Annapolis Primary Election Update: Voter Turnout Is Up From 2017, Early Leads Still Hold

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Voter turnout increased from 2017 in the Annapolis City Council Democratic primary election, officials announced Wednesday.

The three contested wards had a combined turnout of 1,327 last time around. This year, they have collected 1,605 ballots so far. That total could increase, as workers will count every ballot postmarked by Tuesday's election day.

On Wednesday, authorities also released the second of three vote tallies. The standings did not change from the initial results posted after the polls closed Tuesday night.

Incumbents have the upper hand in two contests. One upset could be brewing in a third match-up.

Officeholder Rhonda Pindell Charles still leads challenger Keanuú Smith-Brown in the race for Ward 3. Alderman Ross H. Arnett maintained his advantage over opponent Kathleen George in the Ward 8 election. Newcomer Toni Strong Pratt kept her edge on incumbent Sheila M. Finlayson in Ward 4.

These are the only districts where multiple candidates from the same party sought the nomination. No Republican races were contested.

Here are the unofficial vote counts as of Wednesday afternoon. The names of incumbents are bolded and underlined.

The first report only included the votes cast at the polls on Tuesday. Residents also had the option to vote by dropbox or by mail. Wednesday's update tallied dropbox and mail-in ballots received on or before last Thursday.

Canvassers will now count the at least 876 provisional, dropbox or mail-in ballots collected at later dates. The City of Annapolis Board of Supervisors of Elections will reveal the final totals next Tuesday.

Annapolitans can call (410) 222-0498 with any questions. More information is posted at annapolis.gov/elections.

General Election

The general election is on Nov. 2. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Residents must register to vote at this link by Oct. 4. Locals can check if they are already registered by clicking here.

For the first time ever, Annapolis will mail a ballot to all registered voters before the election. Residents can send their completed ballots by mail to the indicated address or they can place them in a dropbox at any precinct.

Residents who prefer to vote in person should ignore the ballot mailed to them. They must vote at their assigned precinct on election day. Those polling and dropbox locations are listed on this website.

Here are the candidates who will run in the general election. The names of incumbents are bolded and underlined.

Mayor

• Gavin Buckley (D)
• Steven Strawn (R)

City Council Ward 1

• Eleanor M. Tierney (D)
• Uncontested

City Council Ward 2

• Scott Gibson (R)
• Karma O'Neill (D)
• Note: Alderman Frederick M. Paone is not running for re-election

City Council Ward 3

• The winner of Rhonda Pindell Charles (D) versus Keanuú Smith-Brown (D)

City Council Ward 4

• The winner of Sheila M. Finlayson (D) versus Toni Strong Pratt (D)

City Council Ward 5

• Brooks Schandelmeier (D)
• Monica Manthey (R)

City Council Ward 6

• DaJuan Gay (D)
• George Michael Gallagher (R)

City Council Ward 7

• Rob Savidge (D)
• Uncontested

City Council Ward 8

• The winner of Ross H. Arnett (D) versus Kathleen George (D)
• Rockford Toews (R)

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RELATED:

• 2 Incumbents, 1 Newcomer Lead In Annapolis City Council Primaries
• Annapolis Vote-By-Mail Elections Can Proceed After Court Of Appeals Rejects Lawsuit
• Annapolis Board Of Elections Certifies Candidates For 2021 City Municipal Elections

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