Don’t forget, if you live in the “Chesapeake Region” (District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia), today is your presidential primary.

The polls open early and stay open until at least 7: 00 p.m. 

Polling Hours

• District of Columbia Primary – 7:00 a.m. -  8:00 p.m.
• Virginia Primary – 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Maryland Primary – 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The big regional contest is on the Democratic side, with both candidates, Obama and Clinton, trying to break out after a virtual tie after Super Tuesday. Both candidates would really like to put some electoral votes between them and their opponent.  Hillary just shook up her campaign team, assigning a new campaign manager, so new strategies may be used in the region to put her over the top. But many political pundits are predicting an easy Obama win over Clinton.

Since Sunday, Obama has made major appearances in Virginia Beach, and at the University of Maryland. Clinton had to cancel a Sunday appearance in Roanoke, VA, due to high winds delaying her plane. She did however make a scheduled stop at a town hall meeting in Manassas, VA, as well as other campaign stops.  

238 electoral votes are at stake in these three Democratic primaries.

Over on the Republican side, conservatives may give Mike Hukabee’s campaign a shot in the arm. But in Virginia, Mitt Romney’s name will still appear on the Virginia ballot.

Both McCain and Huckabee have been crisscrossing the region, meeting with voters and making appearances.  The push was on by both to win the 119 Republican delegates that are up for grabs in these three winner-take-all contests.

Not sure where to vote? Click on the state below to find your polling place.

Polling Place Links

• District of Columbia – Closed Primary
• Maryland – Closed Primary
• Virginia – Open Primary

DC and Maryland are both closed primary, which allows only registered members of a political party may vote in that party’s primary. Whereas, the open primary in Virginia allows any registered voter, regardless of party registration, to vote in either of the primaries (but not both).

For more info on the primary process and definition of voting terms, check out my recent Super Tuesday post.

Luckily, I’ve always lived in states that had elections, not a caucus. So the caucus process has always been a bit of a mystery to me.  And if you think you’d prefer the caucus process over a primary; where you might have a chance to convince your neighbors why your candidate is the best for the job; think again. Check out the disastrous caucus experience that Mary Jo recently had in Washington state, at The Seattle Traveler.

Makes me glad we have real elections in our region.

Now go out and

have your voice heard!!

See you at the polling place.

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Post from: The DC Traveler