Republican former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. cast a ballot for himself this morning in the GOP primary, participating in an early voting program similar to the one that he vetoed when in office five years ago.
Ehrlich has repeatedly denounced early voting as a "solution in search of a problem," saying Marylanders were never "clamoring" for ability to vote before the traditional primary day. Also, he pointed out that the additional costs associated polling places and election judges is "an expensive process during a difficult time."
That has put Ehrlich's team in the awkward position of advocating to supporters that they cast ballots before election day, while also acknowledging that Ehrlich opposes the program. Gov. Martin O'Malley, the Democratic incumbent and Brian Murphy, Ehrlich's GOP challenger, have both made an issue of the inconsistency.
Nevertheless Ehrlich's black SUV transported him, his wife Kendel and their son Drew to the Annapolis Senior Activity Center around 10 a.m. where the voting age members of the family cast ballots. Asked why he chose to participate in the program – voters can still cast ballots on primary election day – he chuckled and turned to longtime staffer Greg Massoni.
"Why is that Greg?" he asked. Massoni didn't say anything and Ehrlich chuckled. "I don't know," he continued. "I guess because it is the law. It is what we have so we're doing it. There is no great thought that went into that."
Ehrlich said that if he becomes governor he would "keep an open mind" about changes to the program. Any alteration to early voting would require changing the Maryland's constitution via a state-wide ballot question.