MaryPIRG's Johanna Neumann

As election season nears and political campaigns gear up in Maryland, I am once again reminded of the benefits and challenges of living in a democracy.

I encourage you to engage in the upcoming election. Register to vote if you haven’t already. Educate yourself about the candidates and what they stand for, so you can make an informed decision on election day. This time of year offers tremendous opportunities to engage in the decisions that will drive the future of our state and our country.

As candidates shape their campaign platforms, they look to citizens and organizations like Maryland PIRG for direction on important issues that affect Marylanders, such as health care, prescription drug costs, protection from careless data practices that lead to identity theft, and fair utility rates for all Maryland residents.

However, this time of year also highlights tremendous challenges in our democracy.

In an era where TV ads and flashy mailings are king, candidates with the bigger war chest win nine out of 10 times. Powerful special interests funnel large amounts of money to candidates during election season, only to cash in on those investments and relationships when the candidate is in office.

In this system, powerful special interests shape the policies that are put forward and what legislation ultimately becomes law.

Well-heeled industry lobbyists outnumber public interest advocates in Annapolis, and they certainly outspend us. But politicians know that Maryland PIRG will deliver rigorous research, practical solutions, and (as much as they may not like it) will hold them accountable to the public.

Unlike Maryland PIRG, powerful special interests will never be able to say they have the support of thousands of members across the state.

Thanks to the support of members like you, Maryland PIRG has helped pass laws to restrict identity theft, predatory lending and many other issues. With your continued support we’ll keep fighting to protect consumers, improve our democracy and hold elected officials accountable to the public.