Letter: Support of MD Constitutional Amendment to Ensure Disclosure

CLC submitted a letter supporting an important campaign finance disclosure bill pending before the Maryland Senate’s Education, Health & Environmental Affairs Committee. The Maryland legislature is currently considering legislation that would give Marylanders the opportunity to vote on a referendum to add a disclosure provision to the Maryland constitution. If approved by voters, this provision would confirm Marylanders' constitutional entitlement to know the ultimate sources of all election-related spending. CLC's letter notes that this disclosure would help voters know who is funding expensive efforts to elect candidates and push policies and would inform voters' choices on Election Day. CLC's letter also explains how campaign disclosure also helps prevent corruption by exposing dark money to the light of day and helping watchdogs make sure it’s not part of a corrupt bargain. Finally, disclosure helps shore up other elements of campaign finance law by making it easier to identify violations.