In an effort to promote voting engagement, and to highlight the challenges and opportunities in the City of Salisbury election processes, PACE at Salisbury University, the Greater Salisbury Committee, and the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce jointly release a recent study by Johns Hopkins University.
The study was conducted in January 2026 as part of the Johns Hopkins University’s Immersion Program for graduate students in its Master of Science and Engineering Management (MSEM) and Master of Science in Global Innovation and Leadership through Engineering (MSIL) project. The JHU students conducted research during the winter break, and focused on compiling comparative data on how elections are held in Salisbury’s peer cities in the region. The students were asked to provide only the research, and to not provide any conclusions or recommendations on their findings. The full “City of Salisbury Electoral Reform” report can be found here: https://greatersalisbury.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/city-of-salisbury- electoral-reform-final-report.pdf.
Salisbury’s voter turnout in its municipal elections stands at approximately 18%. Additionally, as highlighted in a recent Baltimore Sun article, Salisbury’s municipal elections are more costly, compared to other municipalities. That article can be found here: Election costs vary sharply across Eastern Shore towns (https://www.baltimoresun.com/2026/02/02/salisbury-election- spending-questions/).
PACE, GSC, and SACC believe this research is important, and should be seen by as many Salisbury residents as possible. Potential questions worth considering:
- Should Salisbury align its elections to gubernatorial or presidential election years?
- Should Salisbury bring back primary elections?
- Should Salisbury consider runoff elections if any candidate fails to win 50% of the vote?
- Should Salisbury continue holding non-partisan elections?
“This study provides unbiased data, comparing how Salisbury holds its elections against cities like Frederick, Hagerstown, Annapolis and others. It certainly gives ample opportunity for the citizens and elected leaders in Salisbury to look at how our elections are currently held, and see if there are ways to improve them,” says Bill Chambers, President/CEO of Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce
“PACE believes strong communities start with informed, engaged citizens, and we support efforts that encourage broader voter participation. This study provides a thoughtful analysis of Salisbury’s voting process alongside comparable cities and points to several opportunities to enhance voter turnout,” said Sandy Pope, co-Director of PACE.
“I think this study begs the question: is 18% voter turnout good enough, or can and should Salisbury look to do better? I think that’s a question for the City Council, the Salisbury Elections Board, and the citizens to consider. This study provides great comparative data, and now it’s up to the elected officials and the electorate to see if and how this data could help improve voter turnout in Salisbury,” says Mike Dunn, President/CEO of the Greater Salisbury Committee.
Salisbury’s municipal elections will be held in 2027.
Related:
- PACE/SACC/GSC will be holding general election forums for Wicomico County races in October, and will hold City of Salisbury election forums in 2027.
- Below, please find links to other information that can be useful for all voters in all races:
SU’s All In To Vote platform – This allows people to check voter registration, confirm polling place, and get reminders about elections. (https://register.allintovote.org/salisburyuniversity/)
Maryland State Board of Elections Voting Location Lookup Tool – This provides official confirmation of polling place, lets you request a mail-in ballot, and more. (https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/PollingPlaceSearch)
Ballotpedia – This allows people to preview the election choices on their ballots. (https://ballotpedia.org/Main_Page)
