NOTTINGHAM, MD—Early voting in the 2020 general election began on Monday, October 26, and residents are encouraged to vote early and at off-peak times to avoid long lines.

Baltimore County residents can now cast their votes from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. through November 2 at eleven early voting sites.

Citizens can make a plan to vote and find their polling place by visiting baltimorecountymd.gov/vote.

Drop box locations can also be found here.

The Maryland Department of Health announced on Monday that the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps, in cooperation with the State Board of Elections, will be assigning volunteer Health Ambassadors to polling places in multiple jurisdictions throughout the state to help keep voters and poll workers protected from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

“With early voting beginning today and Election Day fast approaching on November 3, many voters are still expressing doubts about the safety of voting in person during this pandemic,” said MDH Secretary Robert R. Neall. “Having volunteer Health Ambassadors onsite at the polls will help ensure that everyone is doing their part to keep Marylanders safe and healthy.”

Health Ambassadors will:

• Reinforce public guidance for maintaining social distance and wearing face coverings
• Provide guidance on how to properly wear face coverings
• Distribute masks to people who need one
• Administer hand sanitizer and disinfect high-touch areas

“We are honored to assist the State Board of Elections in providing Health Ambassadors who can help keep voters, poll workers and anyone else onsite at Maryland polling places protected from COVID-19 or other infectious disease, while our residents exercise their right to vote,” said Jonathan Caudle, Maryland Responds State Coordinator.

In addition, Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh has joined a bipartisan coalition of 36 attorneys general urging all citizens to exercise their right to vote, make a plan regarding how they will vote, and condemning any potential political violence that may arise during this election season.

To report instances of voter intimidation or harassment, call the Office of Attorney General at 443-961-2830 or toll free at 833-282-0960, or by email at [email protected].

Below is the full statement issued by the National Association of Attorneys General and signed by Attorney General Frosh:

“As state and territory attorneys general, our backgrounds and perspectives are as diverse as the citizens whom we serve. But we are united in our goal of protecting the rule of law and defending the laws and constitutions of our states, territories, and nation.

“Fundamental to our democracy, the rule of law is built upon citizen participation in electing the leaders who make and execute our state and national laws. Therefore, we urge all eligible voters to plan now for how they will vote in this election.

“Trusted sources like the National Association of Secretaries of State or the National Association of State Election Directors provide information on how to register to vote and your options for voting in-person or by mail. Eligible voters who plan to vote by mail should follow the instructions provided by state and local election officials, fill out your ballot properly, and return it to an officially designated drop-off place, by mail, or any other means permitted under your state’s laws as soon as possible.

“Across the country and under circumstances both familiar and uncharted, election officials are working to ensure that every eligible citizen can vote and that every vote is counted. America’s attorneys general are also working to ensure a free, fair, and secure election. As part of our duty to uphold the rule of law, we will take seriously any allegations of election interference, including voter fraud, voter intimidation and suppression.

“Moreover, we remind our fellow citizens that violence against persons or property is never an acceptable response to any election outcome and we condemn political violence of any kind.

“Voting is a right and responsibility. We urge all Americans to ensure your voice is heard this election year by making a plan to vote now.”

Baltimore County residents can make a plan to vote and find their polling place by visiting baltimorecountymd.gov/vote.

Drop box locations can also be found here.

Statewide election information can be found here.