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428 THE COUNTIES OF MARYLAND
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1798
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1906.
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Election districts.
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Election districts
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Precincts.
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Garrett ..............
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.. -8
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14
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14
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Harford.............
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.......... 5
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6
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16
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Howard .............
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-9
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6
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7
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Kent ................
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.......... 3
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7
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11
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Montgomery .........
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.......... 5
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13
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16
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Prince George's .....
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.......... 5
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17
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18
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Queen Anne's .......
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.......... 3
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7
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9
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St. Mary's ..........
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.......... 3
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9
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10
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Somerset ............
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15
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17
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Talbot ..............
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.......... 4
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5
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14
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Washington .........
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.......... 5
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25
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31
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Wicomico ............
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-10
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14
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14
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Worcester ...........
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.......... 5
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9
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9
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Total ............
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.......... 91
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306
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725
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The total number of election districts including the wards of Balti-
more City numbered 91 while the corresponding units to-day number
306 and many of them are divided into election precincts of which
there are 317 in Baltimore City alone. The facilities for voting
have been increased nearly eight times while the population has increased
scarcely three and the area has remained constant. Since at the same
time the means of communication have greatly improved it is evident
that the voter of to-day demands more in the way of ease in voting to
induce participation in public affairs.
The methods employed in increasing the election districts and pre-
cincts have varied somewhat but not as widely as in the case of the erec-
tion of counties. Prior to 1836 the change in the election districts of a
county was equivalent to a constitutional amendment and required a
confirmatory act by a subsequent General Assembly. Since that date
this has not been necessary and the usual rule has been to increase the
number of election districts by specific acts of the General Assembly
which have not received confirmation by subsequent legislation. In a
few cases general laws have been introduced vesting the power to change
8 Not erected until 1872, included in Allegany County.
9 Not erected until 1850, included in Anne Arundel County.
10 Not erected until 1867, included in Somerset and Worcester counties.
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