The state Senate added a new member Thursday, which likely gives Senate Democrats enough votes to override Gov. Larry Hogan's veto last year of a bill granting felons the right to vote immediately after they are released from prison, rather than at the end of their parole or probation.
Sen. Craig Zucker, a Montgomery County Democrat, filled the seat vacated by Sen. Karen Montgomery when she resigned effective Jan. 1.
Zucker, a former delegate, is in the unique position of voting twice for the same veto override. He also voted on it last month in the House.
"It gives the opportunity for 40,000 Marylanders to have the opportunity to vote once,” Zucker said. “I think it's important for us to make sure that voters aren't disenfranchised, and I think you've got people that are on the track to doing the right thing, and this gives them the opportunity.”
On Friday, Zucker’s second vote may make the difference. Senate President Mike Miller has said he intentionally scheduled the vote for just after Zucker took his seat.
If the bill passes as expected, released felons could vote as early as April’s primary election.