Maryland 2012 Election Calendar Set

George Wenschhof

A significant change in the presidential election calendar for Maryland is the date of the primary will be April 3, 2012. In 2008, the primary was held on February 12. The earlier primary date a result of the desire of Maryland politicians to have more input from the state in the national presidential election. Fearing, a later primary election date would render the ten electoral votes held by Maryland insignificant, the earlier primary date was agreed upon.

However, the earlier date did not increase the influence Maryland had on the election and merely caused, due to weather, an inconvenience to voters and election officials across the state.

Redistricting is also taking place this year, with western Maryland voters, especially Democrats, eying what takes place in the sixth congressional district, presently filled by long term Republican Roscoe Bartlett.

Democrats presently represent six of the eight congressional districts in Maryland. The other two are represented by Republicans with the first district competitive and the sixth district a Republican voter dominated district.

In all likelihood, Governor Martin O'Malley will ask for a special session of the state general assembly to be held this fall, to finalize the redistricting.

In the meantime, regardless of the redistricting, sixth district Democrats need to be aware the filing deadline for candidates is January 11, 2012, less than six months from now. Republican Roscoe Bartlett, has already filed for reelection.

The Maryland Board of Elections has a complete list of the important dates here.

Important dates:

Candidate Filing Deadline: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 – office open until 9 p.m.

Close of Registration/Party Affiliation Change/Deadline to Request Voter Registration

List: Tuesday, March 13 - office open until 9 p.m.

Early Voting Begins: Saturday, March 24 – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Every day through March 29. Sunday, March 25^th Early Voting is noon-6 p.m. Election offices are open to the public during these hours.

Early Voting Ends: Thursday, March 29 - 8 p.m.

Primary Election Day: Tuesday, April 3 – 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Election Certification: Friday, April 13

Certification of State/Local Ballot Questions: Monday, August 20

Close of Registration/Deadline to Request Voter Registration List: Tuesday, October 16 - office open until 9 p.m.

Early Voting Begins: Saturday, October 27 – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Every day through November 1. Sunday, October 28^th Early Voting is noon-6 p.m. Election offices are open to the public during these hours.

Early Voting Ends: Thursday, November 1- 8 p.m.

General Election Day: Tuesday, November 6 – 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Election Certification: Friday, November 16

Presidential Electors Meet: Monday, December 17

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