Earlier this month, as part of series of actions by his administration to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and maintain essential services, Governor Larry Hogan issued a proclamation to officially postpone the April 28 primary election until June 2.
However, Hogan said the 7th Congressional District special general election would move forward as scheduled ---by implementing a vote-by-mail system. The seat was left vacant by the death of Congressman Elijah Cummings who died from a rare form of cancer October 17. He was 68. Democrat and former Congressman Kweisi Mfume, who held the seat for five terms (1996-1986) before stepping down to lead the NAACP, faces Republican activist Kimberly Klacik to serve the remainder of Cummings term which ends in January. In the November General Election, the winner of April's contest, may face some of the same contenders from the February 4 special election to win the full two year term-including Cumming's widow, Maya Cummings.
“I have two main priorities—keeping Marylanders safe and protecting their constitutional right to vote,” said Governor Hogan. “I am directing the State Board of Elections to develop a comprehensive plan by April 3 to conduct the primary election in a way that protects public health and preserves the integrity of the democratic process in our state. While there are many valid reasons for unease and uncertainty right now, ensuring that the voices of Maryland citizens are heard shouldn’t be one of them.”
Here’s more on Governor Hogan’s Executive Order in moving the April 28 Primary:
PROCLAMATION TO POSTPONE APRIL 28 PRIMARY, IMPLEMENT VOTE-BY-MAIL SYSTEM FOR 7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SEAT:
In order to protect public health and preserve the integrity of the democratic process, Governor Hogan has issued a proclamation postponing the April 28 primary to June 2. The State Board of Elections is directed to develop a comprehensive plan by April 3 for conducting the primary election in a way that maintains public confidence and trust while preserving public health and safety.
In addition, to ensure that Maryland has full representation in Congress during this crisis, the special general election for the 7th Congressional District will still occur on April 28, but the State Board of Elections is directed to implement a vote-by-mail system.