Spending on ballot questions highest in Maryland’s history

According to data compiled by iSolon.org and VotersEdge.org from the Maryland State Board of Elections website, ballot issue committees have raised $51.3 million to spend on Maryland’s statewide gambling question, Question 7.  This is not only the largest amount spent on a single ballot proposition in Maryland’s history; it exceeds the previous record by 51%.   The previous record, set in the 2006 gubernatorial contest between Martin O’Malley and Robert L. Ehrlich, was $34 million. 

As of October 18, 2012, the aggregate amount received for all seven statewide questions is $57.4 million.   The amounts raised for the other questions include $4.6 million for the Civil Marriage Protection Act, Question 6, and $1.5 million for the Tuition Rates (“Dream Act”), Question 4.  The remaining four questions received negligible contributions.

Questions 4, 5, and 6 were placed on the ballot as a result of citizen petitions.  Questions 1, 2, 3, and 7 were placed on the ballot by the General Assembly.  Maryland’s Constitution requires that question 7, which includes the General Assembly’s proposed change in legal gambling venues, must be approved in a statewide referendum.

Launched on October 8, 2012, VotersEdge.org/Maryland provides an information clearinghouse for voters on the seven statewide ballot questions on the November 6, 2012 ballot.  VotersEdge.org provides a national information clearinghouse on ballot questions.  iSolon.org is VotersEdge.org's Maryland partner.