By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Political Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
The 2024 Maryland primary election finally arrived on May 14. The months and weeks leading up the day have been filled with candidates’ attempts to reach voters through public forums and televised discussions.
All throughout the state polls opened at 7 a.m. and will close at 8 p.m., presenting the last chance for voters to have their say on several levels of government offices from the U.S. Senate to city council members.
“I just think that we need strong leadership and we haven’t had that in the last few years,” said Baltimore native Bernard Webster, 61, as he exited the voting poll at the War Memorial Plaza, directly across from City Hall.
“If I don’t vote I don’t have a say, ” said Webster. The AFRO was able to catch up with voters as they exited the polls to share why they decided to vote, their choices and top concerns from this election season.
Kyle Pompey, echoed Webster’s sentiments when asked why decided to exercise his right to vote.
“I came out to vote because if we don’t come out to vote, we don’t have control,” said Pompey. “You need to come out and vote if you want to control what’s going on in the city.”
Erica Myers, 36, said she came out in recognition of the African-American plight.
“The reason why I came out today is because I think about the sacrifices and the legacy of my grandmother and my ancestors, who fought so hard to vote,” she said. “I don’t ever want to take it for granted— regardless of what’s going on in the world.”
Myers said she is concerned about her tax dollars being properly allocated and support for city residents looking to do more than survive, but thrive.
Baltimore native, Marc Edmunds, 70, said voting this election season was important, in part, because it will decide who gets to be mayor.
“I wanted to make sure we have a change in city hall,” said Edmunds. “Mayor Scott is a good man. I know he means well, but I have an issue when there’s no heat in the schools during wintertime and no air conditioning. I have an issue with that.”
Edmunds also said he had a good experience at the polls today, but was surprised at the small number of people coming to vote at the War Memorial poll site.
With more ways to vote in the modern era, registered voters had the option of mail-in and early voting, voting on election day is no longer the main voter turnout day.
According to the Maryland State Board of Elections, in Baltimore City for the 2022 Midterm primary election, 34,577 people voted by mail, nearly 14,000 voters turned out for early voting and more than 40,000 voters came out for election day.
At the Baltimore Unity Hall poll site, one voter said she came out primarily to vote for former Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon, a top candidate for the seat.
“I basically wanted to vote for Sheila Dixon because I think she is a good person,” said Barbara Horton, 71 of West Baltimore. “I think she deserves another opportunity.”
Political spectators are expecting another close race this year between Mayor Brandon M. Scott and former mayor Dixon. In the 2020 primary election, Scott won with 29.6 percent of the vote over Dixon, who received 27.5 percent. With last minute major endorsements from Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates and former mayoral candidate Thiruvendran Vignarajah, Dixon increased her chances for snagging a win this year.
Due to Baltimore City being a majority Democratic city, the winner of the Democratic primary will most likely secure the seat.
Results from the polls are expected to roll in after voting ends at 8 p.m.
Tashi McQueen is a Report For America corps member.
The post Baltimore voters take to the polls for Maryland’s primary election appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
