With the first of three presidential debates completed and only a little over of a month of campaigning remaining, the Nov. 8 general election is approaching fast.
In order to vote in the general election, Montgomery County residents must submit their voter registration applications or update any changes to addresses or other information before 9 p.m. Oct. 18.
The county Board of Elections is holding several drives for voter registration and election worker recruitment at public libraries in the upcoming weeks.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, events will take place at Kensington Park (4201 Knowles Avenue, Kensington), and Poolesville (19633 Fisher Avenue, Poolesville) libraries and the Wheaton Interim Library (2400 Arcola Ave., Wheaton). From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, another event will be held at the Wheaton Interim Library.
From 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, county Election Director Margaret Jurgensen will direct a virtual town hall meeting where residents can submit questions and participate in a live chat.
Residents who want to confirm their registrations are up to date can visit https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/OnlineVoterRegistration/InstructionsStep1, call 240-777-VOTE or visit the Montgomery County Board of Elections office at 18753 N. Frederick Avenue, Suite 210, Gaithersburg.
New voters can visit www.777vote.org to download a registration application or visit a library, post office or other government buildings to receive one. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Nov. 8 and a resident of the county to vote here.
Mailed applications must be postmarked by Oct. 18.
Residents wishing to vote by absentee ballot must request to do so by 11:59 p.m. Nov. 1 and can use this election website: https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/OnlineVoterRegistration/InstructionsStep1.
Voters in Maryland must vote at a specific assigned polling place, as different local contests appear on the ballot. Voters can only request a change in polling place for either accessibility concerns or religious principles. Residents interested in changing their polling place should contact the elections board, visit http://www.elections.maryland.gov/pdf/Request_for_Accessible_Polling_Place.pdf or contact Christine Rzeszut at 240-777-8585, or by e-mail to christine.rzeszut@montgomerycountymd.gov before 9 p.m. Oct. 18.
Early voting is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Oct. 27 to Nov. 3. Locations and wait times are listed on www.777vote.org. Any registered voter can vote at any of these sites.
This year, county polling places are implementing a new paper-based digital scan voting system. Voters use a pen and paper to make their selections and then insert them into a scanner to be recorded. The county elections board will display several demonstration units in its office and host outreach events, listed on www.777vote.org, where residents can learn more about the new system and other information.
The elections board is also looking for registered voters and high school students to work as election workers at polling places on election day. Bilingual volunteers are especially sought. To apply, or for more information, visit www.777vote.org.
