Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
Election Results: Sound Off!
So…what are your thoughts on how the mid-term elections have played out. Most of the state and county races are complete, but there are several still being counted (Anne Arundel County Executive among them). Marylanders elected its first African-American governor, democrat Wes Moore, in what some suggest is a rebuke of the MAGA politics his opponent, republican Dan Cox represented. Meanwhile, the experienced Barry Glassman (R) was defeated in the race for Comptroller by Brooke Lierman (D). On the Eastern Shore, Andy Harris (R) maintained his seat in the House by defeating Heather Mizeur (D), in a district that was susceptible to democrat gerrymandering when it was originally redrawn during the State redistricting process earlier this year (but subsequently maintained). And, of course, Marylanders overwhelmingly voted to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. There’s plenty more juicy political races and referendums to discuss.
What do you think about Maryland’s election day processes, results, and to-be-determined races, as well as your hopes for our state moving forward?
Sound off and please let us know!
Here’s what you said:
How blue can blue get? We are about to find out.
J Peterson, Annapolis
I used a drop box early & being disabled I found that very easy. It even had a drive up. I am more comfortable with them than I am with the mail & will use them in future elections. I would not have been able to vote if I had to go to a polling place. I am so grateful we have this way of voting. I think things have gone pretty well. I am scared for our state & country with some of the conspiracy theorists getting into out Government local ,state wide & Washington. I don't understand either party voting for people like that. I became a democrat when Trump ran because I believe he is dangerous & dishonest & as the years passed I have come to firmly believe he would like to run our country as an autocrat. I don't believe any of his followers other than maybe top team members would want that .I feel he is dangerous , a bully & promotes violence & hate & we are seeing that in his followers & Jan 6th.I watch all sides & I don't know how people don't see it. We need our state & our country to find decency, honesty & civility again in everyone especially our Government. If we don't treat each other with respect ,listen to each other how will our children treat each other. We better get this stopped now learn to talk to each other & find compromise & we do need to move the country forward save our environment & ourselves. I do hope democrats win our to be determined races but I would like balance in govt to get both sides opinions but we need the republicans that our following democracy in office not the ones following Trump but sadly there are far to many following his control, hate & promoting crazy conspiracy theories & lies.They have to know he lies but don't seem to care. That has to stop locally & in Washington. We need to care about each other.My hope is we all learn to listen to each other, compromise, get along, stop the violence & find a way to move forward as hard as that is change happens with or without us. I know it's a lot to wish for & seems unlikely but what I want more than anything is for the hate to stop. We are all people. Let's get along we may find we like each other even when we disagree with politics. I hope that we stay free. Freedom isn't free we have to work for it but living under an autocrat isn't what I want just look at countries that do & we will realize how good we have it. We fight for our rights with words, signs but peacefully mostly other countries your opinion sends you to jail if you are lucky or you die.
Laurie Long, Annapolis
I am disappointed with Governor Hogan's decision that mail-in ballots could not be counted until after Election Day. The count was further delayed in Anne Arundel County, as votes were not counted on Veterans Day-- but kids still had school! Delaying the count plays into the hands of election deniers. It's puzzling to me that Hogan, who positions himself as a non-MAGA Republican, made such a decision. Except for that, and the trouble maker filming voters in Annapolis, the election seems to have gone well. I do wish the election officials would allow a voter to show ID if the voter wants to. The person checking me in made me repeat myself repeatedly -- it would have been good if he had looked at my card.
Evelyn Harris, Crofton
Very satisfied with results. I also served as a voting judge for 4 days. I volunteered because I was curious about the process. My conclusion the process is very complicated but very secure. Many folks who came in to vote asked for the "most secure way to vote". They are all secure. I also encouraged those folks to also volunteer so they, too, can see first hand how the process works. This could alleviate the misconceptions that the voting system is somehow rigged. Not the case at all.
Barbara Gill, Annapolis
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