General Election 2024 Ballot Questions
There is one Constitutional Amendment that will appear statewide on the November 5, 2024 general election ballots. The Secretary of State is responsible for preparing and certifying the statewide ballot question language not later than Friday, August 2, 2024. Additionally, local ballot questions are appearing in other counties (PDF).Howard County’s Question A appears on PDF page 23. Source: Maryland Board of Election website.
2022 General Election Proofing Ballot for Howard County (Posted 9/8/2022) – available here
As stated above, General Election 2024 Ballots will have one Constitutional Amendment (found here) and one local Howard County ballot question (found here on page 23).
The Howard County Democratic Central Committee (HCDCC) supports yes FOR on Question 1 Maryland Constitutional Amendment and yes FOR on Questoin Howard County Charter Amendment creating an Office of Inspector General to appear on the 2024 General Election Ballot.
Question 1 – Constitutional Amendment (Ch. 245 of the 2023 Legislative Session) Declaration of Rights – Right to Reproductive Freedom (To appear on the 2nd page of your ballot.)
HCDCC is For the Constitutional Amendment
Question 1 “yes” For the Constitutional Amendment vote supports adding a new article to the Maryland Constitution guaranteeing the right to reproductive freedom, including decisions regarding pregnancy prevention, continuation, or termination. The amendment is supported by Governor Wes Moore, Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, and several unions and organizations like Pro-Choice Maryland. This measure aligns with a trend in several states addressing abortion-related rights through ballot initiatives following the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that left abortion regulations to individual states.
Question 1 will appear on the ballot as shown above and the HCDCC gives full support for the Maryland Constitutional Amendment, as such, HCDCC is For the Constitutional Amendment.
Question A – Question A Charter Amendment Office of Inspector General (To appear on the 2nd page of your ballot.)
HCDCC is For the Charter Amendment
Question A asks for the creation of an independent Office of Inspector General (OIG). The Howard County Democratic Central Committee supports Question A, a charter amendment on the 2024 ballot. This office would be empowered to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse within county government and county-funded organizations, promoting efficiency, compliance, and accountability. Importantly, the OIG would function independently, free from interference by the County Executive or County Council, ensuring impartial oversight. The amendment was proposed after public support emerged during hearings, and the County Council moved to fast-track the measure to the ballot. The OIG would have the ability to hire legal, financial, and technical experts, and the County Executive’s budget would be required to include its funding requests. Proponents, including bipartisan county leaders, emphasize that the creation of the OIG will strengthen government transparency and protect taxpayer dollars, with the support of the community reflected in strong public turnout and backing during hearings.
Question A will appear on the ballot as shown above and the HCDCC have voted togive full support of the Charter Amendment, as such, HCDCC is For the Charter Amendment.