Howard County

In Howard County, there are just three ballot questions, all amendments to the county charter, for voters to confront. Question A would shift the dates for changing the district borders for the Howard County Council. This is mere bookkeeping. The old dates were based on a September primary in Maryland, and the new dates account for the state’s June primary. The process remains the same with the council appointing members of a redistricting commission that would make recommendations that would become law — unless the council intervenes. We recommend voting “for” the charter amendment.

Question B shortens the term of service on citizen boards from five years to three. The thinking here is that the shorter terms will allow the county to cycle more people through these advisory boards and thus include greater citizen participation in government. This is a worthy goal. We recommend a vote “for” this charter amendment.

Finally, Question C, easily the most significant charter amendment offered to voters this year, would update the anti-discrimination language within the charter to make clear that the county prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, color, national origin, immigration status, age, occupation, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family status, or personal appearance. It leaves intact the county’s ban on making employment decisions based on an applicant’s political or religious opinions or associations or race. County residents should vote “for” this amendment unreservedly.