Visit the Baltimore City and Baltimore County Board of Elections websites for more information. 

During a busy final weekend push to get out voters, Democratic gubernatorial challenger Ben Jealous rallied with comedian and longtime family friend Dave Chappelle, as well as actress and activist Rosario Dawson at historic Gwynn Oak Park on Saturday afternoon.

The site of a series of ultimately successful desegregation demonstrations in the 1960s, the setting provided a particularly compelling backdrop for Jealous, the former NAACP leader who is vying to become the first black governor in Maryland history. Jealous noted that his own mother, who grew up in West Baltimore, “couldn’t play in the park as a child.”

“Oh, we’re going to play in this park,” interrupted Chappelle, a Silver Spring native, to laughter and applause.

“If you want to make Donald Trump’s blood pressure go up,” Jealous continued, “send a civil rights leader to the governor’s office.”

Chappelle, who has known Jealous since they were teenagers, has been a regular presence alongside Jealous on the campaign trail in recent weeks—knocking on doors over the weekend and even helping one potential voter with her groceries.

Dawson, co-founder of Voto Latino, talked about Jealous’ plans to make health care affordable for everyone, expand public education, and raise the minimum wage.

“We have to change the narrative and conversation,” Dawson said. “Right now it feels very hopeless for a lot of people.”

More than 660,000 Maryland voters went to the polls during the eight-day early voting period that ended last week. That record number is more than double the turnout during 2014 mid-term elections, but the expectation among campaign officials is that at least another 600,0000 Marylanders will vote Tuesday on Election Day.

While Jealous was in Gwynn Oak Park, incumbent Republican Gov. Larry Hogan was meeting with voters in Grasonville on Maryland’s Eastern Shore Saturday.

Hogan, running on a business-friendly, anti-tax platform, has received high approval ratings from Marylanders during his first term and has been buoyed by a huge fundraising advantage in his reelection bid.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Hogan told supporters.

Polls have shown Hogan leading Jealous by double-digit margins throughout the campaign season. Jealous and Democratic officials, however, are hoping the party’s 2-1 registration advantage in the state and record turnout—boosted by a blue wave of anti-Donald Trump sentiment in Maryland—can lead to an upset.

Also on hand showing support for Jealous were Maryland U.S. senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, Baltimore County state delegate Charles Sydnor, Democratic state senate candidate Jill Carter, Baltimore City Council members Brandon Scott, Ryan Dorsey, and Kris Burnett, and Susan Turnbull, his lieutenant governor running mate.

Krish Vignarajah, former policy director for First Lady Michelle Obama, who ran against Jealous in the Democratic primary for governor, made the event’s opening remarks. She highlighted the need for change in the state, starting with “kids freezing in classrooms and being warehoused in buildings with no air conditioning.”

“I grew up in this area,” said Vignarajah, a Sri Lanka immigrant and Woodlawn High School graduate. “My family fled a civil war when I was nine months old at a time when America was its true self. I went from Woodlawn to the White House and this is how I know we need Ben Jealous in Annapolis.”

Jealous is one of three black Democratic candidates, along with Stacy Abrams, a Yale law school graduate and former minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, and Andrew Gillum, the mayor of Tallahassee, Florida, who could become their state’s first black governors if elected Tuesday.

Jealous’ parents—Ann, who is black, and Fred Jealous, who is white—met as Baltimore City schoolteachers. Both were civil rights activists, with his mother participating in the desegregation of Western High School. Their marriage was prohibited in Maryland prior to 1967 and they eventually moved to California where Jealous was born.

Looking over the diverse group of supporters gathered Saturday, Jealous mentioned his father was raised in Maine, where one of his uncles ran a lumberyard in rural community, and where he returns from time to time.

“This crowd looks a lot like a Jealous family reunion,” he observed.

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

Let’s be clear: The best way to celebrate Election Day is by doing your civic duty and heading to the polls to vote. But if you want to have some more, non-partisan fun and get through the stress of election day, check out these Baltimore election events and get through midterm madness with a nice cold drink.

Election Watch Party at Ida B’s Table: Join the Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS), a non-partisan advocacy organization in Baltimore, for an election night watch party. The ballot bash begins at 9 p.m. and ends when the results come in. TVs will broadcast the results from local news stations, light refreshments will be provided, and a cash bar will also be available. 235 Holliday St., 410-844-0444

BEE and R. House Election Night Watch Party: Baltimoreans for Educational Equity and R. House are partnering to throw a celebratory election party. Starting at 7 p.m., watch the race results roll in and learn about BEE’s plans for 2019. There will be happy hour specials all night long for those sporting an “I Voted” sticker, including $4 select drafts, $5 bipartisan punch, $6 wines, and $1 off all regular menu items. 301 W 29 St., 443-347-3570

Beers for Ballots: Whether you’re celebrating a win or drowning your sorrows, Topside, located inside Mt. Vernon’s Hotel Revival, has election night drink specials that everyone will love. The best part? Those who visit the rooftop restaurant with an ‘I Voted’ sticker can claim a free draft beer. 612 Cathedral St., 410-727-7101

Election Watch Party at Denizens Brewing Co.: There’s no better way to get into the spirit of the red, white, and booze, than at Denziens Brewing Co. Check out this Silver Spring party, celebrate democracy, and watch the election night votes roll in, all with an ice cold drink in hand. 1115 East-West Hwy., Silver Spring, 301-557-9818

Canton Party at the Polls: With the help of VoteTogether, this Canton Community Association is throwing the ultimate poll party. From 4-7 p.m., there will be free food, non alcoholic beverages, face-painting, and live music performances at O’Donnell Square Park. 2917 O’Donnell St.

Election Day Open Skate: Sportsman’s Hall Roller Skating Center is hosting an open skate day from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to celebrate election day (and no school). Admission is $8 and the skate rental is $3. Glide, roll, and coast into election night with a little fun and lot of good vibes. 15500 Hanover Pike, 410-429-6030

Election Day Discount at The Elephant: Unwind from the Election Day excitement with dinner and drinks at this Mt. Vernon restaurant housed inside an 1850s historic mansion. All diners donning an official “I Voted” sticker will receive 10 percent off of their checks. 924 N. Charles St. 443-447-7878

Pugh bested Republican Alan Walden and Green Party candidate Joshua Harris, who received 9 percent and 10 percent of the vote, respectively. Former mayor Sheila Dixon also mounted a challenge as a write-in candidate after narrowly losing the April democratic primary to Pugh and received 23 percent of the vote.

“To all of my opponents out there . . . there’s room under this tent for all of us,” Pugh said. “So let’s work together. Let’s move our city forward, not backward. Let’s become more inclusive, more diverse. Let’s create businesses, expand business, and create opportunity. Let’s get people working in Baltimore. I look forward to working for all of you.”

Overall, turnout was up from the last mayoral election, in 2011, when Stephanie Rawlings-Blake was elected to her first full term, reaping 84 percent of 45,000 votes cast. (Rawlings-Blake assumed the mayor’s seat in 2010 after Dixon was forced to resign amidst a scandal in which she was found to have misappropriated gift cards meant for the needy.) After that election, the city moved mayoral elections to coincide with the presidential election cycle—and Pugh’s margin of victory surely benefitted from an engaged electorate. Many polling places throughout the city reported long lines, several even experienced technical problems, and many residents were still waiting to vote until 9 p.m. tonight.

Though Pugh’s victory is not surprising in a city where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 10 to 1, some wondered about the strength of her winning coalition, especially after her slim margin of victory in the April primary. But today’s results indicate widespread, if not necessarily enthusiastic, support.

Also in attendance at the Radisson Hotel was Locust Point resident Sophia Silbergeld, who supported Pugh in both the primary and general elections.

“She has had a ton of experience,” Silbergeld said. “She has the city’s best interest at heart. She said this is the job she has always dreamed of and that’s the kind of mayor we want to have.”

In Northeast Baltimore, restaurateur Shawn Lagergren cast his ballot for Pugh. Though he supported Pugh in the primary, he also said his preference was solidified by a dearth of other viable candidates.

“I wasn’t going to vote for Sheila Dixon,” he explained. “It just didn’t look good for her with the scandals that had happened prior to this. I don’t think she should be back in.”

Cassandra Bridgeforth of Lauraville was even more frustrated with the options.

“I voted for Catherine Pugh. I hated it,” she said. “They gave me choices of the same old crap, or the same old crap, or the same old crap. At least show me new crap. [But] the other [candidates] just didn’t look like they had the power to be it. So I just held my nose and voted for Pugh.”

Pugh, a resident of Ashburton, is a former journalist, talk show host, and dean and director of Strayer Business College. She earned a BS and MBA from Morgan State University and runs CEPugh and Company, a marketing and public relations firm. She also co-owns a consignment shop in Pigtown called 2 Chic Boutique. Look for more on Pugh in the January issue of Baltimore magazine, on newsstands December 21.

If elected, Pugh has vowed to strengthen penalties for possession of a loaded handgun; enhance crime prevention programs like Citizens on Patrols, Neighborhood Watch, and Safe Streets; and establish an Office of Returning Citizens to help ex-offenders re-enter society.

She also has voiced support for increased funding for after-school and youth job programs, a return of Baltimore’s public school system to city control, and firing controversial Baltimore City Housing Chief Paul Graziano.

In addition to the mayor’s race, all 15 seats on the City Council were on the ballot this year. Many longtime incumbents chose not to seek reelection, providing opportunities for new faces on the council, which usually sees very limited turnover. Below is a list of all official entrants in City Council races. Bold type denotes the winner and an asterisk indicates a new council member.

President

Sharon Black – Unaffiliated

Susan Gaztanaga – Libertarian

Connor Meek – Green

Shannon Wright – Republican

Bernard C. “Jack” Young – Democrat (incumbent)

District 1

Zeke Cohen – Democrat*

Matthew McDaniel – Republican

District 2

Brandon M. Scott – Democrat (incumbent)

Gregory Yarberough – Republican

District 3

Ryan Dorsey – Democrat*

G. Andreas “Spilly” Spiliadis – Green

District 4

William “Sam” Broaddus III – Republican

Bill Henry – Democrat (incumbent)

District 5

Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer – Democrat *

District 6

Sharon Green Middleton – Democrat (incumbent)

Richard Thomas White Jr. – Green

District 7

Leon F. Pinkett III – Democrat*

Tamara Purnell – Republican

Nnamdi Scott – unaffiliated

District 8

Joseph Brown Jr. – Republican

Kristerfer Burnett – Democrat*

District 9

John T. Bullock – Democrat*

Kenneth Earl Ebron Jr. – Republican

Jamie Latear Frierson – Green

District 10

Christine Digman – Republican

Amanda E. Maminski – Green

Edward L. Reisinger – Democrat (incumbent)

District 11

Eric Costello – Democrat (incumbent)

District 12

Frank W. Richardson – Unaffiliated

Ian Schlakman – Green

Dan Sparaco – Unaffiliated

Robert Stokes Sr. – Democrat*

District 13

George Johnson – Republican

Shannon Sneed – Democrat*

District 14

Thomas T. Boyce – Republican

Mary Pat Clarke – Democrat (incumbent)

David Harding – Unaffiliated

On the other hand, some questionable tactics during the election season have continued today. One example is the slashing of 3rd District City Council candidate Ryan Dorsey’s tires this morning, which he discovered at 4:30 a.m. as he was starting his day.

“Thankfully, I have some great neighbors who were willing to help me with transportation,” Dorsey said while greeting voters outside Northwood Elementary. “I have had signs slashed and stolen as well during this entire campaign. Big signs, too. Not just the small yard signs that are easily pulled up.”

In Bolton Hill, windshield fliers headed “Press Release,” with no address or name attached, claimed that former Mayor Dixon, who was forced to resign during her term because of theft and perjury charges, was “set up” by political opponents.

And at Catherine Pugh’s campaign headquarters, the windshield of a van that belonged to her campaign was smashed and its tires slashed, and another van was damaged after part-time campaign workers, expecting to be paid, were told they wouldn’t be needed today, according to reporting by The Sun.

There were also reports of campaign polling places opening late Tuesday, struggles at some venues with the return to paper but scanned ballots, and finally, a shortage of “I Voted” stickers.

Six of the current 15 City Council members declined this year to seek re-election, including longtime legislators Robert Curran, Helen Holton, and Rochelle “Ricki” Spector, all whom are retiring. First District Councilman Jim Kraft gave up his seat to run for judge, and fellow members Carl Stokes and Nick Mosby gave up their seats to campaign for mayor, although Mosby recently dropped out of the race and endorsed Pugh.

Along with efforts to fill those vacancies, 9th District Councilman William “Pete” Welch, who was initially appointed to the seat by his mother, former Councilwoman Agnes Welch, is expected to face a strong challenge from 37-year-old John Bullock, a Towson University assistant professor of government. Bill Henry, the 4th District city councilman, faces a credible challenge from 35-year-old Brian Hammock, a CSX executive.

In the 13th District, 35-year-old Shannon Sneed, who lost to Councilman Warren Branch by 43 votes in the last election, is running again. And, in the 11th District, Councilman Eric Costello, whose appointment to his seat was supported by Council President Jack Young, faces three credible challengers.

Hardly of lesser importance, Baltimore voters will also choose between Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary. Sanders drew a big and enthusiastic crowd to the Royal Farms Arena Saturday, but Clinton maintains a sizable lead in Maryland in the latest polling.

On the Republican side, all three candidates, real estate developer Donald Trump, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich held rallies in the Maryland in the last week, but Trump maintains a large lead in the latest polling.

Baltimore voters, meanwhile, are also expected to play a key role deciding between Prince George’s Rep. Donna Edwards and Montgomery County Rep. Chris Van Hollen in the Democratic primary race to replace Fells Point native and Maryland stalwart Mikulski, whose groundbreaking political career will come to end early next year.

The Republican primary for Mikulski’s long-held seat hasn’t received the same attention—the GOP is out-registered 2-1 in the state—but that field includes Baltimore County Del. Kathy Szeliga, Richard Douglas, a former George W. Bush Defense Department appointee from Bladensburg, and Chrys Kefalas, who worked in former Gov. Robert Ehrlich’s administration, from East Baltimore’s Greektown.

St. Mary’s College of Maryland political science professor Todd Eberly says in two of the big races today—the Baltimore mayoral race and the Democratic U.S. Senate primary—Pugh and Van Hollen have become the frontrunners, but he wouldn’t be completely surprised if the elections go the other way.

“Edwards ran an attack ad recently that portrayed Van Hollen as soft on guns and the NRA and that backfired,” Eberly said. “But until then, it was very close between them. In the other race, Sheila Dixon has a strong core of supporters and I think that race remains combustible, with a lot of undecided voters. I would not be shocked if she won. Stranger things have happened.”