Tuesday, February 12 is primary day.

Have you decided yet? Tuesday, February 12 is just days away, so it’s time to read up on the candidates for national, state, and local office. It’s no secret that this year’s presidential and congressional election will bring great change to our country regardless of which candidate moves in to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Be sure you make your voice heard. 

The pundits are calling it the Potomac Primary because Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia hold primary elections on the 12^th. And though the media is watching delegate counts for the national nominating conventions, there are many Congressional primaries and county school board elections in Maryland, too.  

In Maryland, you vote in the primary election based on your registration by political party. If you are a registered Republican, you will vote for Republican candidates, and if you registered as a Democrat, you will vote for Democratic candidates. Republicans cannot vote for any Democrats, and vice versa.  

To help you decide who to vote for, several organizations provide voter guides which list the candidates and their responses to questions. Newspapers publish these guides usually just before the elections, and you can also find one with local focus at The Gazette.  

Once you’ve decided who you will vote for, do you know where your polling place is? If you’re not sure, go to the polling place locator site of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. In cooperation with the Maryland State Board of Elections, they provide a page where you enter your name, zip code, and birth date, and receive confirmation of your voter registration along with your polling place address, your party affiliation, and information on your U.S. Congressional district and Maryland state legislative district. 

For other questions about registration and voting, visit the Maryland State Board of Elections site where you will find resources and answers to most frequently asked questions. 

But whatever you do, make sure to vote on February 12. Our elected officials make decisions that affect each of our lives. Make sure your voice is heard. VOTE!

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