1950] OF THE SENATE. 7

This statute, you will recall, establishes a bi-partisan Commission
to regulate, within the framework of the statute, the issuance of
ballots to eligible Marylanders absent from the State in the armed
services.

Because of the time which necessarily will be consumed in the
setting up of the machinery for the distribution of ballots to
absentee service men and women, it has been deemed impossible to
attempt to put the law into effect for the September primaries.

During the period in World War II when this law was in effect
in Maryland, military authorities required that the ballots be in
their hands 55 days prior to the date of the election before they
would undertake their delivery and return.

Under the law, candidates have until 30 days before the election
to withdraw their candidacies, and ballots cannot be printed until
this deadline passes.

You will, no doubt, recall that in order to meet the time require-
ments of the Absentee Voting Law in 1946, it was necessary that
year to hold the primary elections in June, instead of the usual
time in September.

I hope that the necessity for requiring your return to Annapolis
to deal with theses matters has not too greatly inconvenienced you.

We shall, I fear, all be called upon for some measure of self-
sacrifice in the days that lie ahead, but at the same time, I am
confident that as Marylanders, and as Americans, we are prepared
to face the situation that confronts us, and to its successful solu-
tion, give the best that is in us.

ORDERS

On motion of Mr. Hoff it was ordered that Mr. Ellison be excused
from today's session on account of illness.

By Senator Sothoron:

Ordered, That the Senate of Maryland Committees appointed by
the President of the Senate during the regular session of 1950 be
and they are hereby continued to serve during the special session
of 1950; and be it further ordered, that the President is hereby
authorized and empowered to fill any vacancy or vacancies that may
exist in said committees by reason of death, resignation or any
other manner.

Which was read and so ordered.