May 6, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – County Executive Calvin Ball visited Howard County’s first farmers’ market of the year at Miller Branch Library. Earlier this week, Howard County Farmers’ Markets released their schedule for the season, including modified operations in response to the current COVID-19 crisis. Many of the markets will be drive-thru or pick-up only.
“It’s always critical that residents have access to healthy, fresh foods, but especially now,” said Ball. “As people struggle to find stocked shelves, many are turning to farms for local, fresh and safe food products. Additionally, for residents who receive food assistance, farmers markets are an important source of fresh vegetables and produce. The Howard County Farmers' Markets are working collectively to create systems that will keep people safe, and we hope residents will continue to engage with their local market as the season gets underway.”
Today, Ball also joined Jeff Salkin on Maryland Public Television with Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Harford County Executive Barry Glassman, to discuss local government response to COVID-19.
June 2nd Primary
Ballots for the June 2nd primary election were mailed today to Howard County voters. Residents should expect ballots to arrive within a week. Ballots were printed before the election was postponed and have the original primary date of April 28th. Voters can ignore the incorrect date, they have until June 2nd to mail or drop-off their ballots.
Ballots are mailed to the address on file with the State Board of Elections. If you want your ballot mailed to another address, please visit the Absentee Voting page. All mailed ballots included a return envelope and prepaid postage.
• To reduce the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus, it is recommended that voters who can vote by mail do so. Voted ballots must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, June 2, 2020.
• Voters who prefer to drop off their ballots can do so at designated ballot drop off locations from - Thursday, May 21, 2020 through Tuesday, June 2, 2020.
• If you are unable to vote by mail, you may vote in-person on election day, June 2, 2020, at a vote center in the jurisdiction where you live.
Howard County Public Schools have been closed for the remainder of the academic year, Maryland State Superintendent Karen Salmon announced today. Online and distance learning will continue. For a full update from HCPSS, please click here.
The Howard County Local Children’s Board is sponsoring a free Zoom event for parents of children who have special emotional, behavioral, or developmental needs, on Thursday, May 7th at 7:30pm. Expert panelists will share strategies on supporting your children and self-care. Residents can register for the event here.
Free Food Pantry
The Howard County Food Bank and Howard County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) is providing free food available for pick-up Friday, May 8th 12-3:00 pm at The Seasons Apartments, between 9640 & 9660 Barrel House Road, Laurel, MD. Anyone in need of food is eligible, but will be limited to one bag per family. No ID is necessary.
Contact Tracing Training & Applications
Howard County Health Department has already closed its applications for contact tracers, however, there are state-wide positions open that may be applied to here. Additionally, the Community College of Baltimore County has created a free online training course for potential contact tracers to complete. Participants will be required to register and will work at their own pace, but the course could be completed in as little as three hours.