We know from experience and data that presidential contests typically have much higher voter turn-out rates than other elections. As a consequence of increased participation on Election Day, there are sometimes long lines, missed hours of work, arrangements to be made for child care and transportation, and inconvenient hours. The desire to share in the political process is often overwhelmed by the hassle of voting.

This year, you may cast your ballot in person from October 27^th through November 1^st during daytime, evening, and weekend hours. Welcome to Early Voting.

Early Voting was established by a Maryland constitutional amendment and approved by the electorate in the General Election of 2008. Since 2010, Maryland voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots prior to Election Day at in-person voting centers throughout the state which are distributed based on the number of registered voters in each county. Prince George’s, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel counties are very densely populated and as such, have five Early Voting centers each. You can find your local Early Voting center at the State Board of Elections website by visiting this web address: http://www.elections.state.md.us/voting/early_voting.html

When you vote at an Early Voting center, you will check in with the election judge and cast your ballot using an electronic touch screen voting system. First time voters in Maryland may be asked to show identification. Voting equipment and other election supplies are securely stored at the end of each day. On November 1^st, the equipment will be transported to the local election board for storage until November 6^th when your votes will be counted with all the others cast on Election Day.

Here are the details for the Early Voting center in Severna Park:

Severna Park Library
45 McKinsey Road
Severna Park, MD 21146

Saturday, October 27^th – 10 AM to 8 PM

Sunday, October 28^th – 12 PM to 6 PM

Monday, October 29^th through Thursday, November 1^st – 10 AM to 8 PM

Voting is our opportunity as citizens to participate in our government, and here in Maryland, to affect directly how our state and localities are governed. It is both a right and a responsibility and now with Early Voting; it can be a pleasant and convenient experience as well.