BALTIMORE FOR DEMOCRACY CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN DEFEATING QUESTION H

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Baltimore For Democracy Celebrates Successful Grassroots Campaign Defeating Question H

BALTIMORE, MD - Wednesday, November 19, 2024—In a resounding, historic victory for Baltimore City residents, Question H, the proposal to reduce the Baltimore City Council from 14 to 8 district members, has been decisively defeated by 62% of Baltimore voters. This is only the second ballot question to be defeated in Baltimore City in 25 years. This outcome reflects the potential of Baltimore’s democracy and the power of grassroots, community-driven action.

Baltimore For Democracy, which first assembled in June, raised just over $10,000 from 91 donors, distributed more than 30,000 pieces of informative campaign materials, supplied 400 homes and small businesses with “Vote Against Question H” signs, mailed more than 1,500 handwritten postcards to absentee and early voters, and reached nearly 40,000 voters with social media ads. BFD volunteers staffed tables at community festivals and events, and canvassed at early voting sites. The group developed a robust library of arguments against Question H that they distributed digitally and in print, which equipped local advocates and community members to educate their own circles and communities about Question H.

“Baltimore For Democracy was founded on the principle that more advocacy creates stronger outcomes. To defeat Question H, we focused on empowering everyday people to engage in meaningful conversations within the spaces they already occupy,” said Ashley Esposito, member of BFD’s core team. “Often, community members in organizing spaces feel they may not be qualified or struggle to find volunteer opportunities that align with their needs, schedules, and life responsibilities. We aimed to fill that gap, providing a welcoming, inclusive, flexible environment where everyone could contribute. Whether working a second shift, needing to volunteer virtually due to an immunocompromised status, or having limited availability, we offered an accessible, enjoyable, entry-level space for everyone to join in the effort against Question H.”

The success of this campaign was built on the tireless dedication of volunteers, local advocates, organized labor, and community organizations. Baltimore for Democracy’s inclusive grassroots approach, built on a base of strong arguments provided by Leaders of Beautiful Struggle, the institutional investment of Stop Sinclair and city elected officials, and the extensive organizing and mobilization efforts of the progressive and labor-led Baltimore Not For Sale Coalition, collectively reached thousands of Baltimoreans across many of the city’s diverse communities. Together, the groups amplified awareness around the issue, canvassed neighborhoods and events, and informed voters on the potential consequences of Question H. Their efforts demonstrated that Baltimore’s residents want a city government that remains close to the people and resists special interests.

“We knew all along that if voters knew what Question H meant and who was behind it, they would vote against it,” said Andy Ellis, chair of Baltimore for Democracy. “BFD is proud to have built a campaign that welcomed anyone interested in becoming involved, regardless of organizational or political affiliation. This victory belongs to the residents who saw through Question H’s threats to the power of their vote. They refused to let one wealthy Trump-supporting propagandist and his Republican operatives reshape our city government in their interests. We were pleased to join Stop Sinclair, the Baltimore Not For Sale Coalition, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, and countless others who knew Baltimore’s democracy is strongest when we come together.”

This inspiring victory underscores the power of grassroots movements to shape the city’s future. As Baltimore for Democracy celebrates, they look ahead to continued collaboration and efforts to uplift Baltimore’s communities.

To everyone who volunteered, organized, and voted: Thank you for your dedication to Baltimore’s future.

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Media Contact:
Andy Ellis
Chair, Baltimore For Democracy
baltimorefordemoracy@gmail.com