Advocates Win Hard-Fought Victory as Maryland Legislature Passes Landmark Protections to Ensure Every Vote Counts Equally

ACLU: [email protected]
Campaign Legal Center: [email protected]
Common Cause: [email protected]
League of Women Voters of Maryland: [email protected]
Legal Defense Fund: [email protected]

Following years of tireless advocacy, the Maryland Voting Rights Act coalition successfully secured the passage of SB 255, a historic bill to empower voters of color and eliminate discriminatory voting systems. SB 255, is a crucial part of the Maryland Voting Rights Act (MDVRA) and now heads to Governor Wes Moore's desk.

The victory is a direct result of sustained efforts by civil rights and grassroots organizations to address systemic barriers. Maryland has the second highest share of eligible Black voters in the country, but in recent years, Black voters have faced unfair districts or at-large election systems that have historically weakened the voting power of Black voters in Maryland. SB 255 addresses these issues by prohibiting racially discriminatory district maps or election systems at the local level.

The successful passage of SB 255 is a significant victory in the coalition's years-long campaign for the MDVRA, carrying forward the momentum from the 2025 efforts, when a stepping stone towards comprehensive language assistance (HB 983/SB 685), another key portion of the full MDVRA, was signed into law. Advocates would like to thank Senator Sydnor and Delegate Wims for championing the bill, as well as Senate President Ferguson, Speaker Peña-Melnyk, Chair Wells, and Chair Feldman for their efforts to secure passage last night.

"This is a massive win not just for Marylanders who will finally get the increased protections that they deserve against discrimination, but for voters across the country as State VRAs gain even more momentum," said Legal Defense Fund Policy Counsel Imani Brooks. "The Maryland legislature stepped up to the plate and made it clear that their priority is protecting their constituents from discrimination in all aspects of life, including vote dilution that has been a particular barrier for Black voters in the Free State."

"This is a pivotal moment for voting rights in Maryland," said Dara Johnson, Associate Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Maryland. "This victory represents what Black voters and other voters of color have been saying for years - that Maryland's diverse communities deserve a better way to safeguard their votes in local elections. We are thankful that the Senate and House decided to pass this legislation in the last minutes of the 2026 legislative session and hope that momentum will carry over into the next session to pass HB 219, also including the MDVRA package, which would further protect Marylanders from voter suppression and intimidation."

"We are at a critical moment and democracy reforms, especially those centering Black and other communities of color, must be a priority for the General Assembly. SB 255 should have passed early in the legislative session, but we are grateful that at the final few minutes, the House of Delegates joined the Senate in passing the strongest version of MDVRA, empowering Marylanders who have been purposefully sidelined from our political processes for far too long," said Joanne Antoine, Common Cause's Maryland Executive Director. "By removing these barriers, we're ensuring that all levels of government reflect the people they serve and every voter has the power to influence the policies that shape their everyday lives. Our work is not over. The MDVRA is a package of bills, including HB 219 that would have established protections against voter intimidation and suppression. That legislation did not pass but must be a priority for both chambers next session.

"This bill is another significant legislative victory for Maryland voters that will enact necessary protections against discriminatory voting practices," said Aseem Mulji, senior legal counsel for redistricting at Campaign Legal Center. "This law is a crucial part of the Maryland Voting Rights Act that will ensure historically disenfranchised Marylanders can continue to make their voices heard at the ballot box and elect representatives who reflect their values and will fight for their communities. Years of tireless advocacy by the Maryland Voting Rights Act coalition went into making this law a reality for voters in the state, and we applaud the legislature for doing the right thing and getting this bill over the finish line."

"While we're happy with the outcome of the passage of SB255 in its strongest posture, it's important to acknowledge that the win was not easy," said Nikki Tyree, League of Women Voters of Maryland Executive Director. "As minority communities know, and have lived under, Maryland is not as safe for voters as it could be. This small victory is just one step in giving all voters equal protections and access to the ballot, something that Black and Brown voters have been too easily denied here."

"For years, the St. Mary's County NAACP has worked tirelessly to shine a light on voting systems and practices that risk diluting the voices of our communities. Through sustained advocacy, education, and engagement, we have pushed for reforms that uphold the fundamental promise of fair and equal representation, said Mia Bowers, St. Mary's County NAACP President. "With the passage of SB255, the Maryland Voting Rights Act, we are entering a new chapter-one where our concerns can be heard and evaluated in a court of law before an impartial judge. This landmark legislation provides a critical pathway to challenge inequities and seek meaningful relief when voting rights are threatened. We honor the years of effort that brought us to this moment and remain committed to ensuring that every vote carries its full weight, and every voice is truly heard."

Maryland joins a growing movement of eight other states that have enacted legislation like the MDVRA. SB 255 could not have been passed at a more timely moment as the foundation of our democracy - the right to vote - is under attack every day at the federal level.

While the passage of SB 255 is an exciting victory, there's still more work to be done to implement the MDVRA in Maryland. HB 219, MDVRA legislation which would have ensured voters can cast their ballot free from intimidation or harassment, did not move forward this session.

To learn more about the full MDVRA package, visit here.

To learn more about racial vote dilution, visit here.

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