Bill > SB255

This bill, titled the Voting Rights Act of 2026, aims to protect the voting rights of "protected classes" – groups of voters defined by race, color, or language minority status – in county and municipal elections. It prohibits any election method that unfairly prevents these groups from electing candidates of their choice or from influencing election outcomes by diluting or weakening their voting power. The bill defines "polarized voting" as a situation where different groups of voters consistently prefer different candidates or electoral choices, and establishes that a violation occurs if polarized voting exists and the election method diminishes the voting strength of a protected class. Courts will consider various factors to determine polarized voting, including past election results and methodologies used to enforce federal voting rights laws, and will not be prevented from finding a violation if a protected class has elected candidates in the past or if there's low voter turnout. The bill also allows for legal action to enforce these provisions, with courts empowered to order remedies, including attorney's fees for prevailing private plaintiffs, and can grant preliminary relief for upcoming elections if certain conditions are met.

Education, Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0255?ys=2026RS