Montgomery County voters have already cast more early ballots than they did during the entire early voting period of the 2022 general election, with two days still remaining.
Through Tuesday, 60,194 voters had voted early in person, according to state elections data. In 2022, about 56,000 county voters voted early over all eight days, according to official state results.
With two days remaining, turnout could climb even higher. An MCM review of county data from the last three elections found the final day of early voting was the busiest each time.
Tuesday was nearly as busy as opening day. Voters cast 11,555 ballots, just 11 fewer than the 11,566 cast on the first day of early voting.
Weekends brought the smallest crowds. Turnout dropped to 7,695 on Saturday and 7,162 on Sunday before climbing back to 10,958 on Monday.
Turnout by center
The state’s data by location runs only through Monday. As of Monday, the busiest of the county’s 14 centers was the Activity Center at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg, with 5,264 voters. The Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center in Chevy Chase followed closely with 5,230.
The White Oak Community Recreation Center saw the fewest voters, with 1,430. The Isiah “Ike” Leggett Executive Office Building in Rockville had 1,951, and the Mid-County Community Recreation Center had 2,036.
Voters can check current wait times by texting EV and their ZIP code to 77788.
Who is voting early
Democrats make up most of the county’s early voters. Through Monday, 72% of early voters were Democrats, compared with 58% of the county’s active voters.
Republicans made up 11% of early voters and 14% of active voters. Unaffiliated voters made up 16% of early voters and 27% of active voters.
Early voting patterns do not necessarily predict overall turnout, since many voters still cast ballots on Election Day or by mail.
What to know before you vote
Early voting runs now through Thursday, Oct. 29, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Registered county voters can use any of the 14 early voting centers. Residents not yet registered can register and vote the same day with a Maryland driver’s license, state ID or proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, voters must go to their assigned polling place between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 or placed in a drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
