Voters in western Maryland hit the polls on first day of early voting

HAGERSTOWN, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Maryland’s primary election is not until May 14, but voters were out in force on Thursday, the first day for early voting.

Kevin Davis moved to Hagerstown from New York recently. He said he was looking forward to spending this sunny weekday afternoon seeing his beloved Yankees play a matinee against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards — but first, he had some important business to take care of: casting his ballot.

“I’m new to town, so I’m like, ‘What better way to start my time here than to go out and vote,'” said Davis.

Zandra Miller thought voting early was the best way to start her day too.

“I’m proud to be an American and it’s a privilege, and I hope more people get out and vote. It’s very important,” said Miller.

Early voter Laverne Giffin from Williamsport, Md. did not mince words as she cast her ballot early.

“We don’t want the wrong party to get in, so we’re gonna do our early voting,” Giffin proclaimed.

She beamed about the convenience.

“We literally came here from right up the street where we live,” she said.

Election judge Rob Cochran is staffing the polls at the Washington County Board of Elections and was touched by the response he got when thanking a voter for turning out to cast her ballot.

“She said, ‘Oh, my daddy would turn over in his grave if I didn’t come out to vote,'” Cochran related.

Neighboring West Virginia also holds a primary on May 14. You can cast early ballots there until the county clerks’ offices close on the Saturday preceding the election.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.