Young Voter Turnout In Montgomery Co. Surges During Early Voting

BETHESDA, MD — Early voter turnout for young voters in Montgomery County has more than tripled since the last gubernatorial midterm elections in 2014. For a group that historically has low turnout nationwide during midterm elections, the county's latest early voter data points to a spike in voter enthusiasm.

According to the Maryland State Board of Elections, 1,920 voters ages 18 to 24 in Montgomery County cast their ballots ahead of the 2018 general election. In 2014, 597 voters ages 18 to 24 cast their ballots.

Montgomery County didn't just see a spike in early voter turnout for young voters. 17.29 percent of eligible voters in the county turned up at the polls — compared to 5.58 percent in 2014.

Both 2018 and 2014 unofficial figures do not take provisional and absentee voters into account, according to the elections board. As of Nov. 4, there were a total of 46,889 absentee ballots sent to county residents, of which 21,348 were returned to the Maryland State Board of Elections.

Although the 2018 numbers are higher than those of 2014, they are still lower compared to that of the 2016 presidential election. In 2016, there were 160,458 — or 24.44 percent — early voters who cast their ballots.

Election Day Information

Early voting is now closed. On Election Day, county voters should vote at their assigned polling place. Voters can find their assigned precinct by looking at the voter notification card they received from the Montgomery County Board of Elections or by clicking here. If you missed the deadline to vote online or by mail, you can still pick up an absentee ballot in person.

Image via Shutterstock

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