For the last several months, we’ve all become accustomed to televised debates and campaign commercials in preparation for November 6. In addition, promotional material has been handed out, and signs with smiling faces of candidates have been strategically placed on lawns and at busy intersections. Now, Election Day is finally here.
Early voting wrapped up in Maryland on October 31—which was also the last day to register to vote in the general election—where more than 660,000 votes were cast. Tuesday’s turnout is also expected to have record numbers.
We’ve compiled an Election Day cheat sheet to break down everything you need to know, and make your visit to the polls on Tuesday a little bit easier.
Polling Places
All polls are open on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. In order to vote, you have to know where you need to go. By simply checking in to the Maryland Board of Elections site with your home address, you will find your exact polling location and times. You will also find out more about the candidates within your specific district.
If you moved more than three weeks ago, go to the polling place for your new address where you will be given a provisional ballot. As long as you complete and sign the provisional ballot application, all of your votes will count.
If you moved less than three weeks before the election, you may vote at the polling place for your old address or vote with a provisional ballot at your new address.
What to Bring
Now that you know where you have to be, you want to make sure you are prepared when walking through the door. In most instances you won’t need anything, but be sure to bring your state-issued ID card just in case.
If you’re unsure if you are registered to vote, searching here will let you know.
Races to Watch
Things are heating up on both sides—especially for the gubernatorial race. Current Republican governor Larry Hogan is hoping to keep his position as he goes up against former NAACP president and Democratic candidate Ben Jealous, who is trailing significantly in terms of the polling.
In the attorney general race, incumbent Brian Frosh is being challenged by Republican Craig Wolf.
In the Baltimore County Executive race, Democrat John “Johnny O” Olszewski Jr. is competing with Republican Al Redmer Jr. to replace Kevin Kamenetz—who served two terms and passed away while competing in Democratic primary for governor earlier this year.
Congressional, state delegate, and state senate seats are also up for grabs across the state, along with a plethora of other locally elected positions. Sample ballots are available for residents to review prior to voting to learn more about the candidates, and to minimize the amount of time spent in the booth.
Partisan Parties
There will be plenty of opportunities around Baltimore to watch the election results, but here are a few partisan parties to check out:
Baltimore City Get Out the Vote Rally with Lt. Gov Boyd Rutherford: Join Gov. Larry Hogan and Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford on November 5th for a Get Out the Vote Rally with in Baltimore City at Ryleigh’s Oyster Bar. Doors open at 6 p.m. with free appetizers for the first hundred people. There will also be $1 soda specials and happy drink specials during the event. 26 E. Cross St.
Ben Jealous Election Night Watch Party: Come out to celebrate on Election Night with Ben Jealous at the Hippodrome Theatre. Doors open at 7 p.m. RSVP here.
Baltimore City Green Party: Gather your Green Party group and check out this election night watch party. The event runs from 7-10 p.m. with a light fare and plenty of drinks. 131 West N. Ave., 410-685-0039
Al Redmer Election Night Party: Join Team Redmer at 8 p.m. for an election night at Columbus Gardens. Enjoy food, refreshments, and good music. 4301 Kiosterman Ave., 410-256-2737
Election Night Party hosted by Libertarian Party of Maryland: Supporters of Shawn Quinn for Governor will gather at the Savage Fire Hall for a night full of food, drinks, and dancing. 8521 Corridor Rd., 443-684-0924
Joe Hooe’s Election Night Celebration: Joe Hooes’s supporters will join up at The New Lansdowne Inn at 8:30 p.m. to celebrate Hooe’s accomplishments thus far. The event will feature a cash bar, great conversation, and a speech by Hooe himself. 2710 Hammonds Ferry Rd., 410-247-1163
HoCo Dems Election Night Watch Party: Join the Howard County Democrats for Election Night festivities at Kahler Hall. The event starts at 8 p.m., and there will be free food and fun activities for everyone. 5440 Old Tucker Row, 410-730-0770