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Maryland Voting Rights Act bill would let state AG and citizens challenge vote dilution; advocates urge passage
Summary
Sen. Antonio Sydnor introduced a bill to create a Maryland Voting Rights Act, authorizing the state attorney general and private parties to sue when county or municipal election methods dilute the voting strength of protected classes.
Sen. Antonio Sydnor introduced Senate Bill 342, which would create a Maryland Voting Rights Act to prohibit electoral methods that dilute the voting strength of protected classes and to give the Maryland attorney general—and private plaintiffs—a state cause of action to seek injunctive relief, damages or other remedies.
Sen. Sydnor described recent local and federal litigation involving redistricting and at‑large voting—cases in Baltimore County, Federalsburg and Wicomico County—that supporters said illustrate the need for a state enforcement tool. “While the Federal Voting Rights Act gives the US Attorney General the ability to sue,” he said, “the reality is that office does not have…
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