The Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee (AACDCC) has proposed a new rule to clarify the process for filling legislative vacancies in the Maryland General Assembly, as required by Article III, Section 13 of the Maryland Constitution. This rule outlines the steps the AACDCC will follow in the event of a vacancy, ensuring a transparent and efficient process.

 

**Timeline and Notification**

 

In the event of a legislative vacancy, the Central Committee will meet within 30 days to nominate a candidate for the Governor's consideration. The AACDCC has been given notice recent Delegate, Senator Shaneka Henson was sworn into her 2-Year Senate term at 10AM on January 8th, 2025. The swearing in of Senator Henson has created a vacancy in her former house seat in District 30A. It is the intention of the AACDCC to provide their recommended nomination to Governor Wes Moore in an open and transparent process to ensure that residents of District 30A have representation in the Maryland House of Delegates as the legislative session starts.

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**Public Notification of Applicants and Comment Period**
 

The following candidates (in alphabetical order) have submitted applications to be considered for the vacant Delegate seat in District 30A by the January 22, 2025 deadline that was provided to the public: 

Dylan Behler
Abigail Diehl
Lindsay Donahue
Chrissy Holt
Brooks Schandelmeier
 

The public will have the opportunity to provide written comments via online webform and postal mail at 275 West St #70, Annapolis, MD 21401. Public comments will need to be submitted no later than January 29, 2025 by 5pm, before the public meeting so that AACDCC members can have time to review them.

 

**Public Meeting and Interview Process**

 

The AACDCC will host a public meeting on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11am at Annapolis Middle School to interview and nominate a candidate for the D30A Delegate vacancy. The meeting will be live-streamed on the Committee’s social media account; however, it will be for viewing purposes only.

During the interview process, applicants will be separated and asked to give opening and closing statements, respond to identical questions, and answer relevant questions from Central Committee members.

 

**Deliberations and Voting**

 

After the interviews, the Central Committee will deliberate in executive session before reconvening for a public roll call vote. If no applicant receives a majority vote, the lowest vote recipients will be removed, and subsequent ballots will be held until two applicants remain. The Chair will thank all applicants and congratulate the vote winner.

 

**Public Announcement and Formal Notification**

 

The AACDCC will announce the winner on social media shortly after the meeting. Within 24 hours, the Chair will send a formal letter to the Governor, including the final roll call vote.

 

For more information, please visit the AACDCC’s website or contact us at annearundeldems@gmail.com.