33,389 Baltimore voters cast early ballots
City turnout lagged behind the state average, leaving most of the 410,056 eligible residents to decide who governs Maryland on Tuesday.
By Jonathan Hoffmann ·
Tuesday, Nov. 3, is the final day for Baltimore residents to vote in Maryland’s gubernatorial election. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m., marking the end of a campaign where local participation has trailed the rest of the state.
State figures show that 33,389 Baltimore City residents voted early between Oct. 22 and Oct. 29. That number represents roughly 8.1% of the city’s 410,056 eligible active voters. In contrast, 604,396 people across Maryland voted early, a rate of about 14.1%. The disparity means the majority of the city’s ballots are still outstanding.
Interest in early voting spiked in Baltimore during the final day of the period. On Oct. 29, 8,017 city voters cast their ballots, a figure more than 50% higher than any other single day in the early voting window. Despite that surge, the city still has work to do before the count ends.
Approximately 30,500 mail-in ballots sent to Baltimore voters had not yet been returned as of the state’s Oct. 30 report. Voters holding these ballots have two options on Election Day. They can mail the envelope, provided it bears a postmark from on or before Tuesday, or they can drop it off in an official ballot box or at the local board of elections by 8 p.m. The State Board of Elections advises mailing at a post office counter on Tuesday rather than using a street mailbox late in the day, as pickup times vary.
Same-day registration is available at polling places on Tuesday. Voters registering in person must present proof of address, such as a Maryland MVA license, a utility bill, or a bank statement. Most registered voters will not need to show identification, though first-time voters may be asked for a photo ID or a recent document showing their name and address.
The ballot includes races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and comptroller. The gubernatorial contest features incumbent Democrat Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller against Republican Dan Cox and Rob Krop. The Green Party ticket consists of Andy Ellis and Owen Silverman Andrews, while the Working Class Party fields Cathy White and Cathy Permut. Three statewide questions, including Question 3 on redistricting, also appear on the ballot.
The Baltimore City Board of Elections will not finish counting until later in the month. Mail-in ballot canvasses are scheduled for Nov. 5 and Nov. 10, followed by a provisional ballot canvass on Nov. 12. Final certification is set for Nov. 13. Voters can confirm their polling place and check for same-day registration requirements by calling 410-396-5570.
