Are You Ready to Vote?

Who’s on your ballot?     This year’s contentious top-line race has obscured who’s who — and who stands for what — in the down-ticket races. Yet from local government on up, the winners in these elections have far more immediate say on how we live our daily lives.
    Cram for the November 8 election with the Maryland League of Women Voters’ online Voters’ Guide. You’ll find information in the candidates’ own words on races for Senate, U.S. Representative and local offices for every county in Maryland — and president.
    In addition to answering questions posed by the League, most candidates added their websites as well as email addresses and telephone numbers.
    Also included is information on ballot questions. There’s a constitutional amendment — on how to Fill Vacancy in the Office of Attorney General or Comptroller of Maryland — on every Maryland ballot this year. Anne Arundel County has six rather technical ballot initiatives that take thinking.
    You’ll also find listings of candidate forums sponsored by local Leagues throughout the state.
    Type in your street address, and VOTE411 will display just the candidates listed on the ballot in your precinct.  
    Prefer print? Find copies of the Voters Guide in all county libraries and senior centers.
    Early voters can cast ballots Thursday, Oct. 27 through Nov. 3 (including Sunday) from 8am to 8pm. Anne Arundel has early voting locations in Edgewater, Annapolis and Severna Park. Vote early in Calvert at 30 Duke St., Prince Frederick.
    Find it all at www.vote411.org.