Election Countdown: Early Voting Begins Thursday

After a dramatic, months-long campaign season, voters can finally make their voices heard at the ballot box.

In-person early voting begins Thursday, October 24, and lasts through Thursday, October 31. Voting centers will be open from 7:00am until 8:00pm daily during this time.

Locally, Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company and the Broadneck Library will serve as early voting centers. Early voters are not assigned to a specific location and can vote at any open polling site in their county of residence, unlike Election Day. A full list of Anne Arundel County early voting locations and live wait times can be found here.

An amendment passed by Maryland voters in 2018 allows for same-day registration and voting at polling centers. Eligible residents wishing to register and vote during early voting should bring documentation of their address, such as an MVA-issued driver’s license, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or any government-issued document with proof of address.

Absentee ballots must be postmarked or dropped in a ballot box or taken to a polling center by 8:00pm on Tuesday, November 5. There are ballot drop boxes at the Severna Park and Broadneck libraries, as well as several other locations throughout the county.

Along with the presidential contest between Vice President Kamala Harris (D) and former president Donald Trump (R), here are some of the decisions for Anne Arundel County voters to make at the polls.

U.S. Senate

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) and former Maryland governor Larry Hogan (R) are vying for the Senate seat occupied by Senator Ben Cardin (D) for nearly 20 years.

This race has taken a decidedly negative turn, with a steady stream of attack ads being lobbed from both sides.

Hogan left office in early 2023 with approval numbers that are almost unheard of in today’s politics. In mid-September, the public polling between Hogan and Alsobrooks showed a five-point margin. According to the Real Clear Politics average, the numbers are beginning to turn in Alsobrooks’ favor.

U.S. Congress

State Senator Sarah Elfreth (D) of Annapolis and attorney Rob Steinberger (R) of Arnold will face off to replace Representative John Sarbanes (D) to represent Maryland’s third congressional district, which represents much of Anne Arundel County, as well as Howard County and extending to parts of Carroll County.

Elfreth has spent roughly $2 million on her campaign, while her competitor has spent just shy of $50,000, according to quarterly reports filed at the end of September. The seat is seen as a likely Democratic win.

Board of Education

Members of the Anne Arundel County Board of Education are not chosen on a partisan basis, but LaToya Nkongolo and incumbent board member Dana Schallheim have been vocal about their stark differences this campaign.

The Severna Park Voice asked both candidates to answer a series of questions earlier this month, and those responses can be found here.

Judge of the Circuit Court Circuit, District 5

Another nonpartisan race on this year’s ballot is circuit court judge.

Voters may choose up to two candidates. There are four running: incumbents Christine Celeste and Ginina Jackson-Stevenson, along with former administrative law judge Claudia Barber and attorney Tom Casey.

Check out the Voice’s candidate Q&A to learn more about the judicial candidates.

Constitutional Amendment

While it’s a hot-button topic in nearly every presidential election year, the issue of abortion has taken a front seat this year since the reversal of Roe vs. Wade in 2022.

Maryland voters will see a state constitutional amendment regarding abortion on this year’s ballot. Question 1 – Declaration of Rights – Right to Reproductive Freedom tasks voters with deciding whether to make abortion and other reproductive measures a constitutional right in Maryland.

Voters can visit the Maryland Board of Elections website for a complete sample ballot tailored to their address, as well as information on where to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5.