At its February 24 meeting, the Board of Public Works approved a service contract to continue use of the current "on-screen" voting machines for the 2010 elections. As previously discussed here, the Governor's budget for FY 2011 does not include funding for the anticipated purchase of new voting machines. MACo has consistently opposed the investment in new voting systems, while both State and county governments are still paying for the previously purchased system.  Prior to…

Legislation passed during the 2009 Legislative Session requiring early voting to be implemented in Maryland for the upcoming 2010 Gubernatorial Elections.  Early voting will allow voters to vote at polling places in or outside of their election districts or wards during the two weeks immediately preceding an election.  For a complete list of early voting sites by county recently approved by the State Board of Elections click here.

As the State struggles to close a $2 billion budget deficit and counties work to close shortfalls of their own, MACo has gone on the record suggesting that committing massive new funds to replace a functioning voting system should not be a top priority. According to State Board of Election officials, the purchase and implementation of the new system will cost approximately $76.8 million. This cost is to be split 50/50 by the State and…

In a letter sent to the Board of Public Works, MACo raises concerns with the approval of a contract for a new voting system.   There has been much discussion about the new system in recent weeks.  Governor O'Malley indicated during a MPT interview that he has heard from county governments that implementation of the system should be delayed because of time constraints and the cost during tough budget times.  A recent Gazette article indicated that…

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) wants to hear from local and state elections officials about the merger of the top two elections systems companies that he fears could raise antitrust issues.  To read article about the merger click here. How to Comment County elections officials who wish to send comments to the Senate Rules and Administration Committee may address them to: Chairman Charles E. Schumer, Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Russell Senate Office Building Room…