Riderwood Hosts Preview Event for New Voting System

The campaign for the nation’s highest office is well underway as Marylanders learn about presidential candidates from both parties.

Next year, those casting ballots in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County will be using a new voting system that features a paper trail.

Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett (left) and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker kick-off a public awareness campaign regarding new voting machines to be used in the 2016 presidential election. The event took place on September 22 at Riderwood retirement community.

Residents of Riderwood, the Erickson Living retirement community, received a preview of the voting machines as the campus hosted officials from Montgomery County and Prince George’s County on September 22.

The date coincided with National Voter Registration Day.

Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker were joined by leaders from their respective Boards of Election to raise public awareness on the upcoming changes required by the state.

Following the press conference, eighty residents and guests familiarized themselves and even cast mock ballots on four voting machines brought to the event by the Boards. Montgomery County Election Director Margaret Jurgensen and Prince George’s County Election Administrator Alisha Alexander and their staff members led the sessions.

Chip Warner, Executive Director of Riderwood, welcomed guests and noted the partnership between the retirement community and local officials.

“Riderwood’s geographic location is truly unique. Our 120-acre campus sits on the Montgomery County-Prince George’s County line, which makes us incredibly connected to both jurisdictions and a wonderful venue for the announcement regarding the voting system that Marylanders will use next year,” he noted.

“It is also fitting because we are home to two election precincts which are run in partnership with the election officials here today and a committed group of volunteers,” said Mr. Warner.

More information about next year’s elections can be found at the Montgomery County Board of Elections and the Prince George’s County Board of Elections websites.

About Jeff Getek

Jeff Getek is the public affairs manager for Riderwood, the Erickson Living retirement community in Silver Spring. He authors the blog The Journey On on MyMCMedia.

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