There are three big ballot questions for Maryland voters to weigh in on November 6th,
the expansion of gambling, in-state tuition for children of illegal immigrants
and gay marriage. After a series of conversations I've had with a cross section of voters over
the past few weeks, I’m ready to make the following predictions:
Question 7. This is also being referred to as proposition 7
in the multi-million ad campaigns designed to sway voters to either vote yes or
no to expanding gambling in the state. Voting yes would allow table games in
all existing casinos and would permit the establishment of sixth casino in
Prince Georges county, most likely in National Harbor
Question 6. This is the Civil Marriage Protection Act. A yes
vote on this question will allow gay and lesbian couples to obtain a Maryland marriage
license. The general consensus I’m getting from people is that this is a non-issue. If people want to get to married, let ‘em. Everyone should be entitled
to the same joys and miseries of being legally married and the same
consequences of divorce. I believe the voters will give this a yes, though probably not
as decisively as Question 7.
Question 4. This question seems to be the most divisive.
Question 4, also referred to as the “Dream Act,” would allow children of
illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates at community colleges and
four-year institutions. In speaking to voters I've found that many people have
a misconception of what this question is really about. I've had people tell me
it will deprive children of legal residents scholarships and that will it will
make it more difficult for the children of legal residents to get into the
University of Maryland. Here is the official ballot language:
“Establishes that individuals, including undocumented
immigrants, are eligible to pay in-state tuition rates at community colleges in
Maryland, provided the student meets certain conditions relating to attendance
and graduation from a Maryland high school, filing of income taxes, intent to
apply for permanent residency, and registration with the selective service
system (if required); makes such students eligible to pay in-state tuition
rates at a four-year public college or university if the student has first
completed 60 credit hours or graduated from a community college in Maryland;
provides that students qualifying for in-state tuition rates by this method
will not be counted as in-state students for purposes of counting undergraduate
enrollment; and extends the time in which honorably discharged veterans may
qualify for in-state tuition rates.”
I think this will be close but that it will pass, by a
squeaker.
You can find the complete sample ballot for HoCo voters here.
