Political Notebook: June 5 Is Deadline to Register to Vote; More Endorsements

The deadline is 9 p.m. June 5 to register to vote in Maryland, update voter information or change party affiliation. That can be done at a local Board of Elections office or online at the Maryland Board of Elections.

For the 2018 Primary Election, early voting will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 14, through Thursday, June 21. There are locations in each county where you can vote before election day, June 26. Click here for the early voting locations in your county.

Voters may request to receive their absentee ballot by mail, electronically or by fax. Visit here to request an absentee ballot. The deadline to request a mailed or faxed absentee ballot is Tuesday, June 19. The deadline to request an electronic absentee ballot is Friday, June 22.

For more information, call 410-269-2840 or 800-222-8683.

Below are the latest endorsements for candidates for local and statewide office.

From the Association of Black Democrats

Montgomery County executive candidate Roger Berliner has received the endorsement of the Association of Black Democrats. The ABD said its “organization’s endorsement process focused on a candidate’s history of support for policies that positively impact our community as well as their intended future support. We have an opportunity to support candidates who align with our values as well as mobilize support for great candidates who are running historic campaigns.”

From Senate Minority Leader Sen. J.B. Jennings

Tammy Larkin, a Republican candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 7 (Baltimore, Harford), has earned the endorsement of GOP Minority Leader Sen. J.B. Jennings. District 7 is Jennings’ home district.

“Tammy Larkin served as my district director; in this capacity I was able to see her work ethic and dedication to the citizens of the 7th District first-hand. I can personally vouch for how hard she will fight for the conservative values which will be vital to Governor [Larry] Hogan’s efforts to make Maryland an even better place to live and work,” he said in a statement.

From the Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO

Aisha N. Braveboy has earned the endorsement of the Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO in the upcoming Primary for Prince George’s County state’s attorney.

The labor union said Braveboy had been endorsed because “we believe that you will act in the best interest of working families and uphold our core values.”

From CASA in Action

Democratic candidate Del. Aruna Miller has earned an endorsement in her race for Congress in Maryland’s 6th District from CASA in Action. 

“An experienced legislator, Miller has boldly supported legislation that helps all communities thrive throughout her career in public service,” Gustavo Torres, president of CASA in Action, wrote in a statement. “At the heart of the platform that she’ll take to Washington are progressive policies that uplift working and immigrant families.

Her unyielding passion for equality not only makes her the best choice to represent Maryland’s 6th Congressional District but also the best hope to topple Trumpian policies reigning in our nation’s capital.”

With nearly 100,000 lifetime members, CASA in Action is the largest electoral organization fighting for immigrant rights in the mid-Atlantic region.

From Montgomery County Chapter of The Climate Mobilization  

Marc Elrich, candidate for Montgomery County executive, and Danielle Meitiv, candidate for an at-large seat on the Montgomery County council have received the endorsement of the Montgomery County Chapter of The Climate Mobilization.

“Marc Elrich understands the climate emergency,” Jim Driscoll, chapter coordinator, said. “Last fall, Marc spearheaded the original declaration of a climate emergency [in Montgomery County]. “This spring, he was the only councilmember willing to implement that resolution by seeking funding for the first countywide climate staff position in [the county’s] history. Of course, Marc has a long history of environmental and community leadership on the council.”

A climate scientist, Meitiv moved to Montgomery County in 1997 to work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Silver Spring. “MOCO is fortunate that a climate scientist with Danielle’s knowledge has stepped up to help lead our county as we enter this uncharted climate emergency,” Driscoll said.

For the other three at-large seats, in order of preference after Meitiv, the group endorsed Chris Wihelm, Will Jawando and Seth Grimes. In the council district races, former delegate Anna Sol Gutierrez earned the endorsement in District 1, Ben Shnider in District 3 and incumbent Tom Hucker in District 5.

“This is a team ready to rise to the climate challenge,” Driscoll said. “We look forward to working with them.”

From the LGBTQ Victory Fund

Gabriel Acevero, a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 39 (Montgomery), earned an endorsement from the LGBTQ Victory Fund, a national political action committee dedicated to electing openly LGBTQ candidates.

A union organizer and political activist, Acevero was instrumental in the fight for marriage and transgender equality in Maryland. The National Black Justice Coalition, an LGBTQ and civil rights organization, named Acevero as one of its 100 Black LGBTQ Emerging Leaders to Watch for his work on both issues in 2012 and 2014 respectively. If elected, Acevero would become the first openly gay Afro-Latino elected to the Maryland General Assembly.

“Gabriel has been on the front lines of the fight for LGBTQ equality; he represents the future of our community, and we’re pleased to support him in his bid for state delegate,” Victory Fund President and CEO Annise Parker said in a statement. “His commitment to smart public policy that addresses the real concerns of constituents makes him the best candidate. He’ll be a vital LGBTQ voice in Annapolis.”

From the Apartment & Office Building Association

The Apartment & Office Building Association Maryland State PAC has endorsed a slate of candidates for the Montgomery County council primary: David Blair for county executive; Gabe Albornoz, Marilyn Balcombe and Hans Reimer in the at-large race; Craig Rice in District 2; and Sidney Katz in District 3.

“Each of the endorsed candidates understands the importance of and has a plan for creating a vibrant and diversified economy while also meeting the challenges of the county’s social needs,” reads a news release from the group. “For the county to continue to grow and compete with neighboring jurisdictions it must develop and implement a strong, multifaceted plan for attracting and retaining businesses of all sizes. Businesses bring much-needed jobs which can help position areas such as Bethesda, Silver Spring, Wheaton and other neighborhoods as dynamic, thriving economic centers.”

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