MarylandHB 01152026 Regular SessionHouse

Election Law - Individuals Released From State Correctional Facilities - Automatic Restoration of Voter Registration

Sponsored By: Jheanelle K. Wilkins (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

ElectionsAddressesData -see also- Census; DemographicsElections, State Board ofElectronic CommunicationElectronic GovernmentEx-OffendersNoticesPersonal Identifying InformationPrivacyPublic Safety and Correctional Services, Department ofRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsRegistration -see also- Motor Vehicle RegistrationStandards and Best PracticesVoting -see also- Absentee and Mail-In Voting

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Automatic voter registration after prison release

Beginning January 1, 2027, Maryland creates an automatic way to restore voter registration after release from a State correctional facility. By January 1, 2028, Public Safety and the State Board of Elections must have an electronic system running. Each month, Public Safety sends the Board a list of people released the prior month with name, birth date, last four of SSN or a driver or state ID number, release date, and new address. The Board finds who was registered in Maryland before incarceration and who now lives in Maryland, then promptly makes them active voters at the new address. The local election office mails a voter notification card and a notice that confirms registration, says the person can vote in all federal, state, and local elections, and explains how to decline or update the address. The law keeps private which agency handled the person’s registration under this process.

Voting rights notices after release

At release, Public Safety gives each person a voter registration form and discharge papers stating their voting rights are restored. Public Safety posts a clear notice on its website saying anyone no longer incarcerated has the right to vote. Public Safety also displays the same message on signs in every parole and probation office where public notices are posted.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jheanelle K. Wilkins
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Charlotte Crutchfield
Democratic • House
Mary A. Lehman
Democratic • House
Sheree Sample-Hughes
Democratic • House
Melissa Wells
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 163 • No: 143

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 30 • No: 13 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/18/2026

Floor Amendment {743324/1 (Delegate Grammer) Rejected

Yes: 33 • No: 97 • Other: 7