Fight Fascism and Corruption - More on election protection

[Charlie Cooper]

Protect Our Election 

“The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting…take over the voting… in at least 15 places…. The federal government should get involved.” Donald Trump, 2/2/26 “You’re damn right we’re going to have ICE surround the polls come November.” Steve Bannon, 2/3/26 “When it gets to election day we have been proactive to make sure we have the right people voting, electing the right leaders to lead this country.” Kristi Noem, 2/10/26

The publication of my February 11 newsletter has sparked the convening of a 10-person group of colleagues who will brainstorm how Maryland citizen activists can most effectively participate in the work of protecting our election. We will meet on March 5. We will start by reviewing scenarios of what specific actions fascist forces might take. Watch this space for specific recommendations that you and your friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers can act upon to support the struggle to save our upcoming elections from fascist interference.

• Read this statement by Jared DeMarinis, Maryland’s Elections Administrator

• Read this account of Blue state election officials’ preparations from a Democratic-Party linked source.

• Find additional resources and organizations for election protection.

Come to Annapolis to celebrate the history of winning voting rights

Sponsored by the Caucus of African American Leaders, this gathering will include Interfaith leaders, community advocates and more!! SHOW UP!

Join community members from across Maryland for the Good Trouble March, a powerful day of unity, advocacy, an civic engagement inspired by the legacy of courageous leadership and collective action.

This interfaith, multicultural gathering will include Interfaith leaders, community leaders, advocates, families, and residents of all backgrounds standing together for justice, equity, and voting rights in 2026!

📍 Starting Location: Calvary United Methodist Church (301 Rowe Blvd. Annapolis, MD)
🚶🏽‍♀️ March Route: From Calvary UMC to the Governor’s Mansion
🎤 Rally: Immediately following the march with notable speakers from across the State of Maryland

Register for the March

Oppose big money in our elections

• Support HB 1378, a bill in the General Assembly that could substantially erode the corrupting effect of the 2010 Citizens United ruling by the Supreme Court. That ruling said that corporations – for profit and nonprofit – can spend unlimited sums to influence the outcomes of elections. However, corporations only exist when chartered by one of the 50 states. HB 1378 would bar corporations chartered in or operating in Maryland from spending any funds to influence elections.  It would be best to contact your Delegates on March 4, the day of the hearing. 

• Click here to find out how to contact your Delegates.

News Briefs

Paul Krugman Substack: Wealth is more concentrated than ever. How the .00001% directly threaten U.S. democracy.

National Popular Vote: The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact would assure that the winner of the popular vote is elected president. A constitutional amendment is not required. Maryland joined the compact years ago under the leadership of Jamie Raskin. Now the Virginia legislature has passed the bill, and it awaits the signature of Gov. Abigail Spanberger for the state to join the compact. That would bring the total number of electors in compact states to 222. The compact will take effect when states with 270 electoral votes have joined.

Charlie Cooper

M: 410-624-6095