I turned in my mail-in ballot as soon as I received it. I didn’t have to stand in line. I didn’t have to show any ID. I didn’t have to face campaign volunteers waving leaflets in my face, poll-watchers, or law enforcement.
I filled out the ballot in the privacy of my own home, signed and sealed the envelope, then walked a half mile to the North Laurel Community Center drop-off box, and dropped my envelope in the slot. The state of Maryland let me know by email it’s been received.
This is, of course, a secret ballot, so I won’t name any of the people I voted for, but I can say this much:
- I voted for people who don’t look like me.
- I voted to protect the rights of people who are more vulnerable than me.
- I voted to improve the lives of people who are less fortunate than me.
- I voted for people without my privilege.
I am thankful for living in Maryland and Howard County and for the privilege of easy and convenient mail-in voting. I hope I’ve used that privilege and my constitutional right to vote to make life better for everyone in Maryland and the United States.
Marty Niland 