The Maryland Primary is April 3rd.
The April 3rd Primary Election Day is getting nearer. If you want to cast an absentee ballot by mail, you need to get your application in by March 27th at 8:00 PM. Applications received by fax by 11:59 PM that same day will be counted.
Election Director Stuart Harvey says the application is available on line. Go to www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/elections, and click on the left side of the page that reads "Absentee Ballot Information."
The deadline to register for the 2012 Maryland Primary was Tuesday, March 13th. The Frederick County Election Office stayed open until 9:00 PM to accommodate last minute filers.
The voter registration book is closed, but it will reopen on April 16th after the primary. At that time, residents can register for the first time, or change their names, address and party affiliations.
In addition, Frederick County Election Director Stuart Harvey says early voting is taking place later this month. "Early voting begins on Saturday, March 24th. It's once again at the Frederick Senior over on Taney Avenue," he says. "It will be from 10:00 to 8:00, and 10:00 to 8:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, March 26th through the 29th." For the first time, early voting will take place on Sunday. The times are 12:00 Noon until 6:00 PM.
Harvey says early voting has really taken hold in the county since it was first introduced in the 2010 elections. "We certainly saw an increase between the primary and the general election," he says. "Certainly, more people used in the general election. It was, of course, brand new in the primary. Of course, people have gotten used to it."
Because Frederick County has been split between the 6th and the 8th Congressional Districts, some residents may wonder which one they fall in. Harvey says look at your voter registration card above your name and to the upper left hand side. "You're going to see both your Congressional District and your Legislative District above your name. It's right above that area that says 'District' and 'Precinct,'" he says.
