MD Election: Too Late For Mail, What To Wear To Vote

Elizabeth Janney
·3 min read

MARYLAND — The Maryland Board of Elections advised voters Monday not to put their mail-in ballots in the mail if they were waiting to do so.

"It is too late to put your mail-in ballot in the mail," state election officials advised Monday, encouraging voters to return their mail-in ballots to a ballot drop box.

Statewide, 284 ballot boxes are accepting ballot submissions until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3. They are at 283 locations around the state, with two at Camden Yards in Baltimore.

"Because the drop boxes remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, voters can cast their ballots at whatever time is most convenient for them," Maryland State Board of Elections Administrator Linda Lamone said in a statement. "Since ballots are collected daily, voters can also rest assured their vote will be received and counted by the deadline."

Here are the drop box locations.

Those who have voted by mail may not vote in person.

What To Know At The Polls

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Not all traditional polling places will be open due to the coronavirus. See a list of voting centers open on Election Day.

While the best time to vote is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the Maryland Board of Elections encourages voters to be prepared for lines and bring things like a folding chair, snack and water.

Check the forecast from the National Weather Service before heading out. State election officials advise bringing an umbrella if rain is expected. Dress for the weather — due to the wind chill, it will likely feel like the mid-40s at the warmest.

Here are a few more things to know before voting on Election Day:

  • Voters are asked to wear masks. If a voter arrives at a voting centers without a mask, election officials will offer the person one.

  • People who have medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from wearing a mask will be asked to vote using a provisional ballot outside the voting room.

  • The number of voters permitted inside a vote center at any one time may be limited to maintain social distancing.

  • Same-day registration is available at early voting and Election Day vote centers. Bring a Motor Vehicle Administration-issued driver’s license, identification card or change of address card, or a paycheck, bank statement, utility bill or other government document that includes the voter’s name and new address.

MD Races, Ballot Measures To Watch

Eight congressional seats are up for grabs in Maryland, in Districts 1 through 7.

Baltimore will select a new mayor, after Mayor Bernard "Jack" Young lost the Democratic nomination to Council President Brandon Scott in the primary. He will take on Pastor Shannon Wright and entrepreneur Bob Wallace in the race to lead Charm City.

Voters will also have the opportunity to weigh in on two statewide ballot questions, one that would give the Maryland General Assembly the authority to reallocate budget items after the governor approves the budget and another that would allow for an expansion of gaming.

Question 1 (Constitutional Amendment):
"The proposed amendment authorizes the General Assembly, in enacting a balanced budget bill for fiscal year 2024 and each fiscal year thereafter, to increase, diminish, or add items, provided that the General Assembly may not exceed the total proposed budget as submitted by the Governor." (Amending Article II Section 17 and Article III Sections 14 and 52 of the Maryland Constitution)

Question 2 (Commercial Gaming Expansion Referendum):
"Do you approve the expansion of commercial gaming in the State of Maryland to authorize sports and events betting for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education?" (Ch. 492 of the 2020 Legislative Session)

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This article originally appeared on the Across Maryland Patch