Despite Tuesday's unseasonable temperatures, it's the middle of winter, a time when folks don't typically vote.
But that's not the only unique detail about the 7th Congressional District Special Primary Election.
Three elections?
During Tuesday's special primary, voters will elect a candidate who will fill the remainder of the term of the late Congressman Elijah Cummings, who died last fall. The winner of this race will fill Cummings' term until January 3, 2021. The special general election for this seat is April 28. April 28 is also the primary for the next full term of the 7th Congressional District seat. So candidates who lose Tuesday may also run in the April 28 primary.
New registration option
Charly Carter, the Political Action Chair for NAACP’s Baltimore City Branch, says they’ve had several calls on their voter hotline this morning but the callers weren’t reporting problems. Rather, they were asking questions about Maryland’s relatively new same-day voter registration. Marylanders are able to register to vote and cast their ballots on the same day thanks to a voter registration amendment that was on the ballot in 2018.
Large pool of candidates
This special election also has a remarkable number of candidates running for the seat. There are more than 30 on the ballot. Denise Shields, a Baltimore resident, said she was a little “overwhelmed” by the dozens of Democrats running. But she said the long list showed enthusiasm and ideas for her district.
Resources
Find your voting district and polling place here. Polls close at 8 p.m.
NAACP Voter Hotline 410-336-3300
ACLU of Maryland Voter Hotline 410-889-8555
