A political science professor at Johns Hopkins University said he expects Maryland to respond the same way other states have in earlier primaries.
"Democratic voters have been energized with a unity that I haven't seen in a long time, all devoted with one purpose -- to oust President Bush," Matthew A. Crenson said. "Going to vote is a way of sending that message."
But Ronald Walters, a political science professor at the University of Maryland at College Park, said he is not sure that the "passion" that invigorated voters before former Vermont governor Howard Dean dropped out of the race two weeks ago remains as high.
"I actually think turnout will be low because you have a presumptive victory on the part of Kerry," Walters said.
In 2000, Vice President Al Gore was considered a lock for the Democratic nomination by the time Maryland voters cast their ballots, and voter turnout was relatively low.
Walters expects a similar scenario today.
He said he was surprised that Edwards didn't spend more time in Maryland courting voters. The support of Rep. Albert A. Wynn (D-Md.) will help Edwards, Walters said, but he predicted it would not be enough to secure a win.
"Maryland was a confirming state the last time, and I think it will be a confirming state this time," he said.
For those candidates hoping for a big turnout, the weather appears to be doing its part.
The forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies, with a 50 percent chance of showers and temperatures in the upper 60s in most parts of the state, including heavily Democratic Prince George's County and Baltimore.
Staff writer Hamil Harris contributed to this report.
