Several states will have measures on the ballot this fall, that if passed, would have major fiscal consequences, some of which would affect local governments. Washington is one of several states where voters this fall will weigh in on ballot measures that, if passed, would have enormous fiscal consequences. Voters in California, Colorado and Massachusetts will take up tax questions that could expand or shrink the foundations on which future budgets are built. Drama awaits…

In the wake of Tuesday's candidate filing deadline, the Daily Record reports on a number of General Assembly races expected to be contested this fall, including several "leadership" legislators who nonetheless face challenges in their districts. From the coverage: With the battle lines finally drawn Tuesday night, some high-ranking Maryland lawmakers could face a tough road back to Annapolis in an election year that promises to bring dozens of new faces to the General Assembly.…

With the filing deadline for this fall's elections upon us (this evening), county officials are welcome to use the Maryland State Board of Elections website as a tool to track filings. Here are two direct links to check candidate lists: 2010 State Candidate List 2010 Local Candidate List According to the State Board staff: The new list is updated automatically every 20 minutes starting at 9:00 am until 11:00 pm. Once you click onto an…

As reported in the Gazette, the State Board of Elections adopted a policy at its meeting yesterday to regulate the use of social media such as Twitter and Facebook during political campaigns. The rules say online communications should include "by authority of" lines, which are required now for printed material. If a tweet or an online advertisement doesn't have room for the line, it can be included in the home page or landing page of…