Essex-Middle River Election Day Primer

Happy Election Day!

Today, voters across the country make their voices heard in presidential, congressional and local contests of all sorts. Here are some important things before you head to the polls.

Where to go: Google has a handy polling place search engine. Just plug in your address and it'll tell you where to go and what's on your ballot. Polls close in Maryland at 8 p.m. The Maryland State Board of Elections can give you more information, includng whether you may need identification when you go to vote and a copy of your sample ballot.

What you're voting on: Besides the race for president, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Maryland voters have numerous ballot questions on issues such as same-sex marriage, the Maryland Dream Act and a proposed gambling expansion. The Maryland State Board of Elections has ballot language for the referenda on the ballot, and copies of the bills involved. Baltimore County voters have the seven statewide ballot questions, plus nine bond ordinance questions.

Also, for the House race, most voters in the Essex race are in the 2nd Congressional District, for which the candidates are:

• C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D)
• Nancy C. Jacobs (R)
• Leo Wayne Dymowski (L)
• Ray Bly (R, write-in)

What's closed: Most county offices are. Libraries are not.

Patch will be covering the election from all angles. We'll be talking to politicians and to regular voters as today's news develops. Follow our live chat later today, and chime in.

You tell us: Where are you watching election returns?