Finally! Early Voting Starts Thursday | Patch PM

Stories to talk about this evening:

Maryland Early Voting Starts Oct. 27: What You Need to Know

Early voting kicks off across Maryland on Thursday for this year's presidential election, which can help ease lines at the polls on Nov. 8 and allow residents to vote at the time that best matches their schedules. >>> Read more.

Gaithersburg Named to America’s 50 Best Cities to Live

Despite having a cost of living that is 25 percent higher than the national average, a supply of good jobs, restaurants and other attractions makes Gaithersburg one of America’s 50 Best Cities to Live in, says a national business website. The 24/7WallSt.com site ranks Gaithersburg at No. 23 on its list of best places to call home. >>> Read more.

$50K Scratch-Off Win to Pay Son's College Tuition

• Boyds carpenter won $50,000 on a scratch-off ticket and will use it to pay for college tuition for his son and maybe his wife.

Americans' Respect For Police Highest In Nearly 50 Years: Gallup Poll

• In the poll, 76 percent of people said they had "a great deal" of respect for police with just 7 percent saying they had "hardly any."

Bowie Chick-fil-A Opens Nov. 3, Will Offer Year of Free Meals to First 100 Customers

• The "First 100" party will start 24 hours before the opening and will involve overnight camping.

Patch PM shares a few of the day’s must-read items from our Maryland network. The Patch community platform covers communities across the state.