National Voter Registration Day
SALISBURY, Md. – We're nearing closer and closer to the midterm election in November. Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day.
Voter turnout across the nation is on the decline and it's dropping even faster in Maryland. This past primary election saw the lowest turnout in recent years. And since 6 million Americans didn't vote back in 2008, just because they missed a registration deadline, election officials are pushing this voter registration day harder than ever.
From celebrities sending out reminders on twitter, to an email blast from Governor Martin O'Malley, the message was loud and clear, on National Voter Registration Day, get out there, and register to vote. 47 ABC conducted an informal survey of Maryland voters and some of there responses were:
“Personally I vote to try to make a difference,” said voter Connor Summers.
“I figure if since we already for all these wars, myself as a veteran, why not vote,” said voter Dennis Roelke.
“Last year I didn't vote because I didn't have time I was working and nothing was interesting for me,” said voter Katlinn Barnes.
A huge percentage of people have their reasons for not voting. The Maryland Primary election this past June saw a meager voter turnout, in Wicomico County, just 21%. The local election board hopes to see a change come November.
“We certainly expect that the open gubernatorial seat to drive parties and candidates to get the voters to turnout,” said Anthony Gutierrez, Elections Director of Wicomico County.
And if they do come out to vote, the board of elections says it should be a smooth process.
“I think we've certainly made a lot of changes and reforms to make it as easy as possible,” said Gutierrez. “We will process the information and within 7 to 10 days you'll receive a voter notification card in the mail letting you know where your polling place location is.”
You can find the voter registration form at your local board of elections office or voting center, and if that's not easy enough, you can always register by mail or online. The deadline to vote for the November elections is October 14th.
