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  • Writer's pictureTom Dernoga

From the Office of Council Member Tom Dernoga


Council Member Tom Dernoga with Laurel residents, high school students Ms. Aisha Mbaye and Ms. Fatoumata Barry, who joined the District 1 Team for a “shadow day.” Photo courtesy of Tom Dernoga

Free Tax Assistance

Are you searching for no-cost tax assistance in your vicinity? There are organizations dedicated to free tax preparation in Maryland, catering to individuals who need help with their taxes. Eligibility may be subject to income guidelines. To locate nearby agencies, dial 211 or explore the 211 Maryland resource database for free tax assistance options. Community groups, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), and the American Association of Retired Persons

AARP Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers to anyone of any age, especially persons aged 50 and older or who cannot afford paid service. Tax-Aide in the Laurel Area is located at Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery Street, on Wednesdays through April 10, 2024, from 9:30 AM through 2:00 PM, by appointment only. Call 240-473-2955 on Monday or Tuesday evenings from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM to schedule an appointment.

For state taxes exclusively, local assistance can also be sought through the CASH Campaign of Maryland or the Comptroller of Maryland. Exercise caution and rely on reputable sources when seeking free tax assistance, as scams are prevalent during the tax season. Feel free to go here to search for Maryland resources near you: https://bit.ly/3T42FKU.


Primary Election 2024

We encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote. For the 2024 Presidential Primary Election, the advanced deadline to register to vote and update your information is Tuesday, April 23, 2024. For the 2024 Primary Election, you can vote in person during early voting, on election day, or by mail-in ballot. During early voting, go to an early voting center in the county. All early voting centers are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM from Thursday, May 2, through Thursday, May 9, including Saturday and Sunday. The list of early voting centers will be posted when available here: https://bit.ly/3T5FBez


Become an Election Judge

Are you 17 (or a 16-year-old who can demonstrate your willingness to serve) or older? Are you a registered voter in Maryland? Physically and mentally able to work at least a 15-hour day? Are you willing to work outside your home precinct? Can you sit and stand for an extended period and speak, read, and write English? If you answered yes to all the questions above, then you may qualify to become an Election Judge. For the Election Judge application, please visit https://bit.ly/3OQSuXI.


Join our District 1 eNewsletter here: https://bit.ly/D1eNewsletterOptIn. We will email you about twice a month to provide you with updates on local happenings and, on occasion, alert you to important county news.


Join our District 1 Senior Living Newsletter List

Take advantage of resources, local activities, and events for seniors. Sign up for our monthly senior email newsletter: https://bit.ly/D1SeniorNewsletterOptIn.


Contact Us

Please keep in touch. Email us at councildistrict1@co.pg.md.us or call 301-952-3887. Se habla español. On parle français. Follow us on Facebook, X, Threads, and Instagram: @TomDernogaD1.

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