Bullet vote to defeat developer-controlled Montgomery County Council candidates (Video)

Here's a quick video guide on how to beat the developer-controlled candidates for Montgomery County Council At-Large. Each of the four Democrats running at-large has received thousands of dollars in donations from developers, giving them a powerful financial advantage.

But using bullet voting, you can boost Robert Dyer, who has accepted no developer money, onto the Council on Election Day this Tuesday. "Let's fight corruption" in pay-to-play Montgomery County.

Some MoCo early voters report receiving ballots with circles for Democratic candidates already filled in

The record turnout for early voting in Montgomery County has been been the headline in local media this week, but a more troubling story hasn't been covered. Montgomery County Republican Central Committee Chairman Michael Higgs has received "multiple eyewitness reports" that some early voters were provided with paper ballots that had already been filled out, with only Democratic candidates selected.

"These pre-filled ballots did not merely have a stray mark or two, they were completely filled-out for the entire Democrat slate of candidates, with the bubbles neatly and completely filled-in," Higgs wrote to County Election Director Margaret Jurgensen. He is calling for an immediate investigation.

"Are we seeing a small slice of a larger campaign to stuff the ballot boxes? Is there a rogue individual in your midst attempting to unduly influence the election? Only a thorough and public investigation will help to ensure the voters that they are not being disenfranchised by nefarious actors attempting to steal the election," Higgs wrote.

Local blogger Adam Pagnucco had already reported on a different problem prior to this one - being given the ballot for a different Congressional district from the one he lives in when he voted early in Wheaton. The report of pre-filled ballots came just two days after Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) and Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh held a news conference about "fraud" in Maryland elections.

New civic group aims to Empower Montgomery voters

If you are a registered voter, and have voted in a past Montgomery County election, you likely received a mailing from Empower Montgomery yesterday. The non-profit, tax-exempt organization has been formed by several heavy hitters from the Montgomery County business community with the stated goal of increasing voter engagement.

Montgomery County's voter turnout in the 2014 election was the lowest in the state of Maryland. Contrary to claims by term limits opponents that such laws result in lower turnout, we in fact had less turnout than the counties that currently have term limits.

Empower Montgomery aims to change this race to the bottom, they say, by pushing for open primaries that allow independents to vote for state and local office nominating contests, easing voter restrictions, expanding early and absentee voting, and engaging communities with low rates of voter participation. They say they will primarily promote public education and advocacy activities, but will also act on major issues at election time.

Who's behind Empower Montgomery? Charles Nulsen III, the president of Washington Property Company; Chris Bruch, president and COO of The Donohoe Companies; David Blair; and former County Council member and lobbyist Steve Silverman.

Cardin, Frosh shine spotlight on voter fraud in Maryland

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh (D) and U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), speaking at a news conference in Prince George's County this week, put a spotlight on the issue of voter fraud in Maryland. "We've seen fraud committed in our state in prior elections," Cardin said.

Frosh cautioned voters to remain vigilant when going to the polls early, or on Election Day November 8. “If you encounter fraud or misconduct, let us know,” Frosh said. He advised voters to inform an election judge at the polling place, the State Board of Elections, and his office if they witness or experience any difficulties or illegal activity while voting. "We want all eligible voters to vote," Cardin said, "all eligible voters, regardless of who they vote for."

Bill to allow non-citizens, minors to vote in MoCo elections advances in Annapolis

Delegate Bill Frick

Residents who are not U.S. Citizens - as well as 16-and-17-year-olds - could gain the right to vote in Montgomery County School Board elections, should a bill moving forward in the Maryland General Assembly become law. On Friday, members of the Montgomery County Delegation’s Education Committee, including Bill Frick (D-District 16) who represents Bethesda, voted in favor of Bill MC 25-16. The full MoCo delegation will consider the bill at its meeting this Friday, February 5.

The bill would allow the Montgomery County Council to change the rules on who was eligible to vote.

Critics of the bill say it would violate the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Maryland Constitution, and give those who haven't taken on the responsibilities of citizenship the same privileges as those who have. 

Supporters say it would have a positive impact. Former Takoma Park City Councilman Seth Grimes says a similar change that municipality made in 2013 has worked out well. 16 and 17-year-olds had a 44.8% turnout rate in the city's 2015 elections, and 71 non-citizens voted as well, Grimes said.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCIL AT-LARGE DEBATE (VIDEO) + HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE TODAY

Montgomery Community Media and the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County hosted a Montgomery County Council At-Large Candidate Forum last night. You can watch the debate in its entirety here. Candidates from the Democratic, Green and Republican parties participated in the forum, which included transportation, Bus Rapid Transit, the Silver Spring Transit Center debacle, and affordable housing among its topics.

Today is the deadline to register to vote in the November 4 election. You can register today online or go to the Board of Elections office in person at 18753 North Frederick Avenue, Suite 210, Gaithersburg, MD 20879. If you have questions, call 240-777-8500.

Early voting will be available for all registered voters between October 23 and October 30 at these early voting sites around the county.