Vote Today in Maryland!

George Wenschhof

Maryland joins six other states and the District of Columbia in holding primaries today. The state holds closed primaries during which members of the political parties determine their candidates to move on to the general election held on November 2.

In Maryland, the average voter turnout in Maryland is between 25-32%. The race for Governor and U.S. Senate head the ballot, followed by state elected positions and local elected positions.

Unaffiliated voters need to pay attention for in Frederick county, the local school board is a nonpartisan election which they can vote in.

Also, in Frederick county, where I reside, races will determine candidates for many local positions such as the county commissioners. A race dominated by "growth" v. "no-growth" candidates as opposed to political party affiliation. Will other candidates not associated with either side move on? and how will the candidates associated with the two camps fare? These and other questions will be answered when the polls close at 8:00 PM ET.

Some of the other local primary battles to watch are the Republican contests in district 4-a where voters will vote for two state delegates and district 3-b where they will vote for one delegate.

In district 4-a, Republican candidates Paul Stull, John Thompson, Kelly Schultz, Dino Flores and Kathy Afzali have all campaigned hard or are well known. So, the results may well be split with the winners moving on with a plurality of the vote as opposed to a majority of the vote.

In district 3-b, the contest among Charles Jenkins and Michael Hough for the Republican nomination has become a bitter contest. The knock on appointed delegate Jenkins is he has not campaigned and the counter charges against Hough is he is too far right in the political spectrum.

Another Republican race to watch is the local Register of Wills race between 20 year incumbent "Ginny" Fifer and challenger Tim May. Mr. May, a long time local businessman who has contributed to the community in many ways over the years has given Ms. Fifer the strongest challenge she has seen since she was first elected. In what promises to be a close contest, look to see Mr. May win the Republican nomination.

The Democrats will be watching the outcome of the state senate race in district 3 among Ron Young and Don DeArmon where the winner will face ineffective three term Republican Alex Mooney.

Regardless of where you live in Maryland, remember to go vote today! Also, a thank you to all the candidates who choose to run for office. Whether or not you move on to the general election in November, you help maintain our strong Democratic form of government.

---

To receive "Daily Email Updates", click on "Subscribe to this feed" below or use the sign up box located in the upper right hand margin.