Safety, Schools On Voters' Minds As Early Voting Begins In Anne Arundel County

ODENTON, MD — Red, white and blue campaign signs lined both sides of Hammond Lane. The signs outside Arundel Middle School touted endorsements from politicians, unions and newspapers.

Campaign teams greeted voters as they trickled in for the first day of early voting in the primary election. Candidates hoped to make one last impression before voters filled out their ballots Tuesday.

Anne Arundel is electing its next county executive and County Council members. Voters will also decide their representatives in Congress and the Maryland General Assembly. The governor's race, however, is the most prolific contest on the ballot.

The winners from each party's primary will advance to the general election on Nov. 8. Marylanders will then have their final say on who takes each office.

Voter Priorities

Voters searched for accountability in this year's crowded field of candidates.

Severn woman Kiana Jackson is looking for leaders who "care about the area, not about their notoriety."

The Anne Arundel County resident similarly values public safety. Kiana Jackson said she has a 13-year-old son with autism. The family feels safe in their community, but they were voting to keep it that way.

Kiana Jackson's wife, Tamara Jackson, also cast her ballot. The Jacksons were some of the first voters in line when the polls opened.

Tamara Jackson considered school policies when evaluating candidates. She cares about equal distribution of educational funding.

With the county's population increasing, Tamara Jackson hopes to see smart growth. She envisions workforce development programs for teenagers to prepare them for adult life.

"I know once you get into office, things are different versus what you promise," Tamara Jackson told Patch in an exclusive interview. "Do what's best for the overall good of the people. Everyone is not going to enjoy every single decision you made, but if it is for the betterment of the majority for everyone for all, then I'm okay with it."

The couple did not want to share who they voted for.

Election Integrity

Election officials reminded residents that their votes are secure. Voters check in using their name, birthday and address. No identification is necessary in Maryland.

The voters then head to a private booth that has dividers and is spaced out from other stations. Residents fill out their ballot and then scan it with the help of a poll worker.

When it's time to count the votes, officials lock the scanners' memory cards inside an envelope with two locks. A pair of election judges, one Republican and one Democrat, then drive together to deliver the secured envelope to the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections.

Republican Chief Judge Robin Burgett has worked elections since 2010. Burgett became a chief judge to protect voting integrity. She made the move after hearing debates about whether it is possible to cheat in an election.

"Let me tell you, it is not easy," said Burgett, who was wearing an American flag fanny pack and red star earrings. "Not on my watch."

In her 12 years, Burgett said she has only seen one person try to cheat.

That attempt came in 2020 at Arundel High School. Staff at the check-in table recognized a man that had already voted, Burgett said.

The workers then gave him a provisional ballot, which must be investigated before it is officially counted. Burgett said the computer system confirmed that the man had already voted once, so she reported him to the Board of Elections.

"It's like a crime scene investigation," Burgett said. "Everything is documented. Everything. It's very strict, very secure."

Marcy Anderson has been a chief judge for more than 30 years. The Democrat said she has never seen anybody try to steal a vote.

Duties Of A Chief Judge

Anderson and Burgett are prepared for a busy election season. The chief judges arrived at the early voting center at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.

They spent 3.5 hours setting up the polls the night prior. Burgett clocked 6,000 steps Monday night alone. On a hectic election day, she once tallied 22,000 steps.

The judges oversee the entire operation. They sign forms, oversee provisional voting and put out fires all day.

"If there is a problem with anything and everything, that is our job," Anderson said. "I just love doing this job."

Early voting will run through July 14. Maryland's gubernatorial primary election day is July 19. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

Read Patch's election preview to meet the candidates and learn how to vote.