Early voting in Maryland: Who benefits? - baltimoresun.com

his year, Marylanders will have their first opportunity to stand at a voting machine and cast their ballots before Election Day.

Approved by voters in 2008 and created by the legislature in 2009, Maryland's early voting program debuts at a time when the marquee showdown between a current and former governor dominates most election coverage. Consequently, many voters may be unaware of this fundamental change to Maryland's voting experience.

Here's how it works: Forty-six early voting centers will open across the state shortly before the primary and general elections. Most jurisdictions will only have one center. But Howard County will have three, and Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties will each have five.