Voters Wait For Hours, Polls Close Late For Marylanders To Cast Primary Election Ballots
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Voters who didn't cast their ballots by mail headed to the polls Tuesday to take part in the state's primary election.
With limited polling centers open due the coronavirus pandemic, some people waited in line for hours to cast their ballots. Some polling centers even stayed open past 8 p.m. for people to vote.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the state held its first mainly mail-in ballot primary. Statewide, voters weighed in on their preferred Democratic and Republican presidential candidates.
In Maryland, Joe Biden won the Democratic presidential primary, and Donald Trump won the Republican presidential primary, according to the Associate Press.
The Associated Press also called the 1st District Congressional race in favor of Republican incumbent Andy Harris, and the 7th District Congressional race in favor of Kweisi Mfume.
Related Coverage:
- Kweisi Mfume Wins Democratic Primary For 7th Congressional District For Full Term In House
- Joe Biden Wins Democratic Presidential Primary In Maryland
- Donald Trump Wins Republican Presidential Primary In Maryland
As of 10 a.m. Tuesday, nearly 823,000 ballots had already been cast, the state elections board reported.
The elections board in Baltimore said 1,189 people had gone out to vote by around 10:45 a.m.
Officials said they expected a higher turnout than the 2016 presidential primary, which saw a 45 percent turnout rate.
Six in-person voting locations were open in Baltimore for those who didn't mail in their ballots and want to vote in person.
While some results were posted Tuesday evening, some close races may not have a final winner declared for several days as more mail-in ballots continue to come in.
To see a full list of candidates, a sample ballot and more, go to the elections website.
Stay with WJZ on-air and online for complete election coverage. For the latest results, click here.
