by Christie L.

The most important right we have as Americans is the right to vote. From the Howard County Board of Elections to the U.S. Congress, you have a voice. Everyone can vote for some of the local races, such as Board of Education. But with so many choices on the ballot, where to begin? 

For Federal seats, step away from the echo chambers of social media and check the facts at FactCheck.org, a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocate for voters that helps to, “monitor the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases.” You can also visit Politifact, a fact-checking website with a rigorous and transparent process used to scrutinize claims independently by political officials, candidates, campaigns, and media. 

For state races, visit Vote411.org for a personalized ballot based on your address. Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To weigh two candidates, click the “compare” button. 

For Howard County races, use the resources from the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. Read the 2022 Primary Voters Guide and/or watch the Primary Candidates Forum.  

County Executive: Fast forward to 2 minutes, 50 seconds. 

Howard County Council: 

• District 1: Fast forward to 20 minutes 
• District 2: No attendees 
• District 3: Fast forward to 34 minutes 
• District 4: Fast forward to 40 minutes 
• District 5: Fast forward to 59 minutes 

State’s Attorney: Fast forward to 1 hour, 5 minutes 

Clerk of Circuit Court: Fast forward to 1 hour, 11 minutes 

Register of Wills: Fast forward to 1 hour, 14 minutes 

Sheriff: Fast forward to 1 hour, 17 minutes 

Judge of Orphan’s Court: Fast forward to 1 hour, 23 minutes 

Board of Education: Fast forward to 1 hour, 36 minutes 

MD House of Delegates: 

• District 13: Fast forward to 2 hours, 20 minutes 
• District 12A: Fast forward to 2 hours, 57 minutes 
• District 9B: Fast forward to 3 hours 
• District 9A: Fast forward to 3 hours, 8 minutes 

MD Senate: 

• District 13: No attendees 
• District 12: Fast forward to 3 hours, 37 minutes 
• District 9: Fast forward to 3 hours, 52 minutes 

Judge of Circuit Court: Fast forward to 3 hours, 56 minutes 

Now that you’re ready to cast your vote, visit the State Board of Elections or Howard County Board of Elections to find your polling place and get answers to frequently asked questions. Or, enter the address where you are registered to vote to find your polling place: https://gettothepolls.com 

Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm on Tuesday, July 19.

And once you vote, learn more about voting history with this curated list of books and films in our collection.  

Whether you vote by mail, by drop box, or in person, educate yourself about the candidates and issues and VOTE!  

Christie Lassen is the Director of Communication and Partnerships for Howard County Library System. She loves walking through the network of pathways in Columbia, sitting on the beach, and cheering for the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Aggies football team.