Maryland officials are educating residents while encouraging them to vote

MARYLAND – With the General election only a few weeks away, many political candidates are pushing for residents to get out and vote. The question is, are they truly reaching their targeted audience?

Gen Z and Voting

The younger generation is the future generation, and time and time again we see officials specifically target youth. Meanwhile, many on social media are fed up with the 2-party system, posing the question, how do the youth feel along the Eastern Shore?

Joshua Bolton is the Director of SU Votes and believes that the youth are going to outlast us all, so they should have the most say.  From what he sees, this election has become very different. “If we can get that first vote to happen when they’re 18 to 22, that’s created a life-long habit… It’s an incredibly polarized, almost tribal sort of political environment. I liken it almost to how people root for sports teams. It used to be that you would never see someone wearing a T-shirt or a hat for a political candidate. Now, basically you’re wearing your team’s jersey.”

Quinton Smith is a Democracy fellow for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He tells us he still believes in the 2-party system and that this election could be historic. “I wouldn’t say that the 2-party system has failed us, i believe that they are caught up, too caught up in their own mess, to really represent the American people the way they should… The right to vote is so important. It’s something our ancestors literally died and got beat up for.”

George King, a junior at Salisbury University, feels the economy is the greatest issue facing Americans heading into this year’s election — and that will play a major factor in the way he votes. “Ronald Reagan said, ‘Are you better off now than you were 4 years ago?’ That’s what I go by… I do believe the 2-party system should be as it is and let the people decide who they want to be president.”

In the end, despite the differencing of opinion, they all agree voting is important, and research is key, and that youth is the future. Salisbury University student King says, “Do your own research before making a political decision of this kind of magnitude.” “Young people are the future.” says Smith. “We live in a country where a lot of our elected leaders are a little bit older, who come from a different time.”

Bolton ends with, “A lot of young folks feel like they’re not qualified to vote, and you know, it doesn’t take a whole lot to get a little information and become qualified.” Bolton said when it comes to the 3rd parties, people would have to vote consistently over years before they would be given a platform. Until then, vote for who you believe in.

To get involved with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore vote project, visit their website for more information. And for voting and political action information at Salisbury University visit their website for information.

Defending Our Democracy 

Meanwhile, one local organization is aiming to defend their democracy for quote “not just for the moment, but for the movement”. The Youth and College Maryland State Conference NAACP is hosting a program called the Democracy Justice league.

The Youth and College Maryland State Conference NAACP is hosting a program called the Democracy Justice league. This day of training is meant to ensure intersectional youth have the tools, resources, and support this election cycle. Dorien Rogers is the National Youth Representative and says although they’re non-partisan they are pro-democracy, and that why they continue to push the youth to get out to the ballot box.

“What are we doing to make sure people are aware of our state and national laws, when it pertains to of course, how the ballots are counted, making sure that people understand what mis and disinformation looks like, because that’s something that’s been going on through our social media platforms, through our communities right.”

The virtual training is open to youth 18 to 26 years old and will take place on October 25th from noon to 6 pm. To sign up or for more information visit the website.

Mail-In Maryland

Last but not least on the voting train, in Maryland, it’s time for Mail-Ins. October 15th marks the first day that mail-in ballots will be counted in the 2024 General Election.

According to Maryland law, local boards of elections meet eight days prior to the start of Early Voting, and members of both political parties must observe the canvass, which is the process in which votes are counted.  Jared DeMarinis is the State Administrator of Elections for Maryland says to ensure they are all counted by elected day, they’re starting now. He says this process is safe, and they already have over 260,000 Marylanders that have already cast their vote.

“There’s three different methods that Marylanders can use. Vote by mail, early voting, and election day. All three are safe, secure, and we’re going to count your ballot. There’s security measure in place so you can feel confident, at the end of the day, when the result are broadcast and we start releasing all the tally’s that is an accurate representation of Marylander’s intent.”

The advance voter registration deadline is October 15th, and the last day for Marylanders to request a mail-in ballot is October 29th. For any questions, please visit the state website.