r/Hoco

Hey y'all, I'm sharing my guide to the upcoming democratic primaries in HoCo. I've shared something like this with my friends and family the last two cycles but thought I'd share publicly this time. It contains my recommendations on who to vote for in the upcoming primaries.

As you'll see in the guide, my top priority is housing. I'd like to see a county council and executive who understand the importance of getting more housing built in the county by tackling the barriers to development. I walk through my reasoning on every race, both strategic and policy focused.

For context, I grew up in HoCo though I now live in MoCo. I work professionally in housing policy, I have been active in local politics in both counties, and I write this data focused blog on housing and transportation. I hope the guide is helpful!

https://perfectnumbers.substack.com/p/2026-howard-county-primary-election?r=cuvwz&triedRedirect=true

Hello all! My name is Gabriel Moreno I served on the Democratic Central Committee since 2018 until I recently resigned upon getting appointed to State Delegate. I am primarily here to share information for the upcoming primary election but if interested, I can be easily found on the interwebs. In previous election cycles, I would share information about upcoming elections so here I am again.

The 2026 Maryland primary election is fully underway.

There are various places to learn about candidates online and in person. One online resource I highly recommend is the League of Women Voters Vote 411 Guide. Responses are based on questionnaires answered by candidates. You input your address and it will show information on those on the ballot. I also see that Columbia Social will be having an event at GameOn Columbia on May 21st and plan to attend. See some of you there!

Full list of candidates can be found here.

Mail-in ballots were mailed out on 5/11 but there was a vendor error so new mail-in ballots are being mailed to folks. Read more about it here) to find out what to do.

Important Deadlines & Key Dates

*Voter Registration & Party Change: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 *Early Voting: June 11 - June 18, 2026 (Open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, including weekends) *Primary Election Day: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 (Open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM)

Where to Vote & Drop Ballots in Howard County

If you prefer to vote early or drop off your ballot securely, Howard County has several convenient, accessible locations. Early voting centers will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the early voting period including Saturday, 6/13, and Sunday, 6/14.

Mail-In Ballot Drop Box Locations available now through June 23rd:

• Gary J. Arthur Community Center — 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD 21723
• West Friendship Volunteer Fire Department — 12535 Old Frederick Road, Sykesville, MD 21784
• George Howard Building — 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
• Meadowbrook Athletic Complex — 5001 Meadowbrook Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21043
• Bain 50+ Center — 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, MD 21044
• Howard County Police Department – Scaggsville — 11226 Scaggsville Rd, Laurel, MD 20723
• St John Baptist Church — 9055 Tamar Drive, Columbia, MD 21045
• Howard County Board of Elections — 9770 Patuxent Woods Dr #200, Columbia, MD 21046
• North Laurel Community Center — 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel, MD 20723
• Elkridge 50+ Center — 6540 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge, MD 21075

Early Voting Centers (will be open June 11 to June 18 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, including Saturday and Sunday)

• St John Baptist Church — 9055 Tamar Drive, Columbia, MD 21045
• Bain 50+ Center — 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, MD 21044
• Meadowbrook Athletic Complex — 5001 Meadowbrook Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21043
• Gary J. Arthur Community Center — 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD 21723
• North Laurel Community Center — 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel, MD 20723

Primary Election Day, June 23rd

After June 18th, polls will close and reopen on June 23rd, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM for the Primary Election day. As long as you are in line by 8:00 PM, you will get to vote. You should go to your assigned poll to vote on June 23rd. As there are 56 individual polling places that incorporate 67 precincts, posting them here would confuse folks. Please go to Voting Poll Location Lookup and input your address to find your poll location.

Since there is an app for everything, here is the Go Vote Maryland App if you want, Android and Apple.

Consider becoming an Election Judge

Learn more about supporting the democratic process directly and get paid for your time. Learn more here.

Other Election Links & Resources

• Voter Registration and Mail-in Ballot Request - Apart from being a U.S. citizen and Maryland resident, as long as you will be 18 by November 3, 2026, you can vote in the primary election.
• To Check Your Voter Registration
• Howard County Sample Ballots
• Maryland State Board of Elections - Early Voting Information
• Howard County Board of Elections - Early Voting Information
• 2026 Election Info on my site

Contact Information for Howard County and State Board of Elections

Howard County Board of Elections

Address: 9770 Patuxent Woods Dr #200, Columbia, MD 21046
Phone: 410-313-5820
Social: u/HoCoBOEMaryland on X

Maryland State Board of Elections

Address: 151 West Street, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-269-2840 | 800-222-8683
Email: info.sbe@maryland.gov

This cover a majority of information but if you have any questions, feel to drop them below and I will do my best to come back answer/direct to the right place for info. Take care and get all your friends, family, and neighbors out to vote!

Hey Howard County, come stop by tonight!