JOSH DAVIS/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Candidate signs dot the landscape at the Gull Creek Senior Living Community in Berlin, the polling place for early voting that began last week. Early voting concludes today, Thursday, and the primary is scheduled for Tuesday, June 26.

By Brian Gilliland, Associate Editor

(June 22, 2018) Early voting for the 2018 primary ends today (Thursday) in Worcester, and early ballots can be cast at the Gull Creek Senior Living Center at 1 Meadow Street, Berlin between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The in-person date of the primary is Tuesday, June 26.

There are several races on the ballot, and locally, a few races will be all but decided. Maryland has closed primaries, which means only those directly affiliated with either of the two major political parties are eligible to participate.

As a few races have no Democratic challenger, like delegate or sheriff, and only Republican candidates will be on the ticket, and can only be voted upon by registered Republican voters. Registered Democrats, Independents or third parties have no say in these offices, although it is conceivable someone could mount a write-in campaign closer to the Nov. 6 general election.

For House of Delegates Representative, Worcester Republicans can choose between Ocean City Councilman Wayne Hartman, Republican operative Joe Schanno and Democrat-turned-Republican Ed Tinus. Jim Schaffer will also appear on the ballot, but has suspended his campaign, and a spokesman said Schaffer would not serve in the office even if elected.

There are four Republican candidates for Sheriff: Scott Bernal, Matt Crisafulli, Mike McDermott and George Truitt, and no Democrats, so this race is also likely to be decided during the primary.

The State’s Attorney’s Office has two Republican candidates, Bill McDermott and Kris Heiser, and no Democrats filed.

For Register of Wills, the contest on the Republican side of the ballot is between Aaron William Redden, Steven Sisk and Terri Delaney Westcott, while the Democrats have fielded Nicole Cauldell.

Worcester County Commissioner District 3 has two Republican candidates, incumbent Bud Church and challenger Gary Millhoff. The winner of this contest faces Berlin council member Zackery Tyndall in November.

In the Orphan’s Court, there are three vacancies and four candidates for the offices: Mike Diffendal, Linda Hess, Cheryl Jacobs and John Quinn are all seeking a spot on the bench.
Federal offices and state state offices will also be on the ballot.

Polling places in northern Worcester County are:

For more information or for answers to questions, contact the Worcester County Board of Elections at 410-632-1320.