Data Request for Local Ballot Initiatives/Referenda (Maryland State Board of Elections)

Jimin Han filed this request with the Maryland State Board of Elections of Maryland.
Multi Request Data Request for Local Ballot Initiatives/Referenda
Status
Completed

Communications

From: Jimin Han

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

I am requesting data on local ballot initiatives/referenda that took place in the state since 1972. Specifically, I need the following information to be included in the data.

1. Text of the ballot initiative/referendum
2. Local government where the election took place.
3. County where the local government is located
4. Election date
5. Result of election (votes for, votes against, pass/fail)
6. Threshold to pass (50%, two-thirds, etc)

I have located a potential data source from your state at the following link: https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2022/general_results/gen_qresults_2022_1_ALL.html
However, the data at this link does not contain information such as election date or threshold. In addition, it contains only information on elections after 2004, while I request data for elections since 1972.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 calendar days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Jimin Han

From: Maryland State Board of Elections

Some of the data sought might be found on our website here: https://elections.maryland.gov/petitions/index.html
However, this request does not constitute a request for public records under the Maryland Public Information Act. A “public record” is any “documentary material” that the agency either makes, or receives, as part of “transact[ing] public business” §4-101(k). Public records include original pieces of paper, copies, digital materials, maps, and communications. A public record does not include answers to specific questions, specific data or reports not generated in the course of public business.

Files

There are no files associated with this request.