As of 11 a.m., Tuesday, 27,079 Harford County voters had cast ballots across the county’s 51 polling locations.

One of those voters was Sharon Jacobs, 57, who said she voted to help protect women’s rights for her 16-year-old daughter.

“I want her to have options as an adult,” Jacobs said, wearing a National Association of the Advancement of Colored People hat and shirt. Jacobs, a Democrat, noted that she would also like to see an increase in the number of young homeowners.

“Homeownership is a big issue in my opinion because it is very expensive for students who are in college or coming out of college, to afford an apartment and own a home,” Jacobs said. “The more an administration can do to help a person buying a home, I would appreciate that.”

Jacobs spoke with a bi-partisan group of voters outside Aberdeen High School after casting her ballot. Members of the group shared their perspective on American politics, and the importance of the presidential election.

Each voter agreed that the most important thing any voter can do — outside of cast a ballot — is research politicians and not rely on social media.

“You really have to do your research and find out more about an issue rather than just the sound bites on social media,” Jacobs said.

Voters make their way in and out of the polling location at C. Milton Wright High School during the general election on Tuesday. (Brian Krista/Staff)
Voters make their way in and out of the polling location at C. Milton Wright High School during the general election on Tuesday. (Brian Krista/Staff)

Aberdeen City Councilman Adam Hiob, 30, stood outside Aberdeen High School Tuesday after casting his vote. He spoke with other voters about party affiliation and the election.

Hiob, a Democrat, said voting is a civic duty that everyone should participate in. He explained that he voted to preserve democratic norms in the United States, and to protect women’s rights.

“I think for me, it is the preservation of norms in our democracy and of course, a woman’s right to choose is a top priority for me since my sister just had a child,” Hiob said. “I think it is right that future generations have the same rights their mothers and grandmothers had and fought for.”

Hiob noted that he feels the economy is headed in the right direction due to low unemployment and a rising stock market, but said there is more work to be done.

“Obviously inflation has been an issue,” Hiob said. “Prices are still too high and that is the problem I think we, collectively — no matter what party you are — are feeling so I think there are improvements that need to be done.”

As of noon, Hiob was one of 817 Aberdeen voters to cast a ballot at Aberdeen High School. “It’s a perfect weather day,” Hiob said. “You have no excuse to not get out here and do it.”

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