[MD-AtLarge] It's Time to Write Letters for SB 271

[Sharon Maneki]

Hello all,
The hearing for this bill will be on Thursday February 18 at 11 AM. The
email address for the senators is firstname.lastname at senate.state.md.us
Everyone should write to the chairman of the Education, Health, and
Environmental Affairs committee, Senator Paul Pinsky.

If you live in Anne Arundel County, write to Senators Edward Reilly and
Bryan Simonaire.

If you live in Baltimore City, write to Senator Mary Washington.

If you live in Howard County or Baltimore County, write to Senator Clarence
Lam and thank him for sponsoring the bill.

If you live in Carroll or Howard County, write to Senator Katie Fry Hester (
katiefry.hester at senate.state.md.us).

If you live in Charles County, write to Senator Arthur Ellis.

If you live in Cecil or Harford County, write to Senator Jason Gallion.

If you live in Montgomery County, write to Senator Cheryl Kagan.

If you live in Prince George's County, write to Senator Obie Patterson.

If you live in Somerset, Wicomico, or Worcester County, write to Senator
Mary Beth Carroza.

Pasted below is a sample letter for you in case you need it.

February 2021



Senator Paul Pinsky

2W Miller Senate Office Building

11 Bladen Street

Annapolis, MD 21401



Dear Senator Pinsky,



The Preamble of SB 271 changes the policy of the state for voting.  It
reads “It is the policy of this State to ensure all voters are able to cast
a secret ballot.” If you believe that all voters deserve the right to vote
privately and secretly, you should vote in favor of this bill.



Prior to the 2016 election, Maryland had one voting system for all citizens.
In the 2016 and 2018 elections blind and disabled voters lost their right
to a secret ballot because the government refused to purchase enough
electronic ballot marking devices for all voters;  thus, the majority of
voters marked their ballot by hand.   Blind and disabled voters were forced
to use a separate, electronic voting system.  Electronic ballots are
visibly different and can be easily identified, especially in recounts.



Please restore the right of a secret ballot to blind and disabled voters by
voting in favor of SB 271.



Sincerely,

Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Email Address


 Thanks for your efforts on protecting voting rights for the blind and
disabled citizens of Maryland.

*Sharon Maneki, Director of Legislation and Advocacy*
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
410-715-9596

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is
not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Everyday we raise
the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.
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