information on which to base
their election decisions. By encouraging
more voters to use absentee ballots or early voting sites, some of the
community interaction that takes place at precinct based polling places may
diminish.
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Question 2 - Constitutional Amendment (Chapter 5, Acts of 2007 Special Session) Authorizing Video Lottery Terminals (Slot Machines) to
Fund Education Authorizes the State to issue up to five video lottery
licenses for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education of children
in public schools, prekindergarten through grade 12, public school
construction and improvements, and construction of capital projects at
community colleges and higher education institutions. No more than a total
number of 15,000 video lottery terminals may be authorized in the State, and
only one license may be issued for each specified location in Anne Arundel,
Cecil, Worcester, and Allegany Counties, and Baltimore City. Any additional
forms or expansion of commercial gaming in Maryland is prohibited, unless
approved by a voter referendum. (Enacts new Article XIX of the Maryland Constitution)
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Origin
of this Ballot Question – For several years, efforts
to enact legislation that would authorize Video Lottery Terminals (slot
machines) as a way to raise revenue for state expenditures failed in the
legislature. The governor proposed, and
legislators agreed, that the decision of whether to significantly expand
gambling in Maryland should be decided by the voters. The Maryland Constitution allows only two
ways for citizens to vote on laws. The
first is to gather enough signatures on a petition to place a law that has been
passed by the General Assembly on the ballot for voter approval. The second is to place a constitutional
amendment, approved by three-fifths of the legislators, before the voters in a
General Election. In the 2007 Special
Session, the Maryland General Assembly passed HB 4, which would add a new
article to the Maryland Constitution to authorize video lottery terminal gaming
(slot machines) in Maryland. A majority
of voters, statewide, must vote in
favor of the amendment for it to go into effect.
Present
Practice – Currently, the annotated code of
Maryland prohibits video lottery terminal (slot machine) gambling except
certain fraternal, religious or war veterans’ organizations in a few counties
may operate no more than five individual slot machines, and the revenue from
them must be used for the charitable purposes of those organizations. Public education is currently funded through
Maryland’s General Fund. State funding
for primary and secondary education is about $5.35 billon for this fiscal
year. The three main sources of revenue
for the General Fund are income tax, retail sales tax and the State
Lottery. School construction may be
funded by the General Fund but is primarily funded by borrowing through the
issuance of State bonds.
Proposed
Change – If the amendment passes, Maryland
may operate up to 15,000 video lottery terminals in five locations: Baltimore
City and Anne Arundel, Allegany, Cecil and Worcester Counties. No more than one gambling facility would be
allowed in each of the authorized jurisdictions. Another bill related to gambling, SB 3, was
also passed during the 2007 Special Session.
It will go into effect contingent on the passage of this constitutional
amendment. As defined by SB 3, 33% of
proceeds from video terminal gambling would go to the licensed operators, 9.5%
to the horse racing industry; and approximately 48.5% to education. The remainder would be used for lottery
expenses, local impact grants and administrative costs. Included in the latter is money to fight
gambling addiction. The amendment also
states that no additional video lottery terminals shall be authorized without
another approval by voters.
Pros: In 2007,
the Department of Legislative Services estimated 2010 state revenues will
increase by approximately $86 million from video gaming receipts and by as much
as $565 million by 2013. This additional
revenue could reduce tax increases that would otherwise be necessary to fund
projected education expenses. Maryland
residents who gamble in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware may choose to
spend their gambling dollars here instead of taking them out of state. New jobs will be created in construction and
the gambling industry. Jobs in the horse
racing industry may be saved. Unlike
taxation, gambling is a recreational choice and not a mandate.
Cons: In order
to generate enough revenue to reach the projected increases to state funding,
gamblers in Maryland would have to lose over $1 billion per year. To generate this level of revenue, the state
will have to urge its citizens to frequent slots parlors. Gambling, like other addictions, frequently
leads to social (and government) costs associated with lost productivity,
increased crime, broken families and even suicide. Disposable income that currently generates
sales tax revenue could be spent on gambling resulting in a loss to the General
Fund. The referendum would put a
specific revenue source, gambling, in the state Constitution. A constitution should be clear, concise and
confined to fundamentals of the structure of government.
To Accompany the On-Line
2008 GENERAL ELECTION VOTERS’ GUIDES
General Election: Tuesday, November 4,
2008
Polls open - 7 am to 8 pm
Voter Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Find Your
Local Board of Elections – From the Maryland State Board of Elections Website.
Legislative and
Congressional District Maps – From the Maryland Department of Planning Website.
Absentee
Ballot Application
Deadline: Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Emergency
Absentee Ballot Procedure:
Provisional
Ballot
Procedure:
The
Electoral College: An explanation.
THE VOTERS’
GUIDE and THE LEAGUE of WOMEN VOTERS
The
League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that works to promote
political responsibility through informed and active participation in public
policy debate and governmental decision-making. The League has a long tradition of
publishing the verbatim responses of candidates to questions important to
voters. The League offers this Voters’
Guide to assist citizens in their decision-making process as they prepare for
the general election. The League
does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. The
candidates’ answers in the Guide appear as submitted. If answers exceeded the word limit, an
ellipsis indicates words were cut from the end of the statement. No write-in candidates will appear on the
ballot but the list of filed write-ins will be available at each polling
place. In
most areas of Maryland, the Local Leagues have been able to have Voters’
Guides printed for distribution. For
those voters who need On-Line access, this version has been prepared. The League thanks all candidates who submitted
answers to its questionnaires. |
VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS and
POLLING LOCATION
Check
with your Local Board of Elections to verify your registration status and polling
location. The registration deadline is Tuesday,
October 14.
COME
PREPARED TO VOTE
1. Read your sample ballot
from Board of Elections mailed the last week of October.
2. Note your polling place
location on the front; polling locations change!
3. Use this Voters’ Guide
to become informed on candidates and issues.
4. Mark your candidate
selections and ballot question decisions ahead of time.
5. Bring your completed
sample ballot with you on November 4 to vote confidently and reduce waiting
times. Shorter lines are expected from
10 am to 2 pm.
DON’T
PANIC IF THERE’S A PROBLEM
1.
Check the signs for directions and/or ask the poll workers for assistance.
2.
Depending on your jurisdiction, language assistance may be available.
3. If your name is not on the
precinct register, you may be directed to another polling place or given the
option of a Provisional Ballot.
Provisional ballots are verified following the election for voter registration
accuracy. Votes of verified registrants
are included in the final election tally.
POLLING PLACE RESTRICTIONS
No cell phone, pagers,
cameras or computers may be used by voters in the polling place.
Up to two children, 13 or
under, may accompany a voter into the voting booth.
LONG WORK HOURS? KNOW YOUR
RIGHTS
On Election Day, polls are
open from 7 am to 8 pm. State Law requires Maryland-based employers
to release you with pay for up to two hours only if you do not
have two continuous hours off during the time the polls are open.
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1.
Apply in writing
for an absentee ballot if you “will be absent or unable to vote in person in
the election.” Applications are available from your local Board of
Elections upon request in writing, by telephone, or in person. 2.
Return completed
application form by 4:30 pm October 28 to the Board of Elections by mail or
in person. 3.
Absentee ballots
are usually mailed approximately three weeks before an election. 4.
Return completed
absentee ballots by mail, postmarked no later than Election Day, Nov. 4 or in
person at the Board of Elections by 8 pm on Election Day. If
the need arises from October 29 through Election Day, request an Emergency
Absentee Ballot. Apply in person at the Board of Elections: 1.
Complete Late
Application for Absentee Ballot, 2.
Receive an
absentee ballot and 3.
Vote on the spot
or return to the Board yourself by 8 pm on Election Day. If unable to complete this
process in person (e.g. hospitalization) 1.
You or someone acting
for you must obtain a Late Application for Absentee Ballot. 2.
Complete the
Designation of Agent section on the Late Application. 3.
Your agent then
obtains an absentee ballot from the Board of Elections on your behalf, brings
it to you to vote, and returns it prior to 8 pm on Election Day. |
|
The
selection of the President and Vice President of the United States is more
complicated than simply counting up the number of votes that each candidate
receives on Election Day. When the
United States Constitution was written, the country’s founders created an
institution call the “Electoral College”.
Part of the goal of establishing such an institution was to give power
to the less populous states and to insure that candidates for President and
Vice President had sufficient distribution of support from all areas of the
nation to govern. Each
state is allocated one elector for every representative that they have in
Congress. In Maryland, we have two Senators and eight members of the
House of Representatives so we have 10 electors in the Electoral
College. The smallest states have two
senators and one member in the House so they have only 3 electors. Even though the District of Columbia has no
members in Congress they were given the right to have electors following the
ratification of the 23rd Amendment in 1961. California, the most populous state, has 55
electors. No member of Congress may be an elector. In
the beginning, the Electoral College had considerable power in making an
independent choice among the candidates for President and Vice
President. At one time, their names
appeared on the ballot during a Presidential election. Now, only the names of the candidates
appear. However, voters are actually
casting ballots for electors who are pledged to the ticket they just voted
for. The candidate with the highest
number of votes in each state will be represented by electors who will all
cast their vote for the winning candidate. The exceptions to this
“winner take all” practice are the states of Maine and Nebraska. In those states, the winner of the
statewide vote gets 2 electoral votes (equal to the number of senators from
the state) and the candidate with the highest popular vote in each
Congressional District receives the one electoral vote that is allocated for
that district. On
the Monday after the second Wednesday in December, all of the electors chosen
as a result of the General Election in November meet in their respective
state capitals to cast two ballots – one for President and one for Vice
President. The Electoral College
includes 538 electors (one for every member in Congress plus 3 from the
District of Columbia). In order to be
elected, the candidates must receive 270 electoral votes. If no candidate for President receives that
many votes, the House of Representatives picks the winner from the top three
vote getters. Each state receives only
one vote, regardless of its size. The Senate
chooses the Vice President if no candidate receives 270 votes. Senators cast their votes as individuals,
not as states. |