Voting Pace Brisk in Maryland Suburbs

By Megan Greenwell and Steve Hendrix
As voting in the "Potomac Primary" began this morning in Maryland, turnout was heavy in eastern Montgomery County, even beyond the usual pre-work rush.

"This is unprecedented as far as I'm concerned," said Maryland State Comptroller Peter Franchot, surveying the 30-minute line at his home precinct at Piney Branch Elementary School in Takoma Park. "This is 8 a.m. traffic and it's after 10 o'clock."

Officials were relieved to report no voting problems at Piney Branch this morning. Two years ago, it was plagued with delays after electronic voting cards didn't arrive in time and provisional ballots ran out.

"Last time I had to vote on a scrap of paper," said Takoma Park voter Nancy Martin. "Somebody ran to CVS to buy paper for us to vote on. This time it all went very smoothly."

Polling official Ann Sergeant said the county provided extra provisional ballots, instituted emergency help lines and deployed roving technical support teams.

"I think they are into continual improvement," Sergeant said.

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