Testimony for HB 496

Above: Del. Lily Qi and her panel address the committee.

Below: Bill co-sponsors Del. Lily Qi (2nd from the middle on our right) and Del. Stuart Schmidt (2nd from the middle on our left) and those who testified in support gathered for a photo outside of the hearing room.

February 11, 2026 | Annapolis, Maryland

On February 11, advocates, veterans, students, and voters from across Maryland gathered in Annapolis to testify in support of HB 496 — legislation aimed at expanding voter access in Maryland’s primary elections.

The hearing brought together a broad and diverse coalition united by one principle: ensuring that every voter has a meaningful voice in our democracy.

Introduction

Delegate Qi's panel

• Delegate Qi

• Melalnie Combs-Dyer, Independent Voters of Maryland

• Jeremy Gruber, Open Primaries

• Michael Pellittiere, Veterans for All Voters

• questions from committee

Supporting testimony in person

• Leland Bradshaw, Forward Party

• Andy Ellis, Green Party

• Dennis Philapavage, Veteran

• William Everett, member, Veterans for All Voters

• William Andreani, High school student

• James McGill

• Dona Sauerburger

• John Hammond

• Holly Johnson, Veteran

• Owen Anderson, Ranked Choice Voting Maryland

• Phil Andrews

• Peter Talle

• Jackson Taylor, Youth voter

• David Ballot, Veteran

• Jocylyn Guzman

• Nancy Gladden

Supporting testimony virtual

• Brandon Russell

• Michael Davis

Signed up but could not be present

• Kate Stein

• Elaina Goldstein (was in the virtual waiting room for 5 hours but was not called on when it was her turn)