maryland_state_government

🏛️ Structure of Maryland State Government

Executive Branch

• Led by the Governor (currently Wes Moore).

• Other elected officials: Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, and Treasurer (selected by the General Assembly).

• Governor's Office Website

Legislative Branch

• Maryland General Assembly: Bicameral system with the House of Delegates (141 members) and the Senate (47 members).

• Maryland House of Delegates Website

• Maryland State Senate Website

Judicial Branch

• Led by the Maryland Court of Appeals (renamed the Supreme Court of Maryland effective Dec. 2022), with the Appellate Court, Circuit Courts, and District Courts.

• Maryland Judiciary Website

🗳️ Elections and Voter Information

• Maryland State Board of Elections: Manages voter registration, election integrity, and candidate filings.

• Register to Vote

• Elections & Voting Info

• Maryland Voter Guide: Comprehensive guides for state and local elections.

• Voter Guide Portal

📊 Key Political Issues in Maryland

• Public Education Funding and Equity

• Chesapeake Bay Conservation and Environmental Protection

• Affordable Housing and Urban Development

• Transportation Infrastructure and Public Transit

• Healthcare Access and Prescription Drug Costs

• Criminal Justice Reform and Public Safety

🤝 Civic Engagement & Grassroots Activism

• League of Women Voters of Maryland: Promotes informed and active participation in democracy.

  • LWV Maryland Website

• Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Advocates for the health and preservation of the Chesapeake Bay.

  • CBF Website

• Maryland PIRG (Public Interest Research Group): Focused on consumer protection and environmental advocacy.

  • Maryland PIRG Website

📰 Stay Informed

• The Baltimore Sun: Covers statewide politics and government.

  • Baltimore Sun Website

• Maryland Matters: Nonprofit newsroom dedicated to Maryland politics and policy.

  • Maryland Matters Website

• Maryland Public Television (MPT): Offers political analysis and local government coverage.

  • MPT Website

📚 Educational Resources

• Maryland State Archives: Provides access to government and historical records.

  • Maryland State Archives Website

• BallotPedia Maryland: Neutral, fact-checked information on elections and policy.

  • Ballotpedia Maryland

📱 Useful Tools and Apps

• Countable: Follow legislation and contact your representatives.

  • Countable App

• CivicEngage: Portal for community-level civic information.

  • CivicEngage Website