AS VOTE-BY-MAIL NEARS, ADVOCATES ORGANIZE FOR `NO` VOTE ON QUESTION H
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
David Smith-funded proposal to cut City Council size endangers democracy; city services
Activists kick off community outreach; canvasses to educate Baltimoreans about anti-democratic ballot question
BALTIMORE, MD - Friday, September 6, 2024 - Today marks a significant milestone in the 2024 General Election as the Maryland State Board of Elections sends ballots to the printer. Vote-by-mail ballots will be distributed to tens of thousands of Baltimore City voters starting September 21st, with the first votes cast before the end of the month.
Baltimore for Democracy and the Baltimore City Not For Sale Coalition are joining together in a united call to action, urging elected officials, local organizations, and residents of Baltimore City to mobilize against Question H—a ballot initiative that proposes reducing the size of the Baltimore City Council from 14 district seats to eight. Both organizations contend that this measure would significantly diminish the representation of Baltimore's diverse communities and weaken the city’s democratic process.
"A reduction in the Baltimore City Council size right after redistricting would be not only disruptive but a setback for the progress we’ve made in community advocacy,” said Ashley Esposito, Elected School Board Commissioner and member of Baltimore for Democracy. “This measure does not stem from grassroots efforts but from special interests that thrive in chaos. We need to prioritize community voices, not allow our governance to be diluted at a time when we are seeing community unity."
In the weeks leading up to the election, both groups will actively engage with the community through a series of events aimed at educating voters and rallying support to defeat Question H. Upcoming community outreach events include:
Sunday, Sept. 15th,1:30 - 4:00 PM- Baltimore City Not For Sale Canvas Against Question H
Thursday, Sept. 19th 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle Panel Discussion - Democracy Under Threat: Countering David Smith's Ballot Initiatives
“Fewer districts also means it will be more expensive for candidates to run for office, creating barriers for women and people of color to represent our communities,” said Joshua Harris, First Vice President of the NAACP Baltimore City Branch and a member of the Baltimore City Not for Sale Coalition. “Moneyed interests benefit from a smaller City Council, opening opportunities for privatization of public services, including schools, public safety, water systems, waste collection and other basic necessities that Baltimore City residents need. It also makes it easier for developers and investors to land sweetheart real estate development deals. To be blunt, it’s easier to buy a council of eight than a council of 14.”
“David Smith’s right-wing attack on Black political power is central to the effort to defeat Question H,” said Dayvon Love, Director of Public Policy for Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle and a member of Baltimore for Democracy. “He is able to use his propaganda machine, Sinclair Broadcasting, to push his agenda. In order to combat this, it will be important for elected officials to include in their district newsletters commentary to encourage their constituents to vote no on Question H.”
Both organizations are calling on all Baltimoreans to engage in this critical issue, attend the upcoming events, and make their voices heard at the ballot box. Together, we can protect the democratic representation in Baltimore City.
###
The Baltimore City Not For Sale Coalition includes: 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, AFSCME Maryland Council 3, AFT Maryland, Baltimore Teachers Union, the City Union Of Baltimore, the International Association Of Fire Fighters Local 734 & Local 934, Jews United for Justice, Maryland Center on Economic Policy, NAACP Baltimore City Branch, Progressive Maryland, UNITE HERE Local 7 and the over 100 affiliated labor unions of Metro Baltimore AFL-CIO Unions.
Baltimore For Democracy is a grassroots coalition and state-recognized ballot issue committee opposing a proposed charter amendment that would reduce the size of the Baltimore City Council from 14 to 8. Our group includes elected officials, community leaders, and activists across Baltimore City, and argues that the measure would harm Baltimore City residents and undermine the city’s democratic process if passed.