Beyond Noon to 8: Guttenberg's Plan for Real Voting Access in La Plata
By: Paul Guttenberg, Candidate for Town Council Ward I
Recently the 4th and 5th Democratic Club asked all nine candidates in La Plata’s 2025 general election the following:
What specific things would you do to improve the voting process for the residents of La Plata?
To specifically improve the voting process for the residents of La Plata, I would take the following concrete actions:
First, I would advocate for amendments to Chapter 17 of the Code of Ordinances, which governs our elections. My goal is to make voting more accessible for residents in La Plata.
Specifically, I will push to expand the voting times. Currently, our town code limits voting to noon to 8 pm. This year the council, by resolution, extended voting hours from 7am until 8 pm however it is just in 2025 not a permanent change to our voting times. I would permanently change the voting hours to 7 am to 8 pm by code, providing an enduring change allowing more time for residents to cast their ballots in every election going forward.
Second, I would invite interested residents to participate in a short-term committee to explore and make recommendations to the Town Council on the following ideas and any additional ideas from the community they identify:
I envision exploring the possibility of alternative voting days. La Plata is largely a bedroom community, meaning most registered voters are working people who commute outside of the town for work. Weekday voting during standard business hours presents a significant challenge for many. There are examples of several Maryland municipalities that hold elections on Saturdays.
I believe it's worth investigating if residents would support weekend voting, or extending voting to two days, such as Friday and Saturday. This would more than double the available voting hours and offer a non business day to accommodate residents' schedules.
Furthermore, I will work to establish additional channels of communication to ensure more residents are well-informed about election dates, processes and procedures. This would involve:
Actively utilizing the towns and communities social media platforms and groups.
Developing partnerships with local businesses to disseminate information.
Exploring the use of paid advertising to reach a broader audience.
I am already taking action to address this issue even before being elected.
As part of my "Vote Local" campaign, launched in February and promoted through my website and social media, I've distributed QR code flyers during door-to-door visits to provide residents with easy access to voter information.
I've also actively participated in local citizen efforts to install temporary election awareness signs around La Plata, contributing both with my personal time and financially to this grass roots initiative.
Will You Help?
If elected, I am committed to making lasting changes to our town's election process. This means not just quick fixes, but permanent adjustments to our town code to make voting easier and more accessible. I also believe the town should actively invest resources in advertising and educating residents about our local elections every four years.
Local government is impactful to everyone who lives in La Plata, and low voter turnout raises important questions about how well it is engaging with residents. The current council has unfortunately overlooked this issue, missing an opportunity to address it during their term. I won't make that same mistake. If you elect me to the Ward I Council seat, I will prioritize actions to help increase voter participation, improve resident engagement, and ensure our local government truly reflects the views and priorities of La Plata’s residents.
You can help by please voting for Paul Guttenberg, Ward I Town Councilman.
For Better Town Government We Must Increase La Plata’s Voter Turn-out For Our Local Elections
Please Vote on May 6th. You can find contact and candidate information for all the general election candidates on the town website. Please also share this information with your friends and family, and encourage them to vote.
Many candidates are also active on Facebook especially within the La Plata Community Group.
A “Vote Local” Plan For Town Council & Mayor
1. Plan To Vote:
Please Plan A Time on Tuesday May 6th You Will Vote at Town Hall.
(Between 7am and 8pm)
2. Share Election Information:
Please Share Election Information with Your Family, Friends & Neighbors Who Live in the Town of La Plata. www.voteguttenberg.org/vote-local/
3. Cast Your Ballot On Tuesday, May 6th 2025.
Voting occurs in person at the La Plata Town Hall, located at 305 Queen Anne Street, between 7am and 8pm.
I ask that you consider voting for me as your Town Council representative from Ward I.
More than anything I hope you take the time to vote, and that you encourage others to do the same. When residents vote in larger numbers, it increases the emphasis for elected town leaders to engage and respond to concerns expressed by the public.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Paul Guttenberg, Candidate for La Plata Town Council Ward I
