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League of Women Voters 2008 General Election
Voters’ Guide For Queen Anne’s County |
President and Vice President of the United States
Representative in Congress – The Office
Representative in Congress – District 1
Judge of the Court of Appeals Circuit 1
Judge of the Court of Special Appeals At Large
Board of Education – Queen Anne’s 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 1
Frank M. Kratovil,
Jr.
Party: Democratic
Website:
www.kratovil.com
BACKGROUND: As a State’s Attorney for Queen Anne’s
County, I fight every day to protect our families. As President of the Maryland State’s
Attorney’s Association, I’ve worked with Democrats and Republicans alike to
fight for better public safety laws in Annapolis. I’ll take that same approach in Washington.
IMMIGRATION: I favor stricter enforcement
of our immigration laws, and I firmly oppose granting benefits to anyone who is
not in this country legally. We need to
secure our borders, fix the legal immigration process, and give employers a
more efficient way to verify their employees’ immigration status.
CLIMATE CHANGE: I support
the use of market-based mechanisms like permit auctions or cap-and-trade
programs to reduce the greenhouse emissions from power plants and other
polluters. Climate change is a critical
issue, particularly for the low-lying coastal areas on the Eastern Shore.
ECONOMY: Reducing the deficit must be
a top economic priority. Our
out-of-control spending has weakened the dollar. Congress needs to cure its addiction to
deficit spending by enacting strict pay-as-you-go rules, balancing the budget,
and reforming the broken earmark process.
Fighting against wasteful spending will be one of my top priorities.
EDUCATION: No Child Left Behind has failed because of
lack of funding and an overemphasis on standardized tests. Real accountability requires us to look at
more than just a single test score. We
need to reform NCLB and define a more comprehensive standard to measure student
achievement.
HEALTH CARE: There’s
no silver bullet to our current health care crisis. To achieve a goal of universal coverage,
we’ll need a comprehensive approach that includes an expansion of programs for
children’s coverage, incentives for small businesses who offer coverage to
employees, and cost-reduction programs to slow medical inflation.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Our
over-reliance on Middle East oil is a critical national security issue. The answer is a combination of more domestic
oil production, increased efficiency standards for cars and buildings, and
significant investments in renewable and alternative energies like wind, solar,
and biofuels. Only a balanced plan will
achieve our goals.
Andy Harris
Party: Republican
Website:
www.andyharris.com
BACKGROUND: As a physician at Johns Hopkins, I understand
how to address rising healthcare costs. As a veteran of Operation Desert Storm,
I understand the threat our nation faces. As a State Senator, I have the
experience to be ready to serve in the US Congress on day one.
IMMIGRATION: I oppose all forms of
amnesty for illegal immigrants. The United States must give businesses the
tools they need to know if the people they are hiring are legal residents. The
United States needs to match the number of temporary work visas with need for
these workers in our economy.
CLIMATE CHANGE: The
United States needs to take common sense solutions to address climate change
without hurting the economy. With rising energy prices, the United States must
develop a comprehensive energy policy that includes greater production of oil
and natural gas, conservation, and developing the next generation of
alternative energy technology.
ECONOMY: The
United States must lower taxes and decrease wasteful government spending to
stimulate economic growth. Rising energy costs are hurting the economy. The
United States must develop a comprehensive energy policy including greater
production of oil and natural gas, conservation, and developing the next
generation of alternative energy technology.
EDUCATION: As a father of five and a teacher at Johns
Hopkins, I understand the value of education. The best decisions on education,
with the input of teachers and parents, are made at the local level, not by a
bureaucrat in Washington. We need to
prepare our children to compete in…
HEALTH CARE: As
a physician for over 25 years at Johns Hopkins, I look forward to addressing
rising healthcare costs. We need to make healthcare more accessible and
affordable to all Americans. Tort reform will bring the cost of healthcare
down, and attract more physicians to our rural areas.
NATIONAL SECURITY: As
a Commander in the US Naval Reserve and a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, I
understand the grave threat our nation faces from terrorism. I will continue to
support a strong and effective military that adjusts to the threats of the 21st
century. I have always fought to expand…
Richard James
Davis
Party: Libertarian
BACKGROUND: I run my own business (dental
practice), I have read extensively in American history and some in economics,
and I have read (and believe I understand) the United States Constitution.
IMMIGRATION: I support a thorough review
of immigration requirements and might consider then consider increased legal
immigration. I support stricter enforcement of laws regarding illegal
immigration. I would require thorough evaluation of prospective immigrants and
would have a strict and simple deportation policy for any lawbreakers prior to
citizenship status.
CLIMATE CHANGE: I do not support federal
legislation regarding climate change beyond a possible tax on excess energy
consumption (which would need to be defined). I feel information is
insufficient as to exactly what changes are taking place and why and where
those changes will actually lead cannot yet be accurately predicted.
ECONOMY: The major challenge is governmental and individual
debt. Government spending must be drastically reduced and all taxation on
savings and investment should be eliminated. With reduced government spending,
any taxation should be on EXCESS consumption (including energy), with generous
allowance for individual needs for food, clothing, shelter and energy.
EDUCATION: I believe education should
be controlled at local levels, mainly town and county, with minimal involvement
at state level and essentially none at federal level beyond the service
academies. If other pressing national needs are identified, student loan
subsidy/deferment/repayment programs could serve as incentives.
HEALTH CARE: There should be tax exemptions for health care
expenses and for health insurance, especially true insurance for catastrophic
health events. Actual government involvement should be limited to public health
measures that can be clearly shown to prevent (or at least limit) the spread of
communicable disease.
NATIONAL SECURITY: Legal immigrants should be
more thoroughly screened and illegal immigration should be more thoroughly
addressed. There should be more effective enforcement of rules for visitors
violating any visa regulations (including overstaying time allowed), with more
rapid and efficient apprehension and deportation of violators.
JUDGE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS CIRCUIT 1
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About the Office: SALARY: $162,352 annual base TERM: 10 years DUTIES: The Court of Appeals is the
highest court in Maryland (commonly called the Supreme Court in other states
and at the federal level). It hears cases almost exclusively by way of
certiorari, a process which gives the court discretion to decide which cases
to hear. However, the Court of Appeals is mandated by law to hear cases
involving the death penalty, legislative redistricting, removal of certain
officers, and certifications of questions of law. All seven judges hear oral
arguments on each case unless a judge removes him/herself from a case; then a
judge from another court, or a retired appellate judge, may be specially
assigned to sit in the place of the recused judge. |
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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 "for retention in
office: Yes___ No___"
Sally D. Adkins –
Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester
BACKGROUND: Judge for 10 years on
intermediate appellate court, writing 1045 appellate opinions; 2 years on trial court; Chair; judicial
disciplinary commission (8 years); 20
years general law practice; community service, e.g. Ethics Commission (Wicomico), Coastal
Hospice, YMCA, Horizons Student Enrichment Program; initiated Child Custody
Mediation Program for Wicomico Courts.
JUDICIAL SYSTEM NEEDS: Impartial,
patient, thoughtful, practical, and
decisive judges with deep respect for the rule of law. Judges with these qualities will assure an
independent and fair judiciary that is essential for democracy.
LEGAL ACCESS: Continue and expand Access
To Justice initiatives such as People’s Law Library, and design and expand
programs to make it easier for self-represented individuals to pursue their
legal objective.
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 – QUEEN
ANNE’S COUNTY
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About the Office: The
Board of Education consists of five voting, nonpartisan, elected members and
one nonvoting student representative from each public high school in the
county. SALARY: The president of the board is entitled to receive $4,000 annually and
the other voting members are entitled to receive $3,500 annually as
compensation. The president of the board and other members each are entitled
to reimbursement not to exceed $1,000 a year for travel and other expenses.
The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners may increase the annual salary of the
board members. TERM: Each voting member serves
for a term of four years beginning on the first Monday in December after the
member’s election and until a successor is elected and qualifies. The initial
term of the elected voting members are staggered as follows: The three members
elected to the board at the general election in November 2008 who receive the
highest number of votes cast from among the successful candidates at that
election shall serve for a term of six years; and the two members who receive
the least number of votes shall serve for a term of four years. HOW ELECTED: Voters elect one board
member from each of the four county commissioner districts and one at large
member. DUTIES: Carry out the policies of
the State Board of Education; maintain a reasonably uniform system of public
schools that is designed to provide quality education and equal educational
opportunity for all children; subject to applicable laws and regulations of
the state board, and with the advice of the county superintendent, determine
the educational policies of the county school system; adopt, codify, and make
available to the public bylaws, rules, and regulations for the conduct and
management of the county public schools; appoint the county superintendent of
schools, subject to approval by the state superintendent of schools; prepare
a budget to submit to the county commissioners. |
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Questions asked the Board of Education candidates: EXPERIENCE WITH SCHOOL
SYSTEM: Do
you have children who currently attend, or previously attended, Queen Anne’s
County schools? What is your experience with the Queen Anne’s school system
(parent, student, teacher, administrator, school board member) and how will
this experience influence your participation on the County School Board? HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSMENT
REQUIREMENT:
What does the “High School Assessment” (HSA) requirement mean for students
and parents? NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND: What issues does “No
Child Left Behind” (NCLB) pose for school systems and boards of education? PRIORITIES FOR ALLOCATION
OF FUNDS: Boards of education in Maryland are
fiscally dependent, relying upon state and local governments for their
funding. Given the many needs of school systems, what would your priorities
be for the allocation of these funds? SCHOOL BOARD’S PRIMARY
RESPONSIBILITIES: What are the primary responsibilities of boards of education as
defined by law in the state of Maryland and how are they different from those
of the superintendent? SCHOOL SYSTEM’S MOST
PRESSING ISSUE: What do you believe is the most pressing issue for the school
system? |
(Vote for one at large and one from each district)
At Large:
Mark
Cascia
EXPERIENCE WITH SCHOOL SYSTEM: My daughter,
who has an IEP, attends 2nd grade at BES. I am serving in my 3rd year on the
QAC School Board, two as President. Having a child with an IEP provides a
unique perspective on how to best serve the largest minority in our school
system (~14%).
HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT:
Passing the HSA in English, Government, Algebra/Data Analysis, and
Biology is a graduation requirement beginning with the graduating class of
2009. Students will be held to high expectations and parents and teachers alike
need to encourage them to take these assessments seriously.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND: The goal of
NCLB is that all students graduate with basic language and math skills so they
can be productive citizens. Each school must hit a number of targets each
year for all students plus a number of subgroups to achieve Adequate Yearly
Progress or sanctions result.
PRIORITIES FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS: The
school system budget is quite complex. We need to balance the needs of our
children with funding of staff contracts, teaching aids, books, and school
maintenance to provide a safe learning environment to achieve the highest level
of education possible.
SCHOOL BOARD’S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: BOE responsibilities
include selecting the Superintendent, preparation/adoption of a budget, adopt
policies for operating and managing the schools, seek in every way to promote
the interest of the schools, etc. The Superintendent, as CEO, implements those
policies and operates the school system in accordance with MD law.
SCHOOL SYSTEM’S MOST PRESSING ISSUE:
Meeting goals, mandates, and standards required by NCLB, HSA, MSA, with
rising costs and shrinking budgets. This requires innovation in the attraction
and retention of highly qualified teachers in content specific areas to meet
AYP each year, particularly in out years. This is mandatory for quality
education for all students.
Faye
C. Lister
E-mail:
fayelister@aol.com
EXPERIENCE WITH SCHOOL SYSTEM: My 2
children attended QACPS from K thru 12, graduated from QACHS.. One
granddaughter went PK thru 12, 2 grandsons still in the system. My experiences
have been very positive. It will help tremendously as I know the area and its
positives and its negatives.
HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT: HSA
requires diploma-bound students, graduating in 2009 and after, must pass
assessment exams in Biology, Algebra, English, and Government. This puts
pressure on students and teachers, especially biology and algebra, to prepare
for exams. Parent role in this is to support and help their child meet this
challenge.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND: “No Child
Left Behind” requires a large budget and very strict requirements to designate
highly qualified teachers, two very essential issues.
PRIORITIES FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS: The priorities
of school systems are flux and depend on many circumstances. However, my
priorities will always be in the light of the student, the teachers, and the
community.
SCHOOL BOARD’S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The powers and mandatory
duties of the Board of Education are defined in the Education Article of the
Annotated Code of Maryland and Title 13A of the Code of Maryland Regulations.
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, formulating and
interpreting policy and selecting and appointing the Superintendent.
SCHOOL SYSTEM’S MOST PRESSING ISSUE: Right
now, the most pressing issue for QACPS is to find a Superintendent that is
qualified for the position and is a strong leader. The retirement of Dr.
Bernard Sadusky is a great loss for QACPS.
District 1:
H.
Joseph “Joe” Gannon, Jr
EXPERIENCE WITH SCHOOL SYSTEM: I am a Queen
Anne’s County High school graduate as well as both of my sons. My youngest son
graduated in 2007. I am currently a board member and would like to continue to
remain on the board.
HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT: The
high school assessment requirement means that students need to achieve a
required level in order to graduate.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND: “No child
left behind” is another federal mandate that had no federal dollars to
implement.
PRIORITIES FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS: The
number one priority for allocation of funds is for the students.
SCHOOL BOARD’S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The superintendent is the
only employee of the board of education.
SCHOOL SYSTEM’S MOST PRESSING ISSUE: The
most pressing issues for the school system is insuring that all students have a
safe environment and the best education possible.
Cindy
Todd
EXPERIENCE WITH SCHOOL SYSTEM: I have two
children attending Queen Anne’s County Schools. My experience includes: School
Improvement Team, Cultural Arts Coordinator, Weekly Volunteer, Playground
Chairman. These experiences have opened my eyes to the myriad issues, both
education and fiscal, that face our students, educators and administrators
daily.
HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT: High
school students must meet standard HSA exams to graduate. Educational
foundations for these exams begin in elementary and middle school. Students and
parents must be aware of these requirements early in the student’s educational
career to ensure that they receive the education needed to receive a high
school diploma.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND: NCLB mandates, that all
students must attain proficiency in reading and math by 2013-2014 and that all
students will graduate from high school. Since NCLB was an un-funded mandate,
it puts the onus on local boards to ensure adequate funding to reach theses
goals. The biggest issue then is financial.
PRIORITIES FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS: The
first priority would be to ensure that the NCLB goals are met. This would
include investing in the latest school room technologies and practices to
enhance teaching practices. Other priorities would include establishing a
capital replacement program for school buildings and support of the after
school programs.
SCHOOL BOARD’S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Board Responsibilities:
Maintain uniform system of public schools to provide quality education and
equal educational opportunity for all children; Determine educational policies;
Adopt and codify bylaws, rules, and regulations for the conduct and management
of the county public schools. The Superintendent is responsible for enacting
these measures.
SCHOOL SYSTEM’S MOST PRESSING ISSUE:
Maintaining a high achievement for all children regardless of their
wealth, color or circumstances and developing a teacher retention program to
ensure that our qualified teachers do not leave for (perceived) greener
pastures.
District 2:
Vito
Tinelli III
Website:
www.vitotinelli.com
EXPERIENCE WITH SCHOOL SYSTEM: I have two
wonderful daughters that attend the elementary schools and they are the main
reason why I am running. I truly believe we have a great school system and want
to make sure the representatives of an elected board will keep the children of
our community a priority.
HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT: The
HSA’s insure that the students have the basic education and skills necessary to
be successful in life and are a measurement of the success of a school. Parents
have a responsibility to their children and community to stay involved and make
education a focal point in children’s lives.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND: While NCLB
is a great concept, this still needs to be revisited on the Federal level due
to insufficient resources available to the local jurisdictions needed to meet
the long-term expectations. Also, I believe it does not adequately address the
proficiency and needs of our special education students.
PRIORITIES FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS: Since
more than three quarters of the operating budget is allocated to salaries and
fringes, this has the most weight and consequences for any increases or
decreases to the budget. Queen Anne’s County Schools need to remain competitive
with our pay and benefits in relation to neighboring jurisdictions.
SCHOOL BOARD’S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: According to the Maryland’s
Annotated Code, County Boards of Education are elected or appointed officials
responsible for the educational matters and to promote the interests of its
jurisdiction’s schools. The Superintendent is responsible for the daily and
operational activities and governance of the schools under the Board of
Education
SCHOOL SYSTEM’S MOST PRESSING ISSUE: The
most pressing issue is funding and allocation of those funds. We are
financially bound by the resources we receive and as an the owner of a local
accounting firm, I have extensive experience helping businesses, non profits,
and government entities realize their short and long term financial goals.
District 3:
Cheryl
H. Jaffe
EXPERIENCE WITH SCHOOL SYSTEM: My husband
and I have twin daughters who will be attending Bayside Elementary in the fall.
We have experienced examples of poor communication and exceptionally effective
communication here in QAC. Among my top priorities for the school board is to
ensure effective communication between schools, parents, and the BOE.
HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT:
Implemented with care, the High School Assessment can ensure that all
students graduate with a standard skillset. The test must be fair and reliable,
as are the SAT and ACT, and related to relevant skills. Curriculum must remain
focused on critical thinking, and avoid “teaching to the test”.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND: NCLB shortchanges high ability
students who need little guidance to achieve proficiency, but need and deserve
guidance for academic growth. As a member of the Board of Education I will
improve access to challenging coursework for all children as well as
identification and programming for high ability students.
PRIORITIES FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS:
Teachers are the most influential factor on student achievement, yet the
pay disparity between teaching and technical professions is steep. We must
entice the best teachers to stay in QAC and in the classroom with financial and
professional incentives. We must also strive to keep class sizes low.
SCHOOL BOARD’S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Board of Education
(BOE) must maintain a school system “designed to provide quality education and
equal educational opportunity for all children”. The BOE crafts the vision and
mission of the school system; the Superintendent advises the Board and
implements the vision according to applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
SCHOOL SYSTEM’S MOST PRESSING ISSUE: I’m
deeply concerned about mathematics education and plan to make Queen Anne’s
County a leader in this area. Like reading, success in math depends less on
innate ability than on quality curriculum, teachers, and effort. In particular,
success in Algebra depends on early and adequate preparation for Algebra.
Edward
“Eddie” Miller
EXPERIENCE WITH SCHOOL SYSTEM: I currently
have one first grader at Kent Island Elementary school and have been involved
with the PTA for three years. I love our school system, teachers and staff, but
feel there is room for improved communication between educators and parents.
HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT: The
High School Assessment requirement is an educational tool which demands
accountability to high standards for graduation. These exams ensure our
students have the skills necessary for the twenty first century in Math,
English, Science and Social Studies.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND: The No Child Left Behind Act holds
local education systems accountable for achieving learning standards. I feel we
must see beyond these expectations and not teach to the test. We must fund all
skill levels of learning, from special education to gifted and talented,
equally.
PRIORITIES FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS: My
priorities for the allocation of school funding are hiring and retaining good
teachers, building functional and cost-effective schools, and putting
technology in the classrooms.
SCHOOL BOARD’S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The School Board is
responsible for appointing a Superintendent, and getting approval from the
State Superintendent for that appointment. The Board is responsible for
creating educational policy and promoting the interests of Queen Anne’s County
schools. The Superintendent is the executor, responsible for carrying out the
policies.
SCHOOL SYSTEM’S MOST PRESSING ISSUE: The
most pressing issue for the newly elected School Board will be adjusting to the
elected format and being more open in its communications with the community.
With less funding available and a growing population, we still need to keep
class sizes small and retain highly qualified teachers.
District 4:
Allen
T. Cork
EXPERIENCE WITH SCHOOL SYSTEM: I have
employed a commonsense approach since coming to the Board in 2006 and now serve
as its Vice President. My four children attended public schools here the last
14 years, two are at KIHS now. My daughters currently attend Johns Hopkins and
Washington College. I pledge my continual support.
HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT: The
HSA continues to provide a minimum standard of achievement that our students in
Maryland must attain to remain competitive in a global economy. Parents and
students must view these tests as a baseline benchmark in reaching their goals
in life.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND: “No Child Left Behind” places
a heavy burden on school systems nationwide to make AYP with limited resources
and multiple challenges to overcome. It also places undue stress on systems
with high ESOL enrollments and fosters an outcome-based educational system
rather than a home-based driven curriculum.
PRIORITIES FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS: With
dwindling state support, my priorities would remain: student achievement,
teacher recruitment, and teacher retention. I would endeavor to maintain our
current standards of education while exposing our teachers and students to
future trends in instruction and technology. Safe schools, communication, and
family and community involvement will also be priorities.
SCHOOL BOARD’S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Boards of Education are
primarily concerned with setting policies that govern school districts and
overseeing that process. BOEs are also responsible for securing funds for new
school construction as well as the supervision of the Superintendent.
Superintendents are charged with the implementation of the board’s policies and
day-to-day operations.
SCHOOL SYSTEM’S MOST PRESSING ISSUE: The
County is expected to receive $1.9 million less revenue from the state, which
will mean a reduction of $1,188,100 for the QACPS. That’s alarming! I hope to
help manage our public school system through this fiscal crisis, while making
AYP and keeping pace with “No Child Left Behind.”
Lisa
M. Darden
EXPERIENCE WITH SCHOOL SYSTEM: I have three
children in QACPS and have been active in the PTA for five years. During that
time, I have built strong relationships with the County Commissioners, board
members, educators and parents. I experience our school system every day and
see firsthand what is working and what is not.
HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT: The
“High School Assessment” (HSA) requirement is very important for students and
parents to understand because passing these tests is a graduation requirement
beginning with the class of 2009. A student must pass or meet minimum score
standards on the HSA in Algebra, Biology, English II, and Government.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND: “No Child
Left Behind” is a mandate that holds schools accountable for student success
and calls for highly qualified teachers in the classrooms. This can pose a
problem for school systems and boards of education because it has proven
challenging to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers.
PRIORITIES FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS: My
priority for allocation of state and local funding would be to maximize every
dollar we receive, while working to make our school system stronger and
challenge every student to do their best. We also need to explore
non-traditional funding sources and try to direct more money into the
classroom.
SCHOOL BOARD’S PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Board’s primary
responsibilities, according to Maryland state law, are to exercise control over
educational matters and to promote the interest of the schools under its
jurisdiction. The board acts on advice of the Superintendent. The
Superintendent runs the schools; the board makes sure the school system is run
well.
SCHOOL SYSTEM’S MOST PRESSING ISSUE: The
most pressing issue for our school system is to provide an excellent education
during a challenging budget cycle. New requirements are placed on our school
system every day with little or no additional funding. Our challenge is to
balance the budget and continue meeting the needs of our students.
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 receipst 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. |
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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. |