Important Dates and Election Information
- Last day to request a mail-in ballot: Tuesday, Oct. 29 (mail or fax); Friday, Nov. 1 (online); Tuesday, Nov. 5 (in person)
- Deadline to return a mail-in ballot: Tuesday, Nov. 5 (drop box or in person); Friday, Nov. 15 (received by mail, must be postmarked by Nov. 5)
- Last day of early in-person voting: Thursday, Oct. 31
- Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Voting at a Glance
- Voter registration: The deadline to register in advance for the general election is Tuesday, Oct. 15. You can also register during the early voting period or on Election Day. Visit the voter information portal to check your status.
- Mail-in voting: Registered voters can request a mail-in ballot.
- Early in-person voting: Runs from Thursday, Oct. 24, through Thursday, Oct. 31. Find your early voting center on the state board of elections website.
- Voting at the polls: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Use the board of elections’ online tool to find your assigned polling place.
Recent Voting Changes in Maryland
- Election officials must start sending out mail-in ballots at least 43 days before an election. For this year’s general election, mail-in ballots will start going out by Monday, Sept. 23.
- Redistricting in 2022 has changed the boundaries of some state legislative and U.S. congressional districts. Check your district to see if it has changed.
How to Register to Vote
Register online, by mail, or in person:
- Online: Use the state’s voter registration portal to register or update your registration. You’ll need a valid Maryland driver’s license, learner’s permit, state-issued ID, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- By mail: Print a voter registration form, fill it out, and mail it to your local board of elections. Or call your local or state board of elections to request an application.
- In person: Visit your local board of elections, the state board of elections, or any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office. You can also register at an Area Agency on Aging office or other locations listed on the state board of elections website.
The deadline to register in advance is Tuesday, Oct. 15. If you don’t receive a Voter Notification Card three weeks after you submit your application, contact your local board of elections. Check your registration status through the state’s Voter Lookup portal.
Registering to Vote During Early Voting and on Election Day
If you miss the advance registration deadline, you can still register during early voting or at your polling place on Election Day. Bring a Maryland driver’s license, learner’s permit, state ID card, paycheck, bank statement, or other government document that confirms your name and address.
How to Request a Mail-in Ballot
Any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot:
- Online: Use the state’s voter services portal. You’ll need a Maryland driver’s license or state-issued ID.
- By mail, email, or fax: Download, print, and complete a ballot application, then send it to your local board of elections.
- In person: Visit your local board of elections to pick up an application. You can also request a ballot in person until close of business on Election Day.
You can choose to receive your ballot by mail, fax, or internet. To request a mailed or faxed ballot, apply by Tuesday, Oct. 29. If you prefer to receive your ballot via the internet, request it by Friday, Nov. 1. In-person requests can be made until Tuesday, Nov. 5.
If needed, you can designate someone to help you by completing a mail-in ballot designation of agent form and taking it to your local board of elections.
Returning a Mail-in Ballot
Return your completed ballot by mail or in person:
- By mail: Send your ballot to your local board of elections. Your ballot must be postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 5, and received by 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 15.
- In person: Drop off your ballot at your local board of elections, polling place, or drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can also take it to an early voting center by Thursday, Oct. 31.
Use the state’s voter services portal to track the status of your ballot.
Voting In Person Before Election Day
Early in-person voting runs from Thursday, Oct. 24, through Thursday, Oct. 31, at an early voting center in your county. Polling hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your early voting location on the state board of elections website.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Use the board of elections’ online tool to find your assigned polling place. If you received a mail-in ballot but want to vote on Election Day, you’ll be asked to cast a provisional ballot. Your ballot will be counted once election officials confirm you haven’t already voted. Sample ballots will be available through the state board of elections’ online Voter Lookup Tool.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
First-time voters will be asked to show ID before voting if ID requirements weren’t met during registration. Acceptable IDs include a current Maryland driver’s license, U.S. passport, or a recent utility bill with your name and current address. For a full list of acceptable IDs, visit the board of elections website.
If you can’t provide an ID, you’ll be issued a provisional ballot. To ensure your vote counts, you must provide an approved ID to your local board of elections by 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
Voting with a Disability
Each polling place is equipped with accessible voting systems. If you need assistance filling in your ballot, you can receive help from two election judges or a person of your choice, provided they’re not your employer, union agent, or officer. The person assisting you must sign a Voter Assistance Form.
You also have the option of voting by mail-in ballot. If you cannot mark your ballot independently, an accessible online ballot-marking tool is available. Request a mail-in ballot and choose the option to receive an email link to print your ballot. Mark your choices on a computer, print your ballot, and return it by mail, drop box, or in person.
Voting from a Nursing Home or Long-term Care Facility
Local election officials can work with facility administrators to assist residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities in registering to vote and voting absentee.
