April 23 is a critical date if you want to vote in the Maryland primary on May 14. Since Maryland is a “closed primary” state, voters must be registered as a Democrat or Republican to vote in that party's primary. April 23 is the final date to change party affiliation to have a voice in nominating candidates for President, U.S. Senate and other offices. Also, by April 23, a voter must update their address with the Board of Elections (elections.maryland.gov/voter_registration/) if they have moved since last voting. Voters failing to do so may cast a Provisional ballot, which could result in standing on line on primary day.
Why is primary voting so important? Because in many jurisdictions, the winner of a contested primary goes on to victory in the November general election. In mid-April, the Montgomery County League of Women Voters will be distributing its latest free Voters' Guide at Montgomery County Public Libraries and 90+ other locations. It can also be accessed at lwvmocomd.org. The Guide offers information on how to register and vote, as well as position statements from the candidates themselves. Based on this data, voters can make up their own minds when they vote.
