Dear Friends:

Over the summer months I have had a chance to talk with many of you at various meetings and festivals in Charles County. I always enjoy the opportunity to catch up with each of you. With the summer activities behind us, now it is time to turn our attention to the election.

The upcoming Maryland general election on November 4th is an important election. In addition to the presidential race, there are two important questions on the Maryland ballot, both of which are constitutional amendments. Because each question has the potential to significantly impact our lives, I am providing you with a brief explanation of each one and invite you to attend one of my upcoming public meetings for further information.

Question 1 – Early Voting; Polling Places; Absentee Ballots

The first question seeks to increase the number of voters participating in each election by allowing qualified voters to vote at polling places inside or outside of their election districts and to vote up to two weeks before the specified Election Day. It also expands the use of absentee voting.

Question 2 – Authorizing Video Lottery Terminals (Slot Machines) to Primarily Fund Education

The second question authorizes introducing up to 15,000 slot machines in five locations throughout Maryland with the primary purpose of raising revenue for public education. This question and a companion bill have many items attached to them, so I have enclosed a separate letter that will further explain the bills.

While the first amendment question does not seem to be getting much press, there have been many news reports on the second question. In talking to voters across the county, many still have unanswered questions on both proposals. In an effort to explain the provisions of these two questions, I have scheduled the following meetings throughout Charles County:

October 21st – 6:30 pm Waldorf Jaycees

Tuesday 3090 Crain Highway, Waldorf

October 23rd – 6:30 pm Piccowaxen Community Center

Thursday 12834 Rock Point Rd, Newburg

October 25th – 3 pm Bryans Road Library

Saturday 3225 Ruth B. Swann Dr, Bryans Road

October 27th – 6:30 pm Nanjemoy Community Center

Monday 4375 Port Tobacco Rd, Nanjemoy

October 30th – 6:30 pm La Plata Library

Thursday 2 Garrett Avenue, La Plata

I am inviting and encouraging all Charles County citizens to attend one of these meetings and take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions and get answers.

Former U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone said, “Politics is not about left, right, and center. It is about speaking to the concerns and circumstances of people’s lives. People yearn for a politics that speaks to and includes them.”

Because I also hold this view, I periodically send newsletters and information regarding matters before the General Assembly in order for you to be updated and informed. I want to thank all of you who have responded to my letters and have contacted me on issues before the Legislature; it is my pleasure to represent you and your neighbors in Charles County.

As always, please send an e-mail to peter.murphy@house.state.md.us or give my office a call 301-858-3247 if you have questions, concerns or comments. In the meantime, if you would like to read past communications, please visit my web site at www.delegatepetermurphy.com.

With best regards,

Peter F. Murphy
Charles County, District 28