Election day is just hours away and it is one of the most hotly contested midterm elections in history. Here at home the races for governor and Baltimore County Executive are top of mind. But voters are not only concerned about Maryland, but they're also concerned about the country as a whole.
"I'm just excited for the opportunity to make a change," said voter Michael Papa.
More than 665,000 people voted during early voting in Maryland this year; numbers not seen since the 2016 election. Voters told WMAR-2 News they want their voices heard.
"If you want to move forward I think there should be more balance in Democrats, Republicans, Moderates," said voter, Jonas Byers.
And he's not the only one worried about party victories.
"I'd like to get Democrats back in the house. The end!" said Sofia Turk.
And those voters said everything comes down to the issues.
"Schools, education, making sure there's more opportunities for people in the public schools that's probably my number one concern," Papa said.
Turk added, "I have three kids so that's important to me and I work in the school system. Immigration issues are big to me and women's rights."
"I think we need a better education system, we need more money thrown into the public school system," said Joe Gantner, a Harford County voter.
Others said voting along party lines isn't always what's best for communities or the country.
"It wasn't about Democrat or Republican. It wasn't about that at all. It was about how my views lined up with the other peoples' views," said voter Anna Kabutay.
One thing is certain this mid-term cycle, people advocated for hitting the polls.
"I normally vote in the midterms as well as every four years in the major elections but i just felt it's important for everybody to vote," said Gantner.
John Alam added, "The way the Congress is being controlled right now, there seems to be a little imbalance maybe put some balance back into it."
The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
