Hoyer Critical of Election Board for Unsupported Removal of Linda Lamone

Hoyer Critical of Election Board for Unsupported Removal of Linda Lamone

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) released the following statement today after the Maryland state elections board placed Maryland elections chief Linda Lamone on paid leave without providing details of the charges justifying their actions.

"I was extremely disturbed to learn of the state elections board's decision to put Linda Lamone on administrative leave with the unspecified and unstated charge that she was not performing her job.

"Linda Lamone's service as elections chief has uniformly been professional, non-partisan and in pursuit of an election system that insures that every eligible voter can vote and be confident that their vote will be honestly counted.

"In her seven years since assuming the position as our state's election chief, Ms. Lamone has been a strong non-partisan voice for voter rights and improved elections in the state of Maryland. She was an excellent resource for both Republicans and Democrats when we were drafting the bipartisan Help America Vote Act and she has always advocated for a fair elections process so that all voters have access to a secure and accurate voting place.

"After seven years of outstanding and unimpeachable service to the voters of Maryland, it defies credibility and common sense that the board suddenly found Ms. Lamone incapable of doing her job. I have heard of no substantive reason that would lead me to believe that she deserves this criticism after so many years of service to our state and I seriously question the grounds on which this decision has been made.

"It is unbelievable that the Board would put our election system at risk by taking this unjustified action on the eve of one of our nation's most important elections. Unless the board informs us of very substantive reasons for this action, I would call upon them to reinstate Ms. Lamone immediately. The Maryland electorate deserves the very able leadership she has displayed through the years."