Published: March 31, 2007 10:01 am      

Western Maryland politicians oppose felon voting bill

Beitzel, Edwards say legislation a blow to law-abiding citizens

CUMBERLAND — A bill that would allow Maryland felons who have served their time to once again register to vote awaits only the governor’s signature to become law, but continues to be opposed by two Western Maryland politicians.

“In my view, the Maryland House of Delegates has gone too far in passing legislation to allow convicted murderers, child molesters, rapists and many other violent offenders to regain the right to vote,” said Delegate Wendell Beitzel (R-Garrett, Allegany).

The focus of Beitzel’s discontent is Senate Bill 488, which passed that body by a 28-19 vote and then was ratified by the House 78-60.

Beitzel is joined in his objection to the bill by Sen. George Edwards (R-Garrett, Allegany, Washington), who said, “Voting is a privilege that needs to be guarded by our elected officials. These are people who have committed heinous crimes against our society. We can’t just give them a free pass each time they commit a crime.”

Beitzel said House and Senate Republicans attempted unsuccessfully to amend the bill so that voting would not be possible by those who had been convicted of subsequent crimes of violence and/or sexual crimes.

“This action really diminishes the effectiveness of voting for all law-abiding citizens and is an affront to the victims of those who have committed these crimes,” Beitzel said.

If signed by Gov. Martin O’Malley, the bill will become law July 1.

Attempts Friday afternoon by the Times-News to contact two of the bill’s seven sponsors, Sens. Gwendolyn Britt (D-Prince George’s) and Lisa Gladden (D-Baltimore City), were not successful.