After Record-Breaking Day, Early Voting Continues In Maryland Tuesday
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- After a record-breaking start Monday, early voting continued in Maryland Tuesday.
More than 161,000 Marylanders cast their ballots on the state's first day of early in-person voting, breaking the state's previous single-day record of 143,494 in 2016.
Nearly 1,000 people registered at the polls Monday.
'So Far, So Good': More Than 161K Early In-Person Votes Cast Monday, Breaking Record, State Reports
Experts said they're predicting unusually high turnout this year, especially among young voters.
Officials are encouraging people to vote early and at off-peak times to limit crowds and wait times.
The Maryland State Board of Elections said Tuesday over 153,000 people showed up to vote.
105,399 votes had been cast statewide by 4 p.m. Tuesday, the Maryland State Board of Elections reported.
By 5 p.m. Tuesday, 8,637 people had voted at the eight sites across Baltimore City.
In Baltimore City, the election director said everyone was compliant with masks.
"We have not had those issues. We have masks for those who do not have them. Yesterday, I stayed pretty much at three sites—and I saw no one come without a mask," Baltimore City Election Director Armstead Jones told WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren. "If you want to choose not to wear a mask, I think you just don't involve other people who are around you. You do that in your own space."
There were small lines at Camden Yards Tuesday, but most people were in and out within minutes and enthusiasm remained high.
"I'm super excited to see the young people out voting and super excited to see what the rest of the week is going to look like leading up to election day," said voter Krystal Leaphart.
Marjorie Kidwell's neighbors brought her to cast her ballot. "They were on point in there, very well organized and no hassles. No hiccups," Kidwell told Helgren. "I could not have done it without either one of my neighbors. This is an important election, and I'm glad we're all able to come and do this. Too much is at stake."
Her neighbor Larry Crawford had a smile on his face as he helped her from her wheelchair back into his car. "I help my neighbors out. This election is real important," he said.
Voter C.J. Koluch praised election officials. "I waited two minutes and that's it. It was really, really easy this year," Koluch said. "I think everyone wants to make sure their voice is heard this year."
More than one million Marylanders have cast their ballots through the mail.
Gov. Larry Hogan and election officials are encouraging people to cast their ballots early and go on off-peak times between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
"We encouraged everybody to take advantage of early voting because we were afraid there would be long lines on election day," Gov. Hogan said.
On the record turnout, Gov. Hogan said, "I think that's a good thing."
Polls will be open for early voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Nov. 2. Election Day is on Nov. 3.
