Category: Common Sense

Maryland election workers should definitely not have to wait a full two days after the November 8th General Election to begin processing mailed-​in ballots.

At least, that’s my opinion.

It’s also the view of the Democrat-​controlled General Assembly. 

Plus, it’s the preference of the state’s Republican Governor, as well as what the State Election Board wants to do “[a]fter a primary cycle plagued by long delays arising from counting a surge of mail-​in ballots.”

Accordingly, you might surmise that when the Maryland Court of Appeals recently agreed with a lower court that the Election Board was A‑OK to count mail-​in ballots early, before the election, I would applaud their ruling. 

Instead: the Bronx cheer.

This decision undercuts something much more important than ballot-​counting speed and efficiency. It destroys the rule of law.

There is a constitutional method for repealing or changing laws on the books, and in fact, as The Washington Post explained,“State lawmakers tried to change the law during this year’s legislative session when they passed a bill that would have permanently removed the provision. But, Gov. Larry Hogan ®, who said he supported counting mail-​in ballots early, vetoed the bill, citing other concerns with the legislation.”

Thus, the state’s representative political process spoke, for better or worse. It may be “an outdated law,” as The Post charged, but if it isn’t violating anyone rights, it should not be jettisoned by a judge for the government’s momentary convenience.

Government officials should be required to follow the law, when as here they can, until changed.

Not merely do whatever they want to. 

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.

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