Exercise Civil Right Number One

Today is National Voter Registration Day, an opportunity remind every eligible Marylander across the state – Republican, Democrat, Independent, whatever your affiliation – to register to vote by Tuesday, October 14, in time for the November 4 general election.

Dr. Martin Luther King called the right to vote, “civil right number one.” As he said, voting – “is more than a badge of citizenship and dignity – it is an effective tool for change… and the foundation-stone for political action.”

We’re committed in Maryland to doing what works – and government works best when more people participate at the ballot box.

That’s why here in Maryland, in contrast to many other states, we’ve expanded access to the polls. We’ve enabled on-site early voting, expanded our online voter registration services, and allowed young Marylanders to register before their 18th birthday as long as the general election falls after it. And beginning in 2016, we’ll have same-day registration.

We’ve done more, not less to secure voting rights for the mentally disabled, and more, not less to give our military men and women every opportunity to have their vote counted, no matter where they may be stationed.

These are common sense reforms that knock down more of the obstacles that still keep people away from the polls on Election Day.

I hope more Marylanders everywhere, regardless of party affiliation, will exercise their right to vote this November 4th.

You can register online or in person at your local or State Board of Elections, as well as at public colleges and universities and Motor Vehicle Administration offices. For a complete listing of voter registration locations and information on how to register quickly and easily, visit elections.maryland.gov.