* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Ramos
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Informational Hearing - 2024 Election Procedures
For the purpose of inviting the Director of the Baltimore City Board of Elections, relevant staff members, and the members of the Board of Elections to appear before the City Council to discuss the upcoming 2024 general election and how the Board of Elections will address the problems that arose in the 2024 primary election that are enumerated in the recitals of this Resolution.
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Recitals
The City Council would like to ensure that the Board of Elections is issuing a sample ballot that is much different and properly noted than the mail-in ballot. Voters in the primary election reported that sample ballots and mail-in ballots were too similar, resulting in confusion and missed opportunities for some voters to cast their ballot.
The City Council would like to understand the process for selecting and deploying Election Judges, including required qualifications, recruitment processes, training protocols, and placement procedures.
The City Council would like to know if the City has selected and trained enough Judges, including Chief Judges, to staff all of the City’s polling places.
The members of the City Council have received feedback that Judges do not always know or understand the provisional ballot process. What is training will be provided to address this?
The City Council would like assurances that the ballot counting and transfer of the thumb drives containing election data will be a smooth process with no errors.
The City Council has learned that the maintenance of the counting machines and preparation of the machines for voting has been outsourced to a company outside of the City and would like more information about this.
The City Council would like to understand the status of moving into a new warehouse facility that is very much needed for the Board of Elections.
The City Council wants assurances that all polling locations are accessible and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act
The City Council is interested in succession planning for all City agencies. The leadership of the Board of Elections has a significant amount of institutional knowledge and works to deliver efficient elections to Baltimore City every 2 years. What is the succession plan for the Board of Elections?
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the City Council invites the Director of the Baltimore City Board of Elections, relevant staff members, and the members of the Board of Elections to appear before the City Council to discuss the upcoming 2024 general election and how the Board of Elections will address the problems that arose in the 2024 primary election that are enumerated in the recitals of this Resolution.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Director of the Baltimore City Board of Elections, the members of the Baltimore City Board of Electi0ns, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.