Maryland leaders urge you to vote: 'These elections are critically important'
Leaders: You're voting for more than just candidates -- social justice, education, public safety on ballot
Leaders: You're voting for more than just candidates -- social justice, education, public safety on ballot
Leaders: You're voting for more than just candidates -- social justice, education, public safety on ballot
BALTIMORE -- Leaders in Baltimore are urging voters to vote, citing abortion, gun control, crime and judicial appointments as some of the reasons why.
| 2022 MARYLAND VOTER'S GUIDE: How to vote, who's running, important dates
U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Maryland, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott were joined by others Monday for a "Get out the Vote" news conference at City Hall.
"At the end of the day, policy is on the ballot -- social justice is on the ballot, education is on the ballot, public safety and the future of our democracy is on the ballot," said Natasha Murphy, deputy director of Black Girls Vote, a nonpartisan organization self-described as designed to represent the concerns and interests of Black women
While the leaders expressed what they believe is at stake in this year's election, many voters are already fired up.
"What's going to stop me from going to the polls this year?" said Beverly Stewart, a voter from Baltimore.
Fueling interest in the election is recent Supreme Court decisions overturning constitutional protections for abortion and easing restrictions on carrying guns in public. In addition, crime, education and the high cost of living are issues that are expected to push voters to the polls.
"Education in schools is another hot topic in our household in terms of voting," said Rachel Hitchcock, a voter from Baltimore.
"One is definitely crime, access to resource capital and things like that. Really, just building a better Baltimore from the inside out is important to me as a lifelong resident," said Amanda Mack, a voter from Baltimore.
Scott and Cardin, who are not up for reelection this year, teamed up to emphasize that each vote counts and will make a difference.
"Basic values and decency are under attack in this country," Scott said.
Cardin pointed out that voters elect those who have the power to appoint judges and make policy.
"It makes a difference who is in the executive branch. It makes a difference who is in the legislative branch as to who will be in our judicial branch. These elections are critically important," Cardin said.
And, Baltimore City elections officials could use some help with as many as 1,000 election judges still needed to work the polls.
"We still have election judge training going on right now, and it is important. If you want to serve, you need to call us right away because training will end very soon," Baltimore City Elections Director Armstead Jones said.
| RELATED: Baltimore City still faces shortage of election judges
To become an election judge in Baltimore City, participants must be at least 16 years old and a registered voter. Election judges work a 15-hour day and the pay for an election judge is $200 a day. For a chief judge, it's $275.
Click here for information about how to become an election judge in Baltimore City, or call the Baltimore City Board of Elections at 410-396-5550.
Tuesday is the deadline to register to vote, change party affiliation or update the address on file before the primary election. The Maryland State Board of Elections recommends voters submit information online by 11:50 p.m., visit the local board of elections by 5 p.m. or return forms by mail.
For more important election dates and instructions on how to vote this year, click here for the WBAL-TV Voter's Guide.
