A recent Mason-Dixon Polling & Research survey of Maryland voters found that 63% believe that life without the possibility of parole is an acceptable substitute for the death penalty. Only 21% stated that they believe it is not an acceptable alternative to the death penalty, and 16% were not sure. The poll, sponsored by the Maryland Catholic Conference, revealed that among women, 66% believe the alternative sentence of life without parole is an acceptable substitute for capital punishment. Among black respondents, the number agreeing with the statement registered at 69%. In response to the more general question of whether voters support or oppose the death penalty itself, 56% said they support it, 35% oppose capital punishment, and 9% are unsure. The support is well below the comparable numbers nationally. The poll took place February 22 – 24, 2005, and included responses from 625 registered Maryland voters. (Maryland Poll Results, Maryland Catholic Conference, March 2005).
See Public Opinion and Life Without Parole.
- Death Penalty Information Center (2025, March 14). PUBLIC OPINION: Maryland Poll Finds Strong Support for Life Without Parole. Retrieved October 3, 2026, from https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/public-opinion-maryland-poll-finds-strong-support-for-life-without-parole
- Death Penalty Information Center. “PUBLIC OPINION: Maryland Poll Finds Strong Support for Life Without Parole.” Last modified March 14, 2025. Accessed October 3, 2026. https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/public-opinion-maryland-poll-finds-strong-support-for-life-without-parole.
- Death Penalty Information Center. “PUBLIC OPINION: Maryland Poll Finds Strong Support for Life Without Parole.” Death Penalty Information Center, 14 Mar. 2025, https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/public-opinion-maryland-poll-finds-strong-support-for-life-without-parole. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.
