Maryland voters head to the polls on Tuesday, with major decisions awaiting across the state. From the governor’s race to all eight U.S. House seats, and a slate of consequential ballot questions, precincts remain open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to handle the statewide turnout.
Among the heavy items on the ballot, Question 3 has captured a lot of attention and has attracted significant campaign spending. The measure proposes a change that could reshape Maryland’s congressional districts, asking voters to affirm state authority to redraw the maps.
A successful push for the measure could allow state lawmakers to reshape district lines in a way that could flip Republican Rep. Andy Harris’ Eastern Shore-based 1st Congressional District to Democrats. Democrats defend the maneuver as a response to Republican-led redistricting efforts in states like Texas and Florida. Republicans counter that the initiative is a political power grab, leaving a University of Maryland, Baltimore County poll to show voters divided over the outcome.
“In these last few weeks, we have seen a big press from both the folks that are pro and anti,” Mileah Kromer, director of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s Institute of Politics, said. "So I think the environment has certainly changed. Increased numbers of Marylanders are tuning in, with each side actively spinning the narrative to advance their own agenda.”
Voters facing the choice admit the weight of the decision. “It rests on us to do our due diligence, so it’s not easy, but I’m trying to make the right decisions for or against, and see where it goes from there,” voter Steven Rossman said.
Representative Harris faces a strong final push from his Democratic challenger, Dan Schwartz, political experts say. Harris’ recent negative press—including a dust-up with a student journalist—has provided ammunition for Schwartz’s closing campaign advertisements.
Voters are also settling a rematch in the governor’s race, where Democratic Gov. Wes Moore faces Republican challenger Dan Cox. Governor Moore framed his re-election campaign around his focus on the people of Maryland.
“I would not be running for re-election if I thought that the job was finished,” Moore said. “I wouldn’t be running for re-election if I wasn’t exclusively focused on the people of Maryland.”
Challenger Dan Cox grounded his arguments in economic pressure, pointing to everyday expenses like utility bills and property taxes.
“I know that we can do better, especially when you’re looking at electric bills, when you’re looking at opening up your property tax bills,” Cox said. “I would just ask the Maryland people to consider: Are they better off than they were four years ago?”
Polls remain open across the state until 8 p.m. You can find essential details provided by WJZ regarding necessary voting materials and precinct locations.
