ANNAPOLIS –
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin today joined with
U.S.
Senator Barbara Mikulski, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler and the chairs of the Maryland Democratic and Republican parties to urge Marylanders who are eligible to vote to register by the October 14 deadline. There are approximately one million Marylanders who are eligible to vote, but have not yet registered for the November 4 Election.
The last day to register is October 14.
“The 2008 Election will be historic and it’s important to our nation’s future that all Marylanders who are eligible to vote register by October 14 so they can participate in this year’s election,” said
Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
He has sponsored legislation that would criminalize deceptive voter practices.
In the 2006 Election there were a number of incidents, particularly in minority communities, in which misinformation was handed out in attempts to suppress the vote or confuse voters. “Our state will not tolerate such practices,” said
Senator Cardin. Last month Senator Cardin chaired a Judiciary Committee hearing and questioned Justice Department officials regarding their preparedness for the upcoming presidential election.
“This is an historic election, and our nation faces an historic choice. Our next president will determine our economic future, who will be on the Supreme Court and America's role in the world,” said
Senator Mikulski. “Every vote counts, and every vote must be counted.
So voters — get revved up, get riled up and get ready to go. Register to vote today, and cast your ballot November 4
th.”
“We will not tolerate voter intimidation of any kind in our State. As Marylanders and as Americans, we can all take pride in our democracy, but democracy only works when we all stand up to be counted,” said
Governor O'Malley. “This year, no matter who you are supporting, and no matter where you live, you have the opportunity to make history. Make sure in this crucial election year that your voice is heard and your vote is counted.”
“With the important issues facing American voters today, it is imperative that all eligible voters be encouraged to register to vote and to participate in the electoral process. Our democratic system depends on our ability to ensure that all citizens who are entitled to vote do so, and that intimidation, misinformation, and deceitful tactics are not used to discourage citizens from voting,” stated
Attorney General Gansler.
There are currently 3.3 million registered voters in Maryland.
That number has increased by 219,000 since the beginning of the year, which is a 6.6 percent increase.
For questions about registration or about voting, Marylanders should call the State Board of Elections, 1-800-222-8683 or visit their web site at
www.elections.state.md.us
.
