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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**Application Process**

 

The application period to apply for the vacant District 30A House of Delegates seat will be from Wednesday January 8th, 2025 through Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 at 5PM (EST). 

 

The application shall include:

 

1. Necessary identifying information including: name, home address, phone number, email, age.

2. A letter of interest in seeking the legislative vacancy.

3. A resume

4. Five letters of recommendation from the public and or organizations

5. An affirmation stating that they meet the statutory requirements to seek the vacant seat: registered voter, registered Democrat, live in the legislative district, and meet age requirement (21  for House of Delegates).

 

Applicants can submit their applications using this form: https://forms.gle/XcVDMBCwmQP3RZXz5

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**Public Notification of Applicants and Comment Period**

After January 22nd, 2025 , candidates that successfully submitted all application materials by the deadline will be revealed to the public.

 

The public will have the opportunity to provide written comments via online webform and postal mail after the candidates are announced. Before the public meeting AACDCC members will have access to view all public comments.

 

**Public Meeting and Interview Process**

 

The AACDCC will host a public meeting to interview and nominate a candidate. The meeting will be live-streamed on the Committee’s social media account, however there will be no opportunity for the public to participate via the live stream. It will be only for viewing purposes. 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.