Brian Crisby’s bill would change how some Maryland counties elect their commissioners. (Courtesy Maryland Matters)
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One Maryland lawmaker wants to change the way several rural counties elect their commissioners, arguing that those counties’ current systems disenfranchise people of color.
In five counties – St. Mary’s, Charles, Calvert, Queen Anne’s and Garrett – commissioners are elected by a countywide vote, regardless of what district they’re from. Del. Brian M. Crosby (D-St. Mary’s) called that system “anti-democratic” at a House Ways and Means Committee meeting Tuesday.