The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting every person and institution in the state of Maryland. With

necessary prohibitions against events that draw more than 10 people and government buildings, schools and nonessential businesses closed; public access to government meetings and others proceeding are limited.

This is where you come in. Public officials must do everything in their power to MAXIMIZE the ability of the public to continue observing and participating in government proceedings.

We need your help ensuring that happens. Maryland's Open Meetings Act requires many State and local public bodies to hold their meetings in public, to give the public adequate notice of those meetings, and to allow the public to inspect meetings minutes. While COVID-19 has made that more difficult, these proceeding should be made available to the public by videoconference where possible and, at a minimum, via telephone and submission of written testimony.

Please let us know if a local government, a school board, or any other public body is meeting and not providing the public with an opportunity to observe and participate from home.

Maryland’s confidence in our government is more important during a time of crisis than ever. We need you to be a Common Cause MD watchdog!