Policy & Justice Desk
Spreading awareness and promoting advocacy among the LGBTQIA+ community
The Montgomery County Pride Family Policy & Justice Desk aims to raise awareness among the LGBQTIA+ community about ongoing issues in local, state, and national politics as well as provide access to your means of representation.
Read our statements below on the issues that matter to YOU.
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” Just Passed – What It Means for You
Supreme Court Fails Students in Mahmoud v. Taylor Decision — Advocates Vow to Keep Fighting for Inclusive Education
Statement from the CEO:
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
— Phillip Alexander Downie
Follow what’s happening:
VOTING MATTERS! Voting is not the only thing that matters if you want to make a positive change in your community, but it’s a good start. It’s a right we fought hard to have, and now it’s your responsibility. Make sure that you are registered to vote, and check some of our local resources to help you decide how to vote in the coming elections.
Voter registration forms are available at libraries, schools, social service agencies, MVA offices, and the Montgomery County Board of Elections. Register to vote online or obtain a form at elections.maryland.gov.
Voting Guides and Registration
Montgomery County Board of Elections
18753 N. Frederick Ave
Suite 210
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Phone: 240-777-VOTE (8683)
Website: 777vote.org
VOTE 411
Website: vote411.org
Enter your address and this website displays all of the offices and candidates that will be on your ballot. You can learn about candidates and what they have to say on the issues. Their answers are in English and Spanish (where provided), and appear exactly as candidates submit them.
VOTE411 also includes information about the dates of the early voting period and where to vote. You can also check your registration and register to vote!
LWV Voters’ Guide
4 weeks before an election, the Montgomery County chapter of the League of Women Voters releases their nonpartisan Voters’ Guide on their website. Check back here or visit their website!
This voters’ guide contains information about election procedures, all the offices on the ballot, candidate responses to questions posed by the League, candidate websites and social media participation, and for the General Election, explanations and pros and cons of state and county ballot questions.
Voting FAQs
Should I register with a party?
In Maryland, you must be a registered Democrat or Republican to vote for that party’s candidates in the Primary Election. All other voters can only vote for the nonpartisan Board of Education candidates.
In the General Election, all registered voters may vote for any candidate or issue on the ballot.
What if I need help at the polls?
Speak to an election judge. Spanish language ballots, touchscreen voting, large type and audio versions of the ballot, and other types of help are available at all Montgomery County voting places.
How do I vote?
You can vote in one of three ways!
Vote by MAIL: any registered voter can vote by mail. Go to 777vote.org or vote.md.gov/NeedBallot to apply for a mail-in ballot or download an application, or text VBM to 777888 or call the Board of Elections (240-777-8500) to have an application mailed to you. Complete and return this application by mail, email, or in person to the Board of elections by their deadline. Mail-in ballots will be sent to voters 5-6 weeks before the election.
Vote EARLY: vote in person at any of Montgomery County’s 14 Early Voting Centers during the Early Voting Period. For dates and locations, visit 777vote.org
Vote on ELECTION DAY: vote in person at your assigned precinct polling place. If you go to the wrong location, you may vote, but you will have to vote by provisional ballot. Find your assigned polling place above your name on the address label on the sample ballot mailed to you, visit voterservice.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch, text CHECK to 777888, or call the Board of Elections at 240-777-8500.
What can I do to prepare for voting?
Before you vote, make sure that you know your assigned polling place and how to get there. Learn about the issues and candidates’ positions at forums, voters’ guides, and at VOTE411.org. You can use that information to mark the sample ballot from the Board of Elections and bring it and other written materials with you when you vote.
You may NOT use electronic devices like cellphones and tablets inside polling places, including while you are in line.
What if I don’t feel safe while voting?
Know your rights: any activity that supports an election campaign is illegal in the polling place. However, voters are allowed to wear clothing, buttons, and other items with a political message while they are voting. In Montgomery County, the “No Electioneering Zone” may be anywhere from 25 feet to 100 feet of the entrance and exit to the polling place. If anyone refuses to stay outside the marked boundary, alert an election judge. They will alert the chief judge, who MUST call local law enforcement to have them removed.
What’s my next election?
The 2026 Primary Election will be held on June 23, 2026. The General Election will be held on November 3, 2026.
EARLY voting for the Primary lasts from June 11 - 18 (7AM-8PM). EARLY voting for the General Election lasts from October 22 - 29 (7AM-8PM). Mail-in ballot applications must be received by June 16 for ballot by mail and June 19 for ballot by internet for Primary, and October 27 for ballot by mail and October 30 for ballot by internet for the General Election.
You must register to vote or update your party affiliation by June 2, 2026 for the Primary Election.
Maryland voters will go to the polls to elect the Governor and other state and local offices, along with U.S. Representatives and judicial offices.
Click the link below to learn more about the offices on the 2026 ballot from the Montgomery County chapter of the League of Women Voters.
Montgomery County Census Data
Before you vote on any ballot items, you can look more into the demographics and population of Montgomery County using the NACo County Explorer tool.
Virginia: Remove Constitutional Same-Sex Marriage Ban Amendment (2026) - Potential
The Virginia Remove Constitutional Same-Sex Marriage Ban Amendment may appear on the ballot in Virginia as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment during the General Election on November 3, 2026.
This measure would amend the Virginia Constitution to remove a provision providing that marriage is only between one man and one woman, and would provide that the state will not deny the issuance of a marriage license to two adult persons seeking a lawful marriage on the basis of the sex, gender, or race of such persons. Supported by Democrats and opposed by Republicans.
LGBTQIA+ ballot issues in the DMV
Write your representatives
Get involved by communicating directly with your local representatives! When an issue you care about is being decided by our leadership, you deserve to have your opinions weighed and represented fairly.
Do you know your elected officials? These include your Senator, Representative, Governor, Attorney General, Delegate, County Executive, Councilmember, Board member, and even the Sheriff.
Here you can find multiple ways to reach out to your representatives in Maryland and beyond. We’ve also provided an email template for you to use if you’re nervous about sending anything in.
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MD Elect helps you locate your local representatives by entering your address. Visit mdelect.net to get a full readout.
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You can find contact information for the current Maryland Senators here.
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You can find contact information for the current Maryland Representatives here.
U.S. Representatives represent the residents of their Congressional district in the House to make laws for the nation — they might address voting rights, taxes, Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security, food safety, and the environment. Maryland has 8 Congressional Districts, and 3 cover parts of Montgomery County.
When you look up your Representatives, make sure you look at their Committee assignments; these might help you reach the right person for your concern.
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You can learn more about the current Governor of Maryland and contact their office via this page.
The Governor appoints the heads of the state’s executive branch departments and judges, proposes new legislation, and veto or sign bills passed by the legislature into law. They also play a significant role in budget creation and disaster response.
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You can find contact information for Maryland State Delegates and Legislators here.
When you enter your address, this site will also provide you with information about your congressional and legislative districts, with an option to contact all representatives at once.
State Senators and Delegates represent their constituents in the Maryland legislature (the Maryland General Assembly). They create, debate, and vote on new laws or changes to existing laws such as those that protect voting rights, reform the criminal justice system, build roads or bridges, and address public health issues. There are 47 legislative districts in Maryland, 9 of which include Montgomery County; each district is represented by 1 Senator and 3 Delegates.
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You can learn more about the current Montgomery County Executive and contact their office via this page.
The Montgomery County Executive leads the executive branch at the county level. They manage the day-to-day operations of county government departments, agencies, and offices, and prepares and submits the annual county budget to the County Council for approval.
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You can find contact information for your county Councilmembers here. Simply enter your address to learn who represents you; you will receive their full name, phone number, and email address, as well as the contact information for the At Large Councilmembers.
The Montgomery County Council enacts, amends, and repeals local laws, including the county’s budget, property and other taxes, approves land use plans, and ensures the effective operation of county programs. The Council has 11 members, 7 elected from districts and 4 elected county-wide.
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You can find contact information for your current Maryland mayor here.
You can search by name and contact them immediately. If you don’t know your mayor’s name, you can search by city name. You will receive the phone number and email of your mayor.
Email template for your representative:
Dear [Title, Last name]:
Dear [Title] [Last Name]:
My name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent who lives in your district.
The rights of the LGBTQIA+ community should be a top priority during this moment in history, and I ask you to continue voting in favor of a budget that will allow us to serve our most marginalized community members. I also ask that you oppose any legislation that discriminates against transgender or other LGBTQIA+ people. This includes efforts to retract access to affirming healthcare, sports, and public facilities that match their gender identity. Discriminatory efforts like these are deeply harmful to those already at risk of violence and bigotry.
[Here you should mention the specific piece of legislation, event, or court case that you would want your representative to pay special attention to]
[Add a personal statement here if you’d like]
I will be watching closely to see what you do to protect LGBTQIA+ rights, and I will cast future votes accordingly. Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
Volunteer
Are you interested in canvassing for local politicians or helping people register to vote? You can volunteer with the following organizations by clicking on their name: