A recurring theme throughout the 2010 midterm elections was the spending of the federal government and how to address the $13.73 trillion national deficit.  As the election result rolled in,  it became increasingly evident that change was afoot as Congressional and committee control and membership altered.  Now with over 60 new members to Congress, local governments throughout the nation are concerned that in an effort to reduce government spending, Congress may tighten funds on domestic programs. The National Association of Counties (NACo), an…

Today MACo's staff will be following and posting county general election results. We are working with the most current published results-most of them unofficial but at least nearly complete, while some races remain close. Please check back throughout the day to see updated information on results in county races and gain insight on trends from the statewide elections. MACo's most current county general election results information can be found here: County General Election Results Summary An…

An October 29 Daily Record article describes a ruling by a Federal judge to extend the absentee ballot deadline by 10 days to accommodate service members and other who may be overseas. The absentee ballot deadline for Tuesday’s election was to be Nov. 12. Judge Titus’ order would push that deadline back to Nov. 22. The ballots must still be postmarked by Nov. 2. On Oct. 8 — the Friday before the Columbus Day postal…

The tabulation of early-voting totals, which caused delays in tallying votes in the primary election, should not be a problem in the general.  As reported by the Gazette, the State Board of Elections approved an emergency regulation requiring all early-voting totals to be processed and submitted two hours before polls close on the night of the general election. For the general election, local boards will be permitted to start canvassing early votes anytime on Election…

Early voting, which began last week in Maryland and will continue through Thursday of this week, has been very well received in many jurisdictions across the state.  While some areas yielded fewer voters than others, the Baltimore Sun reports that "participants in the primary elections expressed surprise at the ease with which they moved through the lines" and that turnout in the Baltimore region was good.  The Washington Post reports that turnout was light in…