Which way to the polls?

Voting is about to get underway in Maryland’s delayed primary, and voters will once again have multiple options for how to cast their ballot.

Ballots were to be mailed Thursday to voters who requested them via mail, and links will be sent by email to the approximately 35,000 voters who have requested online ballots thus far. Voters have until July 12 to request a ballot by mail or July 15 for a ballot delivered online. The deadline to request a ballot in person is primary day itself: July 19.

Ballot drop boxes will again be offered, and installation of the boxes began across the state in the first full week of June.

For voters who opt to cast their ballots in person, early voting will begin on July 7 and continue through July 14. Polls will also be open on primary day.

The Sun/UB poll found about a quarter of likely Maryland voters plan to cast their ballots by mail, but a stark divide emerged along political lines.

Of Democrats, 32% said they would vote by mail, while just 15% of Republicans said they planned to. About 68% of Republicans said they planned to vote in person on primary day, while just 39% of Democrats had the same plan.

Republican Thomas Beegan, 64, of Middle River, said his comfort level increases when he votes in person — which he says he habitually does.

“I don’t really trust the mail system,” said Beegan. “I’ve been doing early voting in person. I’ve always preferred it to be in person.”

Prince George’s County Democrat Jeremiah Rush, 39, also plans to vote in person, but on the day of the primary election.

“I like to see what’s going on, have an up-close view. Is it counted and looked at?” Rush said. “During the pandemic, I think I used the mail once.”

Democrat Stephanie Wright, 25, of Preston in Caroline County on the Eastern Shore, said she has been mailing in her ballots during the pandemic — and even before — and will probably use the mail again. “I trust the process,” she said.