UPDATE: The Republican National Committee (RNC) and Maryland GOP have just filed a urgent lawsuit against state election officials, claiming “impossibly high” voter registration numbers in Maryland. The lawsuit, submitted on Friday, follows a similar action by the Department of Justice earlier this week, raising serious questions about election integrity in the state.
This lawsuit alleges that Howard County and Montgomery County reported more registered voters than there are citizens over the age of 18. The RNC points out that ten additional counties are reporting voter registration rates exceeding 95%, far above the statewide average. These discrepancies could significantly impact election outcomes and the ability of the GOP to mobilize voters.
The complaint names Jared DeMarinis, the State Administrator of Elections, along with four members of the Board of Elections and officials from the implicated counties. As of now, Maryland election officials have not responded to requests for comment, adding to the urgency of the situation.
In July, the RNC sent a letter to DeMarinis demanding access to the state’s voter registration list, citing potential violations of federal law. The lawsuit is filed under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, which mandates states to make a “reasonable effort to remove the names of ineligible voters” from their lists. The GOP contends that the inflated registration figures undermine their campaign efforts and get-out-the-vote initiatives.
The lawsuit references findings from a 2023 audit that criticized the State Board of Elections for an “inadequate” review of voter registration data, highlighting the presence of deceased and ineligible voters on the rolls. This latest legal move comes in the wake of the Department of Justice’s actions against DeMarinis and five other states for failing to provide voter registration rolls upon request.
“Accurate voter rolls are the cornerstone of fair and free elections,” stated Attorney General Pamela Bondi in a release. “Too many states have fallen into a pattern of noncompliance with basic voter roll maintenance. The Department of Justice will continue filing proactive election integrity litigation until states comply with basic election safeguards.”
As this situation unfolds, the implications for Maryland’s upcoming elections could be profound. The GOP argues that the inflated numbers could distort the electoral landscape, making this issue critical for both party strategies and voter confidence.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story continues to unfold. This lawsuit represents a significant challenge to Maryland’s election system, with potential ramifications for voters and political parties alike.
