CONGRESSMAN CHRIS VAN HOLLEN
Maryland’s 8th District
For Immediate Release
January 20, 2016
Van Hollen Statement on Voting Rights in Maryland
Washington, DC – Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen released the following statement after the Maryland House of Delegates voted to override Governor Hogan’s veto of legislation to restore voting rights for people who have served time in prison:
“The right to vote is a fundamental one we must protect – it should not be denied to people who have served their time in prison and want to fully participate in our democracy. Governor Hogan’s veto of legislation to address this civil rights issue was simply shameful, and I applaud the Maryland House of Delegates for voting to override that veto. I urge the State Senate to quickly act to do the same.
“On the federal level, I’m a proud supporter of legislation to address this nationally and give 4.4 million American citizens back their right to vote. We must follow Maryland’s lead and take action in Congress without delay.”
