We are in the final countdown for Maryland’s highly consequential Primary Election that takes place on June 23. Early voting in Baltimore County and across the state begins June 11 and ends June 18, and a lot is at stake.
Baltimore County voters will decide critical races for a wide range of state, local and congressional 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 judges for Orphans Court and District Court. More than 140 Democrats and Republicans are on the ballot.
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 County Council members are among those vying to become County Executive and dozens of hopefuls are campaigning for seven open council seats in nine expanded and redrawn districts including four on the west side.
Also in central county government, five-term State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger is up against two solid contenders, and incumbent Sheriff R. Jay Fisher, who has held office since 2002, has chosen not to run, creating an open seat. Clyde Boatwright, a Middle River resident, has worked in law enforcement for more than 25 years, is viewed as the strongest contender. The Register of Wills Alexis Burrell-Rohde and Clerk of Circuit Court Julie Ensor are unopposed.
Campaign activity is 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 arriving in mailboxes with greater frequency. Volunteers in colorful campaign T-shirts with lists of voters are canvassing neighborhoods knocking on doors, waving to motorists at busy intersections, and manning phone banks.
Candidates are participating in multiple debates and forums 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 church and other houses of worship—sometimes to say a few words and other times to be recognized from the pews. The candidates are stopping by community events, often with their children and spouses in tow, to connect with voters on a personal level.
Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages are full of selfies, clever 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.
There’s never enough money in war chest, so campaigns continue to email and text appeals to “chip in”a few dollars to help achieve their fundraising goals.
Some voters are growing weary of the literature, emails and texts. Others like Janeen Brown enjoy the hustle and bustle. “I’m really getting excited,” the Woodlawn resident said as she was observing all the signs in front of Double T Diner in Catonsville.
“With everything going on the national level, it seems like at least we have some control on the local level. There are a lot of good people on the ballot.”
For its part, the Baltimore County Board of Elections has been busy planning and preparing for the election, doing everything from checking the machines, soliciting election judges and conducting surveys. Election Director Ruie Lavoie says her busy team has been in good spirits, navigating their responsibilities with weekly “Mindful Monday” or “Thoughtful Tuesday” team meetings and check-ins.
July 6 is the date the county certifies the election results, Lavoie said. Her goal is to stay on schedule with ballot canvassing after the election and complete all the audits including a new risk limiting audit. In the end, Lavoie said, “If we stayed on schedule, we met all our requirements, certified on time, and our results showed no variance in all the audits,” she said she considers the election a successful one.
“I want voters to know that we honestly do care that every Baltimore County voter or eligible citizen has the opportunity to register to vote and vote,” Lavoie said. “We try to go above and beyond to provide polling places that are accessible locations throughout the county. We’ve tried to make sure that we find good convenient locations for our ballot boxes because we want voters to have a good experience voting. So, we do whatever we can.”