In Maryland, it is illegal to influence a voter’s decision to go to the polls or vote through the use of force, menace, intimidation, bribe, reward, or offer of reward.

That became our law after the General Assembly overrode Governor Ehrlich’s veto of Senate Bill 287 in 2005.

The Voter’s Rights Protection Act of 2010, sponsored by myself and Senator Lisa Gladden, authorized a judge to issue an injunction to prevent voter intimidation if there are reasonable grounds to believe such actions are about to happen.

However, this bill did not become law because Senator Andrew Harris objected to its consideration during the final hour of the 90-day session.

He was not alone. Nine Republican senators and 34 Republican delegates voted against this legislation.

In light of the controversy over the actions of members of the new Black Panther Party at a polling place in Philadelphia, I welcome bipartisan support when we reintroduce this legislation next year.