Dear Members and Friends,

I am forwarding the following statement from the Maryland state Democratic Party about Hogan's decision to hold the November election in person.

Please call the governor's office at 410-974-3901 or email through their web portal and voice your opposition! [Toll free number is 1-800-811-8336; MD Relay is 1-800-735-2258.] Please note that the only correspondence being accepted by the governor's office at this time is via the online portal.

Sincerely,

Cindy Yoe, CCDWC President

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Statement on Hogan's Decision to Hold November Election In-Person

For Immediate Release 7/8/20

Annapolis, MD-- On Wednesday Governor Larry Hogan directed the State Board of Elections to hold in-person elections on November 3, 2020.

The Maryland Democratic Party and a growing consensus of elected officials, public health experts, and election experts agree that the upcoming Presidential General Election should be conducted by vote-by-mail with as many early voting and in-person voting locations as safety will allow.

"We are living in a world where our entire way of life and economy can be wiped out in a matter of days. Why on earth would Gov. Hogan recommend that our public buildings be open and staffed for the general election, when we have no idea what our public health situation will be by the Fall?" Said Maryland Democratic Party Chair Yvette Lewis. "If the Governor insists on an in-person precinct-level election, then he must be held fully responsible for any and all poll-worker shortages; lack of PPE; or long lines associated with his decision. We must follow the advice of the scientists and public health experts."

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