In addition to Barack Obama’s big win in yesterday’s election, there were seven Maryland state questions and two Montgomery County questions on the ballot. In depth information about the ballot questions can be found in the League of Women Voters Voter Guide. Here are the results on those ballot questions and how they may affect us in Montgomery County:
Statewide Questions
Questions 1 & 2: These questions were proposed amendments to the Maryland constitution to require that judges on the Orphan’s Court for Prince George’s County and Baltimore County have practiced law in the state and be a member in good standing of the Maryland Bar. Each was approved with about 88% of the vote.
Question 3: Question three was a proposed amendment to the Maryland constitution providing for removal of an elected official upon conviction of a felony or certain misdemeanors. Previously, an elected official was only removed upon sentencing. This amendment was approved with 88% of the vote.
Question 4: Question four is a referendum on the DREAM Act, passed by the Maryland Assembly, which would allow all Maryland residents who graduate from Maryland High Schools and whose families pay taxes in Maryland to pay in-state tuition rates at Maryland higher education institutions. The DREAM Act was approved with 59% of the vote.
Question 5: Maryland’s Congressional Redistricting plan was approved with 63% of the vote.
Question 6: Maryland became the first state in the country to approve same-sex marriage by popular referendum with 52% of the vote.
Question 7: Question 7 will expand gambling to Prince George’s County and allow casinos to have table games in addition to slots. It was approved with 52% of the vote.
Montgomery County Questions
Question A: Question A allows Montgomery County to recruit and select qualified individuals with severe physical and mental disabilities on a non-competitive basis. It was approved with 80% of the vote.
Question B: Question B was a referendum on a law passed by the County Council wanting to repeal the ability of the police union to bargain over the “effects” of all management decisions. It passed with 58% of the vote. Question B will allow Chief Manger to manage his department more effectively and efficiently to protect the public safety.
Kayla Lopez is an intern in Councilmember Navarro’s office and a student at Sherwood High School.