The Maryland House of Delegates today gave final approval to House Bill 532, Elective Franchise – Registration and Voting at Precinct Polling Place. The final vote was 91-47.

The bill proposes amending the Maryland Constitution to authorize the General Assembly to allow a qualified individual to register and vote at a precinct polling place on Election Day. As is the case with all proposed amendments to the Maryland Constitution, the measure must be approved by a two-thirds vote of each chamber of the Maryland General Assembly. If the law is passed, the Constitutional Amendment would need to be approved by voters in the 2018 Gubernatorial Election.

Prior to passing the bill, the House of Delegates rejected an amendment proposed by Delegate Susan McComas that would have required anyone who registers to vote on Election Day provide identification and sign a sworn affidavit attesting to their identity.

The bill’s cross-file, Senate Bill 594, was heard by the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee on February 15 and no further action has been taken on the bill since the hearing.

MACo did not take a position on HB 532/SB 594.

Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.