Maryland Voting Rights Act of 2025 - Preclearance and Voter Intimidation and Obstruction

HB 1044, the Maryland Voting Rights Act of 2025, requires certain local governments (cities, counties, or county school boards meeting specific criteria) to obtain preclearance from the Attorney General or Anne Arundel County Circuit Court before enacting or implementing "covered policies." These policies include election methods, redistricting, voter registration rules, polling place locations, and other significant voting-related changes. The bill targets jurisdictions with a history of voting rights violations, significant racial voting disparities, or large protected-class populations. It mandates that these governments submit proposed changes for review to ensure they do not discriminate before implementation. The law also prohibits voter intimidation or obstruction and allows legal action if the review process fails.