CALIFORNIA, Md. – In this election, Calvert County residents will make important choices for national and local leaders, as well as weigh in on a significant constitutional amendment. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of each candidate and what you should know about selecting your choices.
Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates
Kamala D. Harris / Tim Walz (Democratic Party): Current Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz represent the Democratic ticket. Harris advocates for progressive reforms on healthcare, climate action, and social justice, while Walz is known for his focus on education and public safety.
Donald J. Trump / JD Vance (Republican Party): Former President Donald Trump returns with a focus on immigration, economic deregulation, and “America First” policies. Running mate JD Vance, an author and U.S. Senator from Ohio, is known for his populist stances on economic issues.
Chase Oliver / Mike ter Maat (Libertarian Party): Chase Oliver, a Libertarian candidate focused on civil liberties, aims to reduce government interference in personal lives. Mike ter Maat, an economist, supports free-market policies and limited government.
Jill Ellen Stein / Rudolph Green (Green Party): Dr. Jill Stein, former Green Party presidential candidate, champions environmental justice, anti-corporate policies, and healthcare reform. Rudolph Green supports her eco-socialist vision.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. / Nicole Shanahan (Unaffiliated): Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a public health advocate and lawyer, is running as an independent, emphasizing civil liberties, anti-corporate influence in politics, and transparent government. Nicole Shanahan, his running mate, brings experience in technology and innovation.
U.S. Senate
Angela Alsobrooks (Democratic Party): Alsobrooks, a former Prince George’s County Executive, has focused her campaign on issues such as criminal justice reform, healthcare, and improving Maryland’s infrastructure.
Larry Hogan (Republican Party): Larry Hogan, Maryland’s former Republican governor, is known for his bipartisan approach and emphasis on fiscal responsibility. He has supported economic development, public safety, and healthcare reform.
Mike Scott (Libertarian Party): Mike Scott represents the Libertarian Party’s ideals, advocating for limited government, personal freedom, and reduced taxation. He aims to bring a smaller government perspective to the Senate.
U.S. House of Representatives, District 5
Steny Hoyer (Democratic Party): Steny Hoyer is the current House Majority Leader and a long-serving representative. He supports federal investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, with a focus on preserving Social Security and Medicare.
Michelle Talkington (Republican Party): Michelle Talkington, a political newcomer, is running on a platform of government accountability, economic growth, and reducing federal government influence in Maryland.
Judicial Retention: Appellate Court Judges
In judicial retention elections, voters are asked to decide whether a judge should remain in office. Here are the judges on the ballot, with brief information on their roles and backgrounds.
Judge Kevin F. Arthur – Appellate Court of Maryland: Appointed by the Governor, Judge Arthur has served in appellate cases focusing on Maryland law and statutory interpretation. His judicial philosophy leans towards a strict interpretation of legal texts, which has been reflected in various high-profile decisions.
Judge Andrea M. Leahy – Appellate Court of Maryland: With a background in complex civil litigation, Judge Leahy has contributed to significant rulings on business law and civil rights cases. Known for her analytical approach, she has made contributions to legal scholarship and court management reforms.
Judge Anne K. Albright – Appellate Court of Maryland: A respected jurist in family and criminal law, Judge Albright has presided over cases involving family disputes, criminal appeals, and constitutional issues. Her commitment to fair process and detailed legal reasoning has earned her respect across Maryland’s legal community.
When voting on these judges, consider the importance of judicial experience and fairness in upholding Maryland’s laws. Retention votes allow citizens to express confidence (or lack thereof) in the current judiciary based on recent performance and rulings.
Board of Education
Non-partisan Board of Education positions are contested across multiple districts:
District 1: Paul Harrison vs. Antoine White: Both candidates focus on improving the quality of education, with differing views on policy issues like school funding, curriculum reform, and parental involvement.
District 2: Jeanette L. Flaim vs. Melissa Goshorn: Both candidates aim to address student performance and resource allocation in schools. Voters can evaluate their positions on issues like school safety, teacher support, and educational technology.
Constitutional Amendment – Right to Reproductive Freedom
Question 1 asks voters to decide on a proposed amendment to the Maryland Declaration of Rights that would establish the right to reproductive freedom:
For the Constitutional Amendment: Voting “Yes” supports adding protections for reproductive rights in Maryland’s Constitution, affirming individuals’ rights to make choices about pregnancy and related healthcare.
Against the Constitutional Amendment: Voting “No” opposes this addition, maintaining the current legal framework without embedding reproductive rights directly into the state constitution.
Disclaimer for Voters
To ensure your vote counts, please follow these guidelines when filling out your ballot:
1. Fill in the Oval Completely: Use a black or blue pen to fill in the oval next to your chosen candidate or answer. Do not use check marks, X’s, or any other symbol.
2. Avoid Cross-outs or Erasures: Altering your selection may cause your vote to be voided. If you make an error, request a new ballot from a poll worker.
3. Review Both Sides of the Ballot: Ensure you complete both sides before submitting.
4. Optional Write-ins: If you wish to vote for a candidate not listed, fill in the “write-in” oval and clearly write the candidate’s name in the space provided.
5. Submitting Absentee or Mail-in Ballots: Follow all provided instructions to avoid disqualification. Ensure your ballot is postmarked or submitted by the deadline.
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