A Maryland civic initiative
Let Marylanders vote on the laws that affect them.
Maryland is one of the few states where citizens can't place a proposed law or constitutional amendment on the ballot themselves. Let MD Vote is a nonpartisan campaign to establish that process — not to pass any specific law through it.
The proposal
What we're asking the legislature to put on the ballot
This is the actual constitutional amendment language Let MD Vote is advocating for.
Citizen Initiative and Referendum
Authorizing registered voters of the State to propose public general laws and amendments to the Maryland Constitution by submitting an initiative petition signed by 10,000 registered voters; requiring a properly certified proposal to be submitted to voters at the next statewide general election; providing that a proposal approved by a majority of the votes cast becomes law; and prohibiting the General Assembly or any State officer from imposing additional signature, geographic distribution, legislative approval, or supermajority requirements on the initiative process.
(Adding Article [TBD] to the Maryland Constitution)
FOR the Constitutional Amendment
A vote FOR this amendment means that Maryland voters could propose a statewide public general law or amendment to the Maryland Constitution by submitting a petition signed by 10,000 registered Maryland voters. A properly certified proposal would be placed on the ballot at the next statewide general election. A proposal approved by a majority of the votes cast would become law. The General Assembly and State officers could not impose additional signature, geographic distribution, legislative approval, or supermajority requirements on the initiative process.
AGAINST the Constitutional Amendment
A vote AGAINST this amendment means that Maryland law would remain unchanged. Maryland voters would not have the constitutional authority to place proposed statewide laws or constitutional amendments on the ballot through a citizen initiative petition.
This is not an official ballot question — it has not yet been introduced or enacted. It's the amendment language Let MD Vote is advocating for; the bracketed question and chapter numbers will be filled in once the legislature assigns them.
About
Maryland’s laws and constitution set many important rules for public life, but citizens have limited ability to place statutory or constitutional questions directly before voters through a citizen-initiated ballot process.
Let MD Vote advocates for a statewide mechanism that allows citizens to propose eligible measures for voter consideration, through a clear, orderly procedure with strong safeguards and transparent administration.
Our case in a nutshell
Citizen ballot access is a practical tool used in many states to increase engagement and accountability. It creates a lawful avenue for voters to raise issues of broad public concern when traditional pathways stall.
More public participation
Invites citizens into the process with a clear, rule-bound method to propose measures.
More accountability
Encourages responsiveness by ensuring voters have a procedural option when issues are widely supported.
More trust
When people can lawfully act, political pressure stays peaceful, transparent, and focused.
How a citizen initiative process works
States that allow ballot initiatives typically use a straightforward framework. Specific rules vary, but the structure is consistent.
A structured signature process
A proposal is drafted, reviewed for eligibility under defined rules, then supporters gather a required number of valid signatures within a set timeframe.
Election authorities verify signatures, and if thresholds are met, the measure appears on the ballot for voters to approve or reject.
Safeguards matter
A good system includes clear eligibility rules, transparent counting, fraud prevention, and straightforward public summaries so voters can make informed decisions.
This site is a public overview, not legal advice. Any specific proposal should be reviewed with qualified counsel.
Get involved
The most useful step you can take right now is to ask your county or municipal council to adopt a non-binding resolution supporting expanded citizen ballot access in Maryland.
A non-binding resolution does not change the law or require the council to take further action. It is a formal statement of the council’s position. When local governments adopt these resolutions, they demonstrate that support for citizen ballot initiatives is not merely theoretical or confined to one organization. It exists in communities across the state.
Each resolution helps build a public record of support, gives state legislators evidence that their constituents want reform, and encourages other local governments to consider the issue.
Local governments
If you serve on a county or municipal council, or know someone who does, we can provide a ready-to-use resolution template and a short briefing packet explaining the proposal.
The resolution can be introduced, discussed, amended, and adopted according to your council’s normal procedures.
Generate a PDF nowJoin updates
Stay informed as local resolutions, outreach, and education efforts develop.
Volunteer
Help with outreach, talking points, local government engagement, event support, or administrative tasks.
Email: info@letmdvote.com
Email usFAQ
Is this partisan?
No. This is a procedural effort focused on whether Maryland citizens should have a structured way to place eligible measures on the ballot. People of many political views support citizen ballot access.
Does this replace the legislature?
No. A citizen initiative process is a supplemental tool. Representative government continues as normal. Initiatives provide an additional lawful pathway for certain questions to reach voters.
What kinds of measures could be proposed?
That depends on the rules adopted by Maryland. Most states define eligibility and limits, especially for budgetary matters and administrative details. The goal is a clear process with sensible safeguards.
What is the ask right now?
Support local and statewide discussion around adopting a citizen initiative framework for Maryland, and help build community awareness through respectful outreach.
How can I help if I have limited time?
Join updates, share the site, and encourage local leaders to consider non-binding resolutions in support of ballot access.
A simple principle
Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. Marylanders should therefore have a clear, lawful, and orderly means of proposing important changes to state law or the Maryland Constitution and placing those proposals before the voters for approval or rejection.