General Election Ballot Questions
There are five Constitutional Amendments that will appear statewide on the November 8, 2022 general election ballots. The Secretary of State is responsible for preparing and certifying the statewide ballot question language. A non-techinical summary of the statewide Constitutional Amendments/questions is provided by the Department of Legislative Services. Additionally, these local ballot questions will appear in certain counties (PDF). 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 Ballots will have five Constitutional Amendments (found here) and one local Howard County ballot question (found here on page 23).
The Howard County Democratic Central Committee (HCDCC) has voted by way of a majority vote while having committee quorum on each of the six total ballot questions to appear on the 2022 General Election Ballot. The result are as follows.
Howard County Question A – Local Referendum by Petition (CB63-2020) – County Resources – Federal Immigration. (To appear on the 4th page of your ballot.)
HCDCC is For the Law
Question A asks voters if they are in agreement with a law passed in December 2020, prohibiting Howard County employees from asking about or discriminating against anyone regarding their immigration status, and, unless required by federal law, prohibits police from enforcing federal immigration law, such as, reporting immigrants to ICE. Question A will appear on the ballot as shown above and the HCDCC give full support for the law, as such, HCDCC is For the Law.
Question 1 – Constitutional Amendment (Ch. 82 of the 2021 Legislature Session) – Court of Appeals and Special Appeals – Renaming. (To appear on the 3rd page of your ballot.)
HCDCC abstains.
Question 1 asks voters if they agree with changing the names of the two appellate courts in Maryland. The lower appellate court is called the Court of Special Appeals and would be changed to the Maryland Appellate Court. The highest court is called the Court of Appeals and would be changed to Supreme Court of Maryland. Question 1 will appear on the ballot as shown above and the HCDCC have voted to abstain from taking a position on this Constitutional Amendment.
Question 2 – Constitutional Amendment (Ch. 808 of 2022 Legislative Session) – Legislative Department – Eligibility to Serve as Senators and Delegates – Place of Abode. (To appear on the 3rd page of your ballot.)
HCDCC is For the Constitutional Amendment.
Question 2 increases the residency requirement that beginning January 1, 2024, not only is a State Delegate or State Senator required to have an intent to live in the district they represent but also they must maintain a primary residence in the district they represent. In other words, this Constitutional Amendment would require that state representatives or individuals seeking office not only reside in the district they represent, but also maintain a primary residence there. Question 2 as shown above and the HCDCC give full support for the law, as such, HCDCC is For the Constitutional Amendment.
Question 3 – Constitutional Amendment (Ch. 809 of 2022 Legislative Session) – Civil Jury Trials. (To appear on the 3rd page of your ballot.)
HCDCC abstains.
Question 3 addresses an increase in the minimum amount required to have a right to jury trial in civil cases. In 1992, voters approved an increase to $5,000 to guarantee a right to a jury trial; in 2006, the amount would increase to $10,000; and in 2010, the amount increased to $15,000. The amount being asked of voters is for it to be increased to $25,000. If approved, the amount in controversy not meeting the $25,000 threshold would be decided by a judge’s verdict. Question 3 will appear on the ballot as shown above and the HCDCC have voted to abstain from taking a position on this Constitutional Amendment.
Question 4 – Constitutional Amendment (Ch. 45 of 2022 Legislative Session) – Cannabis – Legalization of Adult Use and Possession. (To appear on the 3rd page of your ballot.)
HCDCC is For the Constitutional Amendment.
Question 4 addresses several issues related to cannabis use in Maryland. Primarily, it would allow for anyone over the age of 21 years of age on or after July 1, 2023, to recreationally purchase, possess, and use cannabis for personal use. Currently, cannabis has been legal for medicinal use since 2013. By approving Question 4, a new article, Article XX, would be added to the Maryland Constitution. Please refer to page 5 of the non-technical summary provided by the Department of Legislative Services explaining companion legislation, Ch. 26 – HB 837 that would go into effect with the approval of this Constitutional Amendment. Question 4 will appear on the ballot as shown above and the HCDCC give full support of the Constitutional Amendment, as such, HCDCC is For the Constitutional Amendment.
Question 5 – Constitutional Amendment (Ch. 539 of 2022 Legislative Session) – Circuit Court for Howard County – Judges Sitting as Orphans’ Court. (To appear on the 3rd page of your ballot.)
HCDCC abstains.
Question 5 if approved by a majority of Howard County voters and statewide voters would eliminate election of Orphan’s Court judges and the Orphan’s Court in Howard County. The Orphan’s Court is the probate court that handles matters of estates of individuals who have passed away. If approved, Howard County would join Montgomery County and Harford County where Circuit Court judges have absorbed the duties of the Orphan’s Court judges. Question 5 will appear on the ballot as shown above and the HCDCC have voted to abstain from taking a position on this Constitutional Amendment.