Chesapeake Beach Election: Wahl Leads, Gambling License Voted Down – The Southern Maryland Chronicle

CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. — The Chesapeake Beach Board of Elections has released preliminary results for the 2024 Town of Chesapeake Beach election, though final outcomes are pending the canvassing of absentee and provisional ballots. The November 5 election attracted considerable local interest, featuring races for Mayor, Town Council seats, and two ballot questions addressing a gambling license and restrictions on Bayfront Park.

As of the current count, Bruce Wahl leads the mayoral race with 941 votes, ahead of Valerie Beaudin’s 742. Wahl, a familiar figure in town politics, has served in previous town government roles and has garnered a solid base of support among residents. However, with absentee and provisional ballots yet to be counted, the race remains unresolved.

The Town Council race is closely contested, with several candidates vying for available seats. Laura Blackwelder leads the council candidates with 956 votes, followed by Jamey Shuls with 898 votes and Kathleen Berault at 837. Daniel Duvall and Anthony Greene trail with 723 and 728 votes, respectively. The final council composition could shift as the outstanding ballots are processed.

In addition to candidate races, Chesapeake Beach voters weighed in on two key ballot issues:

1. Gambling License: By a significant margin, residents voted against a proposed gambling license, with 1,285 opposing and only 399 in favor.
2. Bayfront Park Limitations: Residents showed strong support for placing limitations on Bayfront Park, with 1,331 votes in favor and 351 opposed.

Election officials note that the absentee ballot process requires careful verification to avoid any duplication. All absentee ballots will be cross-checked against the 1,693 Voter Authority Cards issued on election day to confirm that no voter submitted both an in-person and absentee ballot.

Additionally, all provisional ballots will undergo review by the Calvert County Board of Elections using the Maryland Universal Registration System to verify voter registration and eligibility. This meticulous process, though time-intensive, ensures accuracy in the final election results.

The Chesapeake Beach Board of Elections expressed gratitude to candidates, town residents, and everyone involved in ensuring a smooth election process. Final certified results will be announced following the completion of the absentee and provisional ballot review.