Public Record
Voting Rights and Andy Harris
He brands himself as a protector of “election integrity.” His voting record repeatedly blocks federal protections that expand access, prevent discrimination, and strengthen transparent, secure participation—especially in rural communities.
What Harris says publicly
On his official website and in public remarks, Andy Harris frames his positions on voting in terms of preventing fraud and upholding the Constitution. He uses phrases like "election integrity" and "confidence in the democratic process" — language that implies U.S. elections are insecure or susceptible to widespread fraud. Independent election officials, federal courts, and the Department of Homeland Security have repeatedly found no evidence of widespread fraud in U.S. elections. Every registered voter has already been verified as a citizen and eligible to vote through multiple layers of federal and state checks before ever casting a ballot.
Harris's public messaging on voting centers on restriction and skepticism of the existing system — not on expanding access to the ballot for eligible voters.
Voting record
Where Harris has supported voting rights
Backed independent redistricting to end gerrymandering
Harris supported the Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission, which produced fairer maps than the legislature's partisan gerrymander — later struck down by courts. His position aligned with reformers who argue independent redistricting protects equal voting power. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Supported Maryland map that would increase Democratic representation
In a notable crossover position, Harris stated in 2025 that he supported a Maryland congressional map drawn by the Democratic-controlled legislature, predicting courts would overturn it and produce more Republican seats — an unusual move that acknowledged the structural unfairness of the existing map. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Has not personally sponsored voter restriction legislation in Congress
A review of Harris's sponsored and co-sponsored legislation in Congress shows no bills he personally introduced to restrict ballot access, reduce early voting, or limit voter registration. His voting record on voting rights bills reflects caucus positions rather than legislation he has driven. (Source: Congress.gov — Harris sponsored legislation)
Where Harris has opposed voting rights protections
Objected to certifying the 2020 presidential election results
Harris objected to the certification of Electoral College results from Pennsylvania and Arizona on January 6–7, 2021 — based on claims courts had repeatedly rejected. Critics said the objection sought to overturn the votes of millions of eligible voters. (Source: Wikipedia — Andy Harris)
Voted against the For the People Act (H.R. 1)
Harris voted against H.R. 1, which would have established automatic voter registration, expanded early voting, restored voting rights for people with felony convictions, and set ethics and campaign finance standards — measures supporters said would expand access to the ballot. (Source: GovTrack — Harris votes)
Voted against the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
Harris voted against restoring and modernizing the Voting Rights Act after the Supreme Court's Shelby County decision — legislation that would have reinstated federal preclearance requirements for jurisdictions with a history of voting discrimination. (Source: GovTrack — Harris votes)
Backed voter ID requirements — a form of voter suppression
Harris has backed voter ID requirements at the polls. Every voter is already verified as a citizen and eligible to vote during the registration process — applicants must provide a Social Security number or other documentation, cross-checked against federal and state databases. There is no evidence of widespread in-person voter impersonation in U.S. elections. The Government Accountability Office found that strict voter ID laws reduce turnout among eligible voters, with the sharpest impact on low-income, elderly, Black, and young voters who are statistically less likely to hold qualifying photo ID. (Source: GAO — Voter ID Effects on Turnout, 2014; Brennan Center — The Truth About Voter Fraud; U.S. Election Assistance Commission — Voter Registration)
Impact on voters on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Rural disenfranchisement
Longer drives to polling locations, fewer early-voting sites, and resistance to mail-in voting disproportionately affect Eastern Shore voters.
Older and disabled voters
Restrictions on mail-in ballots and early voting make participation harder for seniors and people with disabilities.
Working families
Limited polling hours and fewer voting options penalize people who cannot take time off work or arrange transportation.
Public Statements and Voting Record
Bottom line: Public Statements and Voting Record
Where he has supported voting rights
- Backed independent redistricting to end partisan gerrymandering
- Has not personally sponsored voter restriction legislation in Congress
- Acknowledged structural map unfairness in 2025 redistricting comments
Where he has opposed voting rights
- Objected to 2020 Electoral College certification
- Voted against the For the People Act (H.R. 1)
- Voted against the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
- Backed voter ID requirements — a documented form of voter suppression