Politics & Government

Harford Board of Elections Preps for 2014 Primary

With less than a year until early voting begins, Harford County election organizers explain what's going on behind the scenes.

By Elizabeth Janney

As Harford County Executive David Craig ramps up his campaign for Maryland governor—this week announcing his running mate in the 2014 race—others around the county are getting their ducks in a row as well.

The Harford County Board of Elections is reviewing voter records, maintaining equipment and ordering supplies, including a new machine to print ballots on demand, according to its summer newsletter. It's also keeping up with a slew of changes in state laws.

For example, does the campaign season seem extraordinarily long? It is, explains the board:

"The Primary Election for the 2014 Gubernatorial Election will be held in June, four months earlier than its usual September. During the 2011 General Assembly session, members of both the state Senate and the House of Delegates unanimously approved a bill changing the dates on which primary elections will be held. The bill aimed to bring Maryland into compliance with the Federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act. The change for 2014 will also lead to a longer General Election campaign season. Potential candidates may have to commit earlier to a campaign than in previous elections and could turn the campaigning into a nearly year-round affair."

The number of days for early voting has also been increased, the board said.

Early voting for the primary will be June 12 to 19; the primary itself is June 24, 2014.

Early voting for the general election is Oct. 23 to 30, and election day is Nov. 2, 2014.

In another change, Harford County will increase the number of early voting centers it has.

Traditionally, Harford County has offered one early voting site, at the McFaul Activity Center in Bel Air. But by law, Maryland counties with more than 125,000 registered voters must now offer three locations for early voting; Harford has more than 167,000 registered voters, according to the latest count, from June.

The other two locations for early voting "have yet to be determined," the Harford County Board of Elections reports.

Where should early voting centers go in Harford County?Tell us in the comments!


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