Your feedback ensures we stay focused on the facts that matter to you most—take our survey.
Maryland Death Penalty Repeal Referendum (2014)
| Not on Ballot |
|---|
 |
| This measure was not put on an election ballot |
The Death Penalty Repeal Referendum was not on the November 4, 2014 ballot in Maryland as a veto referendum. The referendum was filed in response to the Maryland legislature's repealing of the death penalty as a form of punishment.[1]
Support
Supporters said that the death penalty is necessary for enforcing society's moral code. MDPetitions.com sponsored the referendum's petition drive.
Supporters
- Baltimore County state's attorney Scott Shellenberger
- Del. Neil Parrott (R-2B)
- Sen. James Brochin (D-42)
Arguments
- At a press conference announcing the campaign's launch, Attorney Shellenberger said, "We need to retain Maryland’s death penalty for those prosecutors who want to seek it in the appropriate case. Today, we are launching repeal the repeal. We want people, the people of the state of Maryland, to decide whether Maryland should have the death penalty."[2]
Tactics and strategies
- During an annual marathon in Baltimore, supporters staged a news conference and held up signs at the finish line saying: "What if?" The effort was designed to invite comparison to the 2013 terrorist bombing of a marathon in Boston.[3]
Opposition
Opponents
- NAACP[2]
- Maryland Catholic Conference
Path to the ballot
- See also: Maryland signature requirements
In order to qualify for the 2014 ballot supporters were required to collect a minimum of 55,736 valid signatures and submit them by June 30.
The first round of signatures, totaling 18,579 names, was required by May 31, but it was reported that supporters had only gathered around 15,000. The shortcoming resulted in the referendum failing to make the ballot.[4]
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ WTOP, "Md. death penalty supporters aim to reverse repeal," May 3, 2013
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Associated Press, "Maryland death penalty supporters plan referendum petition drive to overturn repeal," May 3, 2013
- ↑ Washington Post, "Group launches petition drive to overturn death penalty repeal in Maryland," May 3, 2013
- ↑ CapitalGazette.com, " Petition drive fails to overturn Maryland death penalty repeal," June 1, 2013
 |
State of Maryland Annapolis (capital) |
|---|---|
| Elections |
What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2025 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures |
| Government |
Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy |
