Get Ready to Vote…or Run for Office
Now that the Maryland primary election is over, our thoughts turn to the November general election and City of Takoma Park election for mayor and city council.
Two Separate Elections on November 5, 2024
• Presidential General Election
• City of Takoma Park Election
The Takoma Park Election for mayor and city council is separate from the Maryland presidential election process. Remember to vote in BOTH elections if you are eligible.
City Nominating Caucus: Tuesday, September 10
Takoma Park residents interested in running for mayor or city council should plan to attend the nominating caucus on Tuesday, September 10. A candidate must receive a nomination and a second to that nomination to have their name placed on the ballot. Watch for notice of a candidate information session to take place in June. Anyone interested in running for offi ce is welcome to contact the city clerk at clerk@takomaparkmd.gov or 301-891-7267.
Takoma Park Vote-by-Mail
In October, Takoma Park Board of Elections will send a vote-by-mail city election ballot to every active registered voter. You may return the ballot by mail in the enclosed prepaid envelope or drop the ballot in an official Takoma Park Ballot Drop Box at one of two locations:
• Takoma Park Community Center (7500 Maple Ave., lower-level parking lot)
• Takoma Park Recreation Center (7315 New Hampshire Ave.)
Absentee Ballots
If you expect to be out of town through election day and want your ballot sent to an address other than your Takoma Park residence, submit that request to the City Clerk’s Office.
Election Day Voting
The Community Center will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day for residents who prefer to vote in person or residents not yet registered. Remember that only the Takoma Park Election for mayor and city council will take place at the Community Center. To vote in the presidential election on November 5, you will go to your regular precinct polling place.
Who Can Register and Vote in Takoma Park Elections for Mayor and City Council?
Any Takoma Park resident who will be 16 by election day is eligible to vote in city elections. U.S. citizenship is not a requirement. If you are already registered at an address in the City, you need not register again. If you are not registered, you may register to vote in Takoma Park elections if you
• are a resident of the City of Takoma Park;
• will be at least 16 years old on Election Day;
• do not claim the right to vote in another municipality;
• have not been convicted of buying or selling votes; and
• are not under guardianship for mental disability or if you are, you have not been found by a court to be unable to communicate a desire to vote.
Ranked Choice Voting
Takoma Park elects candidates using ranked choice voting. Voters rank candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3 and so on). If a candidate receives a majority of votes, they are elected. In the event no candidate receives a majority, an instant runoff is held. The candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Voters who chose that candidate as their first choice have their next choice counted. The process continues until one candidate achieves a majority of votes.
This article was featured in the Takoma Park Newsletter May 2024 Edition.
