Maryland Election Administrator Addresses Concerns Over ‘Nationalization’ of Voting Processes

The Maryland State Administrator of Elections has issued a statement to counter claims suggesting a federal takeover of election administration, emphasizing the constitutional authority of states to manage their electoral processes. According to the Maryland State Board of Elections, these assertions are being made in response to recent high-profile press statements that have raised questions about election security and the possibility of nationalizing election administration. The state’s election authority aims to provide clarity and reassurance to voters regarding the integrity and security of Maryland’s elections.

The United States Constitution vests the predominant authority for administering elections with the individual states. Each state conducts its elections according to its own laws and regulations, with only limited authority reserved for Congress. The State Administrator clarified that the President of the United States does not possess the constitutional or statutory power to nationalize Maryland’s election processes. This distinction is crucial for understanding the framework of election governance in the U.S.

The United States Constitution is clear: the authority to administer elections predominately resides with the States. The States administer and conduct elections each according to their laws and regulations, subject to limited Congressional authority. The President of the United States has no constitutional or statutory authority to nationalize Maryland’s elections and electoral processes.

State Administrator of Elections, Jared DeMarinis

Maryland voters are assured by the State Administrator of Elections that the state is committed to conducting elections in a manner that is safe, secure, transparent, and accessible to all eligible citizens. This commitment is rooted in the principles enshrined in Maryland’s Declaration of Rights, which recognizes the people’s right to participate in the legislature as a vital safeguard of liberty and the bedrock of free government. The state affirms that every citizen meeting the qualifications outlined in the Constitution holds the right to cast their vote.

Furthermore, the presence of federal enforcement agents near polling locations has been cited as a potential source of apprehension for some communities. The Maryland State Board of Elections is dedicated to safeguarding voters from any form of harassment or intimidation concerning their voting activity, including when, how, or for whom they cast their ballot. Elections are presented as the cornerstone of democracy, serving as the primary mechanism for citizens to voice their opinions and shape the future of the state. All eligible voters are reminded of their constitutional right to participate, and they are encouraged not to let any perceived threats deter them from voting.

For individuals who prefer an alternative to in-person voting, mail-in voting is highlighted as a secure, convenient, and legal option. The state urges voters not to allow external influences or “noise” to silence their voices or disenfranchise them. The right to vote is presented as a hard-won privilege throughout American history, and the state emphasizes its commitment to protecting this right diligently. Marylanders are encouraged to have confidence in the state’s election administration.

The board is committed to ensuring that Marylanders can exercise their constitutional right to vote in a verified, open, transparent, and empowering manner that prioritizes safety and security. Additional information can be found on the Maryland State Board of Elections website at http://www.elections.maryland.gov.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland State Board of Elections.

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