How Is Voting Going In Silver Spring: Share Your Thoughts

SILVER SPRING, MD — After a marathon political campaign, Election Day 2020 is finally here.

This year's election might look a bit different because of the pandemic. Record numbers of people have already voted early and by mail.

But if you're heading out to the polls to vote in person — or have already voted today — we want to hear from you.

What was your experience like at your polling place? Did you encounter long lines or significant wait times?

Share your experiences and comments by emailing alessia.grunberger@patch.com or in the comments below.

If you still plan to vote in person, polls in Maryland are open through 8 p.m. Click here for more information on how and where to vote in person.

Record voter turnout is expected across the nation, fueled by a contentious presidential race. Republican President Donald Trump faces former Vice President Joe Biden in the race for the White House.

In Montgomery County, voters will also be casting their ballots in school board election races.

There are three seats up for grabs on the Montgomery County Board of Education — at-large, District 2, and District 4. Only the top two vote-getters in the June 2 primary advanced to the Nov. 3 general election.

School board races in Maryland's most populous county are usually quiet. But a controversial districtwide review of school boundaries is dividing residents and turning the election into an animated and tense debate about race and equity.

Dr. Sunil Dasgupta — a university professor and father of three MCPS students — and Lynne Harris — the former president of the Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations — are vying for the open at-large seat created by Jeanette Dixon, who decided not to seek reelection.

There was no primary election in District 2, since there were only two candidates on the ballot. Voters will choose between incumbent Rebecca Smondrowski and long-time teacher Michael Fryar.

Shebra Evans, who currently serves as the school board's president, has represented District 4 since 2016. She's running against long-time Montgomery County resident Steve Solomon.

In addition to selecting three school board members, voters can choose which four judges will sit on the county's circuit court bench. Four of the five candidates are sitting judges: Bibi Berry; David Boynton; Christopher Fogleman; and Michael McAuliffe. They all were appointed by the governor and underwent a rigorous vetting process.

Challenger and Rockville attorney Marylin Pierre is hoping to unseat one of the judges by winning the Nov. 3 election. Judges on the circuit court bench serve 15-year terms.

Two additional races affecting Montgomery County voters are between Rep. David Trone (D), Neil Parrott (R), and George Gluck (Green Party) in District 6 and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D) and Gregory Thomas Coll (R) in District 8.