The Maryland Gubernatorial Primary Election is just weeks away. Early voting in Baltimore County and other jurisdictions across the state begins June 11 and runs for eight days, followed by Primary Election Day on June 23. As campaigns ramp up, so do the excitement, anxiety and uncertainty. Who is gaining momentum? What coalitions are being formed? What level of voter turnout can we expect?
Baltimore County voters will decide races for a wide range of offices, including State Senate and House of Delegates, County Executive, County Council, U.S. House of Representatives, State’s Attorney, Sheriff, Register of Wills, Clerk of the Court, and judgeships.
More than 140 Democratic, Republican, and unaffiliated candidates are on the Baltimore County ballot for state, local, and congressional offices. As the election approaches, candidates are sharpening their voter outreach messaging and strategies.
With little competition facing incumbent Governor Wes Moore, Comptroller Brooke Lierman, and Attorney General Anthony Brown, much of the attention is focused on local contests. Three council members are among those vying for County Executive, dozens are campaigning for County Council in nine expanded and redrawn districts including District 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the west side, the five-term State’s Attorney is campaigning to hold on to his seat, and the incumbent Sheriff, who has held office since 2002, will not run, opening up the race to newcomers.
Campaign activity and hype are everywhere, from Catonsville to Woodlawn to Randallstown and Reisterstown and other points west. Political signs—both legal and illegal—line public roadways and are staked on lawns and business properties. Glossy mailers are now arriving in mailboxes with greater frequency. Volunteers in colorful campaign T-shirts are waving to motorists at busy intersections, canvassing neighborhoods knocking on doors, and manning phone banks.
Candidates participate in yet another forum hosted by business organizations, nonprofits and the media to share their vision, reinforce their message, and highlight differences with their opponents. They are making their way to churches and other houses of worship—sometimes speaking from the pulpit, sometimes just sitting in the pews and getting in a photo op with a congregation member after Sunday service. When their schedules permits, they’re stopping by to meet and greet folks at community events, often with their children and spouses to connect with voters on a personal level.
Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok pages are active with campaign content featuring selfies, videos, and pointed commentary about opponents. Let’s not forget the “endorsement alerts” proudly promoting support from elected officials, unions, and organizations in hopes of influencing voters.
Since there’s never enough money needed for the war chest, fundraising remains a constant necessity. Campaigns continue to email and text appeals to “chip in” a few dollars to help achieve their fundraising goals.
For its part, the Baltimore County Board of Elections has been busy planning and preparing for the election.
Are You Registered?
To vote, you must be registered. Voter cards have been mailed, but you can request a replacement. Check your registration status online. Maryland offers same-day voting at polling places, or you can register to vote online before June 2.
When to Vote
Registered Democrats and Republicans can vote in person from June 11 through June 18, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., at any of the 11 early voting centers (EVC) in Baltimore County. On the west side, the locations include Arbutus Recreation Center, Baltimore County Board of Elections in Owings Mills, Randallstown Community Center, Reisterstown Senior Center and Woodlawn Community Center.
Remember that if you plan to vote in person on Primary Election Day on June 23, you must do so at your assigned polling place.
Independent voters and those affiliated with parties other than the Democratic and Republican parties will skip the Primary and vote in the General Election on Nov. 3.
Other Options to Vote
Voters can request a mail-in ballot online using the form in English or Spanish.
As of mid-May, more than 84,000 Baltimore County residents had requested mail-in ballots. Due to a vendor printing error, the State Board of Elections is reissuing ballots to voters who requested one before May 14. The mailing of replacement ballots, along with instructions, began May 18 and should be complete by May 29.
Completed ballots can be returned to the Baltimore County Board of Elections office or placed in an official drop box before 8 p.m. on June 23. If you use the U.S. Postal Service, the ballot must be postmarked on or before June 23 in the sealed return envelope.
Ballot Drop Boxes
Some 38 drop boxes are available 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on June 23. Ballots are collected daily and only authorized election officials have access to the boxes. These drop boxes are not operated by the U.S. Postal Service.
Drop boxes are set up outside the following locations on the west side.
In-Person on Election Day
Go to your assigned polling place between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 23. If you’re in line by 8 p.m., you’ll be able to vote.
Know Your District
Due to redistricting, district boundaries have changed. It’s important to verify your councilmanic district and learn who is running to represent you.
Check your registration status, district, party affiliation, and review the sample ballot, which indicates the candidates for your district, using the Maryland Voter Lookup tool.
Be sure to research the candidates before making your decision and decide who will work in your best interests and those of your family and community.
Key Deadlines
June 2 – Deadline to register to vote online or change party affiliation
June 16 – Deadline to request a mailed or faxed ballot
June 19 – Deadline to request a mail-in ballot online
June 23 – Last day for mail-in ballot must be postmarked if mailing it
June 23 – Last day to vote in the Primary Election in person
For more information on the elections, visit Baltimore County Board of Elections at baltimorecountymd.gov or the Maryland State Board of Elections at elections.maryland.gov.
Resources and Links
Use the voter search tool to:
Check if you are registered to vote.
See your voting district, party affiliation
View your sample ballot
–This article will be updated.