Today the statewide ballot questions were finally published by the Maryland State Board of Elections. Here is the full text on the November ballot:
Question 1 – Consitutional Amendment
Qualifications for Prince George’s County Orphans’ Court Judges
Requires judges of the Orphans’ Court for Prince George’s County to be admitted to practice law in this State and to be a member in good standing of the Maryland Bar.
For the Constitutional Amendment
Against the Constitutional Amendment
My recommendation is to vote AGAINST question 1 – It takes away the voters’ right to decide who is best for the position. REQUIRING that the position be held by an attorney is not necessary, 1) it is not required in the rest of the state, and 2) sets up potential conflicts of interest with private practice.
Question 2 – Constitutional Amendment
Qualifications for Baltimore County Orphans’ Court Judges
Requires judges of the Orphans’ Court for Baltimore County to be admitted to practice law in this State and to be a member in good standing of the Maryland Bar.
For the Constitutional Amendment
Against the Constitutional Amendment
My recommendation is to vote AGAINST question 2- (Like Question 1) It takes away the voters’ right to decide who is best for the position. REQUIRING that the position be held by an attorney is not necessary, 1) it is not required in the rest of the state, and 2) sets up potential conflicts of interest with private practice.
Question 3 – Constitutional Amendment
Suspension and Removal of Elected Officials
Changes the point at which an elected official charged with certain crimes is automatically suspended or removed from office. Under existing law, an elected official who is convicted or pleads no contest is suspended and is removed only when the conviction becomes final. Under the amended law, an elected official is suspended when found guilty and is removed when the conviction becomes final or when the elected official pleads guilty or no contest.
For the Constitutional Amendment
Against the Constitutional Amendment
My recommendation is vote FOR question 3 – It makes it easier to remove elected officials who are convicted of crimes.
Question 4 – Referendum Petition
Public Institutions of Higher Education – Tuition Rates
Establishes that individuals, including undocumented immigrants, are eligible to pay in-state tuition rates at community colleges in Maryland, provided the student meets certain conditions relating to attendance and graduation from a Maryland high school, filing of income taxes, intent to apply for permanent residency, and registration with the selective service system (if required); makes such students eligible to pay in-state tuition rates at a four-year public college or university if the student has first completed 60 credit hours or graduated from a community college in Maryland; provides that students qualifying for in-state tuition rates by this method will not be counted as in-state students for purposes of counting undergraduate enrollment; and extends the time in which honorably discharged veterans may qualify for in-state tuition rates.
For the Referred Law
Against the Referred Law
My recommendation is to vote AGAINST question 4 – Gives $15,000+ taxpayer benefit, per year, to illegal aliens and potentially reduces available spots for Maryland students. Requirements of “filing” taxes and “intention” to apply for permanent residency not enforceable and misleading.
Question 5 – Referendum Petition
Congressional Districting Plan
Establishes the boundaries for the State’s eight United States Congressional Districts based on recent census figures, as required by the United States Constitution.
For the Referred Law
Against the Referred Law
My recommendation is to vote AGAINST Question 5 – Plan favors certain candidates and not the integrity of communities and counties which are randomly divided. Anne Arundel County’s influence is greatly diminished by being divided in 4 parts.
Question 6 – Referendum Petition
Civil Marriage Protection Act
Establishes that Maryland’s civil marriage laws allow gay and lesbian couples to obtain a civil marriage license, provided they are not otherwise prohibited from marrying; protects clergy from having to perform any particular marriage ceremony in violation of their religious beliefs; affirms that each religious faith has exclusive control over its own theological doctrine regarding who may marry within that faith; and provides that religious organizations and certain related entities are not required to provide goods, services, or benefits to an individual related to the celebration or promotion of marriage in violation of their religious beliefs.
For the Referred Law
Against the Referred Law
My recommendation is vote AGAINST question 6 – Based on other states, this dramatically alters school curriculum and sex education in all schools (K-12) to promote the radical homosexual agenda. Any dissent will be considered hate speech and subjected to lawsuits until everyone conforms.
Question 7
Gaming Expansion Referendum
Do you favor the expansion of commercial gaming in the State of Maryland for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education to authorize video lottery operation licensees to operate “table games” as defined by law; to increase from 15,000 to 16,500 the maximum number of video lottery terminals that may be operated in the State; and to increase from 5 to 6 the maximum number of video lottery operation licenses that may be awarded in the State and allow a video lottery facility to operate in Prince George’s County?
For the Additional Forms and Expansion of Commercial Gaming
Against the Additional Forms and Expansion of Commercial Gaming
My recommendation is to vote AGAINST question 7 – Would reduce the amount of taxes going to education and other promised benefits, and directly reduces community fees going to Anne Arundel County.
