Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has demanded that a nonprofit organization cease sending out its controversial ‘Voter Report Card’ mailers, which have been criticized for allegedly intimidating voters. The mailers, sent by the Center for Voter Information and the Voter Participation Center, detail recipients’ voting histories and those of their neighbors, raising concerns about privacy and voter intimidation ahead of the upcoming election.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland AG Anthony Brown issued a cease-and-desist letter to the Center for Voter Information and the Voter Participation Center.
- The mailers included recipients’ voting histories and those of two neighbors, raising privacy concerns.
- The AG’s office claims the mailers intimidate voters and threaten to expose their voting records.
- The nonprofits defend their actions as constitutionally protected efforts to encourage voter participation.
Background of the Controversy
The mailers in question were sent to Maryland voters and included information about whether they had participated in the last four elections. Additionally, the mailers listed the voting histories of two neighbors, albeit with their names and addresses redacted. This tactic has been described by critics as a form of social pressure that could discourage individuals from exercising their right to vote.
Attorney General Brown’s office responded to the mailers by stating that they were unacceptable and that voters should feel free to make their own decisions regarding participation in the election. The AG emphasized that the decision to vote should be made without fear of intimidation or public exposure.
Legal Implications
Maryland law allows individuals to request a copy of the voter registration list, which includes voting participation history. However, it prohibits any actions that could influence a voter’s decision through intimidation or threats. The AG’s office has reported that many recipients of the mailers felt intimidated and shocked by the content, which they believe violates both state and federal laws.
In response to the cease-and-desist letter, the attorney representing the nonprofits argued that the mailers were a legitimate effort to promote voter turnout and that discussing neighborhood voting rates is not inherently intimidating. The attorney criticized the AG’s office for what he termed an attempt to suppress constitutionally protected activities aimed at increasing voter participation.
The Nonprofits’ Position
The Center for Voter Information and the Voter Participation Center describe their mission as nonpartisan, focusing on encouraging voter registration and participation. However, both organizations have faced scrutiny, particularly from Republican officials, for their strategies, which some view as partisan despite their claims of neutrality.
The nonprofits assert that their mailers are designed to motivate voters by highlighting community engagement in the electoral process. They argue that the information they provide is public and that their methods are consistent with efforts to increase voter turnout.
Conclusion
As Election Day approaches, the controversy surrounding the ‘Voter Report Card’ mailers raises important questions about voter privacy, the ethics of voter outreach strategies, and the balance between encouraging participation and ensuring that voters feel safe in their choices. The outcome of this dispute may have implications for how voter engagement efforts are conducted in the future, particularly in a politically charged environment.
