Rockville Mayor, Council Candidates: How To Vote By Mail Nov. 5

ROCKVILLE, MD — The City of Rockville will hold its first vote-by-mail election on Tuesday. And because this year's municipal election is different, Patch has compiled a guide to help residents better understand the voting process and the candidates running in the race.

What is a Vote-By-Mail Election?

Rockville has decided to conduct a vote-by-mail election for its mayor and four council members — which means people can vote from the comfort of their home. It's the first city in Maryland to try such a system.

How Can I Cast My Ballot?

Ballots were mailed to registered voters on or before Friday, Oct. 11.

For your vote to count, you must fill in the oval next to the candidate's name using a black ink pen. You can cast one vote for mayor and up to four votes for council members.

City Hall, located at 111 Maryland Ave., must receive all ballots by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Postmarks do not count.

Drop off your ballot any time before the deadline at City Hall. The drop box is located in the upper parking lot.

Can't drop off your ballot? A trusted person can do that for you once you complete and sign the designated agent form.

If you forget to sign your ballot and have already submitted it, call 240-314-8286.

Who are the Mayoral Candidates?

The mayor serves a four-year term. The two candidates for mayor are:

Bridget Donnell Newton

• Fast Facts: A 38-year resident of the city, Newtown is running for a third term. She was elected to the Rockville City Council in 2009 before serving as mayor in 2013. Newton is the council liaison to the Recreation and Park Advisory Board and Rockville Seniors, Inc., and sits on the board of directors for several organizations including the Maryland Municipal League and the Rockville Economic Development, Inc.

Virginia D. Onley

• Fast Facts: Onley moved to Rockville in 1993. And she is serving her second term on the Rockville City Council. Onley is the council liaison to the Human Rights Commission, Landlord Tenant Affairs Commission, Rockville Housing Enterprises, Rockville Sister City Corporation, and the Senior Citizens Commission.

Who are the City Council Candidates?

The four city council candidates with the most votes win. Council members serve four-year terms. The candidates are:

• Monique Ashton
• Beryl L. Feinberg
• Richard Gottfried
• Cynthia Cotte Griffiths
• James Hedrick
• Kuan Lee
• Charles Littlefield
• Donald A. Masters
• Brigitta Mullican
• David Myles
• Matthew Perkins
• Mark Pierzchala
• Suzan Pitman