November 4th Is a Crucial Local Election — Can You Vote?
WHS Lions Pride Original Story:
by Cate Tauriello
On November 4th a very important event is happening — can you take a guess? It’s the General Election in Maryland. You have probably seen signs on front lawns and along Route 194, Route 26, and Route 15, and you probably have a few questions.
Who should I vote for?
Depending on your beliefs, you could either vote as a democrat or republican. For example, democrats are typically voting for Jan Gardner for County Executive, while republicans are mainly focused on Blaine Young.
Why should I vote?
There are endless reasons to vote for your representatives of Frederick County. This election decides who we want to—how ironic—represent Frederick County as a whole. That means YOU get to pick who represents where you come from. Voting is a great thing because it’s your right as a citizen! You should take advantage of awesome opportunities to contribute to society. It doesn’t even take that much time to vote, it approximately takes 20 minutes to complete the voting process. By taking a small portion out of your day to vote could make all the difference to the outcome of the polls.
What am I voting for?
This election chooses our state and county elected officials, and our Congressional representatives.
Do I have to vote?
Well, no, but think about it. YOU get to choose who represents you. That’s pretty important! By voting you have a say that adds up with voters who support you.
Do I have to choose a political party?
No. Your voter application will say “unaffiliated” if you do not choose a party. If you don’t choose a political party, you will not be able to vote in primary elections. However, you will be able to vote in any nonpartisan, or unbiased, primary elections including choosing nominees for the board of education.
You can also change your political party, though it must be 21 days before the primary election.
Who can vote?
Any registered voter can vote in this election. If you are not registered you will not be allowed to vote. To register to vote, click this link: http://www.elections.state.md.us/voter_registration/application.html
I’m applying to vote and the primary election is before I turn 18, the voting age; can I still vote in the primary election?
If you will be 18 years old by the general election and you’re registered with either the Democrat or Republican Party, you can vote. That means if you’re not 18 during the primary election, but you’re 18 at the time of the general elections, you can vote in the upcoming election for the government.
I will not be in Maryland for voting day; what should I do?
Absentee ballots are always available and encouraged when a voter will not be in the area the day of voting. As soon as you, as a voter, know you will not be in the area on voting day, you should definitely obtain an absentee ballot here: http://www.elections.state.md.us/voting/documents/2014_Absentee_Ballot_Application_English.pdf
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Sources:
http://www.elections.state.md.us/voting
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