By Gracie Brocato
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Early voting for the 2024 election season was from Oct. 24 to Oct. 31. season. In more recent years early voting has become increasingly prevalent. In 2020, more than 100 million Americans voted in the presidential election through early voting.
With perks such as flexibility, smaller crowds, or one’s overwhelming excitement to get out and vote, early voting is an option that is available to any person who is legally registered to vote. However, it must be completed in the county in which you live.
In Howard County, the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex is one of five early voting locations for Howard County residents.
With a packed parking lot lined with a surplus amount of political campaign posters, hundreds of Howard County residents have stopped by the complex to cast their ballot.
Alexis Jackson stresses the importance of casting a vote. With varying options to cast a vote in the Presidential Election such as mail-in, early voting, or voting on Nov. 5 (Election Day), there are plenty of opportunities to make an impact.
“It is not very often that everyday people can make change and influence our country’s policies and politics,” Jackson says. “It’s essential to make our voice heard to try to make positive change.”
Delaney Walton echoes this sentiment by praising the early voting process which ensures everyone has the opportunity to participate in the election season, no matter their schedule.
“I appreciate the ease early voting has to offer,” Walton says. “Oftentimes, people can get caught up in their schedules, and this process allows for people to cast their vote on their own time.”
Voters said the issues they are most drawn to vote upon are reproductive and women’s rights, specifically Question 1 on the Maryland ballot as well as the Presidential election.
With the early voting period ending, if you have not cast your vote and still need to and are a resident of Maryland, you can vote in person at a voting location on Election Day, Nov. 5.
