Early Voting, Slots on Ballot for State

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Prince George's voters will find two state and seven county referendum questions on the ballot Tuesday. A summary of each is provided below.

State Constitutional Amendments

· Question 1: early voting, polling places and absentee ballots.

This proposal would amend the Maryland Constitution to allow the enactment of legislation to: (1) allow any qualified voter who chooses to do so to vote by absentee ballot; and (2) allow qualified voters to vote at polling places in or outside the voters' election districts or wards, and to vote early on any of up to 10 days designated during the two weeks immediately preceding an election.

· Question 2: authorizing slot machine gambling.

This proposal would add an article to the Maryland Constitution to authorize gaming by the operation of video lottery terminals, also known as slot machines. As many as 15,000 of the machines would be allowed at up to five locations in the state for the primary purpose of providing funds for public education.

Under the legislative plan that led to this ballot question, about half the total proceeds would go to support schools. Other shares are earmarked for the operators of the slots parlors, the horse-racing industry and the local governments where the facilities would operate.

Current law prohibits the commercial operation of such machines.

Prince George's Charter Proposals

All but one of the following questions are matters that relate to borrowing or taxation that are required under the county charter to be submitted to voters for approval. The last item is a proposed amendment to the charter.

· Question A: library bonds.

This is a required referendum on whether to allow the county to issue bonds totaling up to $9,155,000 to finance design, construction, renovation or repair of library facilities.

· Question B: public safety bonds.

This is a required referendum on whether to allow the county to issue bonds totaling up to $38,134,000 to finance design, construction, renovation or repair of public safety facilities, including fire department structures.

· Question C: county buildings bonds.

This is a required referendum on whether to allow the county to issue bonds totaling up to $112,596,000 to finance design, construction, renovation or repair of buildings used by county government.

· Question D: public works and transportation bonds.

This is a required referendum on whether to allow the county to issue bonds totaling up to $153,224,000 to finance design, construction, renovation or repair of facilities such as roads, bridges, parking lots and maintenance structures.

· Question E: community college bonds.

This is a required referendum on whether to allow the county to issue bonds totaling up to $48,731,000 to finance design, construction, renovation or repair of community college facilities.

· Question F: telecommunications use tax.

This is a required referendum on whether to allow the county to increase the telephone service tax from 8 percent to 11 percent of the total bill.

· Question G: public hearing notice requirements.

This is a proposed charter amendment that would clarify language regarding the scheduling and notice of a public hearing on bills before the County Council, to extend the notice period from five days to 10 days.