Our voting rights are under attack.
Voting rights are under attack across the country, impacting Black voters and other voters of color. We’re calling on Free State legislators to step up and lead by passing the MD Voting Rights Act (MDVRA).
It’s time for Maryland to become a national leader on voting rights and ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in elections.
Why Now?
In 1965, the federal Voting Rights Act (VRA) was passed to protect voters of color against racial discrimination in voting by banning literacy tests, eliminating poll taxes, and outlawing intimidation tactics.
However, the federal VRA is weakening.
Over the last several decades, the Supreme Court has increasingly rolled back many of the federal VRA’s crucial safeguards against discrimination.
Under the Trump Administration, the chances of needed federal voting rights legislation being enacted are even lower, and the threat to voter protections are growing by the day. Through a strong MDVRA, Maryland legislators can help protect all voters.
The MDVRA is a four-bill legislative package that accomplishes five main objectives:
Increase Election Transparency
Prohibit Vote Denial and Dilution
Expand Language Assistance in Elections
Stop Voter Intimidation
Halt Discrimination before it Occurs in High-risk Places
the time is now.
What We’re Doing to Protect MD Voters
2025 Legislative Recap
During the 2025 legislative session, two parts of the MDVRA package saw movement—protections against discriminatory vote dilution and expanded language access.
A stepping stone towards comprehensive language assistance in election-related activities (HB 983/SB 685) passed out of both chambers, and Governor Wes Moore signed the bill into law on May 6, 2025.
Vote dilution protections (SB 342) passed out of the Senate and died in the House Ways and Means Committee.
Other 2025 Wins for MDVRA Campaign
Generated support for the MDVRA from more than 60 state and national organizations
Secured legislative hearings on language access, vote dilution, voter suppression, voter intimidation, and preclearance
Demonstrate overwhelming public support for the MDVRA through public opinion polling
Why This Matters to Voters in MD
While Maryland has adopted some of the most progressive voting laws in the nation, barriers that lead to voter suppression and discrimination are still evident and felt in many counties.
What has been your experience at the polls?
Share your experience with us via email at MDVRAInfo@naacpldf.org.
Coalition Story Needed
Tell us about your voting experience.
the time is now.
Want to Learn More?
Use any of the below resources to learn more about the importance of the MDVRA
and what’s at stake for Marylanders.
Understanding Vote Dilution
Download
Why MD Needs a Voting Rights Act
Download / Descargar en español
Understanding Private Enforcement
Download
MDVRA Poll: Key Findings
Download
Understanding Preclearance
Download
Language Access Download/Descargar en español
MDVRA IN THE PRESS
Check out our latest news, updates, and insights right in this press box.
Recap: How Three States are Protecting Voting Rights - Common Cause Maryland
Hearing Makes Case for Expanding Language Access on the Ballot - Common Cause Maryland
The Time is Now to Make Maryland a National Leader on State Voting Rights–The Baltimore Beat
Marylanders deserve equal voting access before it’s too late | AFRO American Newspapers
It’s time to pass the Maryland Voting Rights Act - MarylandReporter.com
The Time is Now to Make Maryland a National Leader on State Voting Rights – Maryland Matters
Ways to Support the MDVRA
You can join the growing support for MDVRA
Spread the Word on Social Media
Help spread the word about the importance of a MDVRA with your friends, family, colleagues, and community. Use our official hashtag #PassTheMDVRA #TheTimeIsNow
Email MDRVAinfo@naacpldf.org to get more involved.
