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Bill

HB 115

Election Law - Polling Places - Establishing Voter Identity (Voter Privacy Act of 2025)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Long

Maryland bill establishes new voter identity verification requirements at polling places while claiming to protect voter privacy through unspecified mechanisms.

Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 115

Legislative bill overview

HB 115 modifies Maryland's election procedures by establishing new voter identity verification requirements at polling places. The bill, titled the "Voter Privacy Act of 2025," appears designed to balance voter authentication with privacy protections during the voting process. Specific legislative language would need to be reviewed to determine exact procedural changes.

Why is this important

Voter identification policies directly affect election access and security—two areas where Americans hold competing priorities. Changes to polling place procedures impact millions of Maryland voters and can influence participation rates among different demographic groups. Election administration procedures also shape public confidence in electoral integrity.

Potential points of contention

  • Voter access vs. election security trade-offs: Stricter ID requirements may reduce fraud concerns but could create barriers for eligible voters lacking required documentation, particularly affecting elderly, minority, and low-income populations
  • Definition of "voter privacy": The bill's framing as a "privacy" measure requires clarity—it's unclear whether this protects voter information, limits data collection, or addresses something else entirely, and different interpretations suggest conflicting legislative goals
  • Implementation costs and burden: New identity verification systems require resources for training poll workers, purchasing equipment, and potentially replacing existing procedures, with unclear funding mechanisms

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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