Cardin chairs hearing on deceptive voter practices

Monday, June 4, 2007

Cardin chairs hearing on deceptive voter practices

Gansler to testify on 2006 incidents in Maryland

by Douglas Tallman | Staff Writer

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U.S. Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D) is slated to chair a hearing Thursday of the Senate Judiciary Committee to discuss deceptive voter practices as part of the 2006 elections.

In Maryland, the balloting last November was marred by allegedly misleading practices. Critics say voters in Prince George’s County were targeted by deceptive campaign literature that contained inaccurate endorsements of political candidates.

A bill co-sponsored by Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) would impose criminal penalties for the distribution of false and deceptive campaign literature. For example, notices that give the wrong polling location or threaten voters with arrest if they have unpaid parking tickets or taxes would be prohibited.

Of the three panels of witnesses expected to testify, one will include Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler (D). Shortly after taking office, Gansler created a task force to investigate election irregularities. The task force includes state Sen. Jamie Raskin (D-Dist. 20) of Takoma Park, Anne Arundel Councilman Daryl Jones and former Secretary of State John T. Willis.

Although the Prince George’s County incidents were the most well known, election irregularities occurred all over Maryland last year, said Raquel Guillory, a Gansler spokeswoman.

Joining Gansler will be Carl Snowden, director of civil rights in the Attorney General’s Office. Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson (D) also will testify.