March 2 Is Maryland's Playoff Day, Here’s Your Score Card

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http://www.bayweekly.com/year04/issuexii09/leadxii09.html

Maryland is one of 10 states voting on March 2, which will be a decisive day in the campaign. On that day, with delegate-rich giants like California, New York and Ohio voting, more than half of the delegates needed to nominate a candidate at the Democratic National Convention in Boston this summer will be chosen.

Maryland’s Democratic ballot will tell a story that’s not kept up with history. Democratic voters will find nine candidates, alphabetical from Braun to Sharpton even though many are long gone. Among them are scattered two more names: political gadfly Lyndon Larouche and Baltimorean Mildred Glover. Neither has mustered the credibility to be invited to debate, and commentators have ignored them. But supporters of Larouche, who’s from Virginia, wave placards in the big, cold, early primary states, and they register on ballots across the land to represent him at the Democrats’ nominating convention.

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March 2’s election is a primary, where voters are still expressing their preference, not electing. If Maryland follows the national trend, Kerry will get more votes; thus more delegates. Edwards is expected to win some, too.

But it’s not quite that simple, because there’s the 15-percent-minimum rule. Thus, explains Calvert party chair Spenser, “One of our Dean delegates is Olivia Campbell. If Dean doesn’t pick up enough votes, she isn’t a delegate.” On the other hand, if Dean wins, she does. Even top-polling delegates aren’t going to the convention if they backed the wrong candidate.
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When Do You Vote?
The polls are open Tuesday, March 2, from 7am to 8pm. You must go to the polls in person to cast your vote. If you’re going to be out of town, you can still apply in person at your local election office for an absentee ballot.

Where Do You Vote?
Your polling place is named on two documents you’ve received in the mail: your voter identification card and your sample ballot. Or call your local elections office.

In Anne Arundel: 410-222-6600

In Calvert: 301-855-1376

If You Need Help
Need more information? A ride to the polls? Call the party of your choice.

Maryland State Democratic Party: 410-269-8818

Maryland State Republican Party: 410-269-0113.