COLLEGE PARK, Md. (DC News Now) — Early voting for the Prince George’s County special election began Wednesday. This comes after former County Executive Angela Alsobrooks took on her new role in the U.S. Senate last month.
“Making sure that their voices are heard and that they have the representatives that they want in office…I urge everyone to go out and vote,” said Jared Demarinis, Maryland Administer of Election for Maryland Board of Elections.
Voters in Prince George’s County get to choose the next county executive and they hope the person that wins this election meets their expectations.
“We have expectations that we would like to see, of course in our school system. I would like to see crime improvement,” said voter Dwayne Oates.
“I think one of the top priorities is how our community is going to deal with all the impact of the current administration, federal job, people losing their jobs, contractors. It’s impacting families. Immigration issues are impacting all of our families. So I think that’s going to be a number one priority,” added voter Peggy Higgins.
Now, 11 candidates are left in the race. That’s since county council member-at-large Jolene Ivey dropped out earlier this month.
Former county executive Rushern Baker, current Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy, At-Large County Councilmember Calvin Hawkins, Radio Personality Ron Hunt, Albert Slocum, Moisette Tonya Sweat and State Senator Alonzo Washington.
Mail-in ballots were sent to all registered voters in Prince George’s County in January. Many have already submitted their mail-in ballots and some already voted for a candidate that dropped out of the race. Election officials say you can not vote again.
“If you’ve already turned in that ballot, it will be counted toward that candidate. And you can’t receive a second ballot now if you still have your ballot in hand and obviously you haven’t turned it in, or if you marked it, but you haven’t turned it in, then you can come to our office and we can accommodate,” said Dr. Demetria Hutchinson – Elections Administrator, Prince George’s County Board of Elections.
Voters in District 5 will have a second category on their ballot. Seven candidates are running for the vacant District 5 county council seat.
Whether you’re dropping off your mail-in ballot, sending it in, or voting in person, many recognize the importance of their vote.
“We’re going to find people who are going to fight and advocate on our behalf and do it, in a seasoned, knowledgeable way… I want the best for our county, and I think we deserve it,” said Higgins.
There are nine voting locations for early voting, open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Saturday. On Sunday, March 3 hours will be from noon to 6 p.m., and election day is Monday, March 4.
