Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:28 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:07 a.m. UTC
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Summary
Maryland allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Maryland offers early voting.
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Who can register to vote?
To register in Maryland you must:
- be a U.S. citizen
- be a Maryland resident
- be at least 18 years old to vote (you may register to vote if you are at least 16 years old but cannot vote unless you will be at least 18 years old by the next General Election)
- not have been convicted of buying or selling votes
- not be currently serving a sentence of imprisonment for a felony conviction
- not be under guardianship for mental disability or if you are, you have not been found by a court to be unable to communicate a desire to vote
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Maryland's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, Maryland does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
If you've voted in Maryland before, you don't need to provide ID to vote
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't provide a copy of your ID when you registered, you may need to show one of these documents to vote.
Acceptable forms include:
- Maryland driver's license
- state or federal ID card
- MVA ID card
- student, employee, or military ID
- current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, government document that shows your name and address when you registered (dated within three months of the election)
If you're a first time voter and unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. For your ballot to count, you must provide ID to your local board of elections before 10 a.m. on the 2nd Wednesday after Election Day.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Maryland’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Maryland does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
If you've voted in Maryland before, you don't need to provide ID to vote
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't provide a copy of your ID when you registered, you may need to show one of these documents to vote.
Acceptable forms include:
- Maryland driver's license
- state or federal ID card
- MVA ID card
- student, employee, or military ID
- current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, government document that shows your name and address when you registered (dated within three months of the election)
If you're a first time voter and unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot. For your ballot to count, you must provide ID to your local board of elections before 10 a.m. on the 2nd Wednesday after Election Day.
How do I vote by mail?
In Maryland, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail.
How do I get my ballot?
Request your mail-in ballot with a mail ballot application. Or, you can use the online Mail-in Ballot Request portal if you have a Maryland driver's license or MVA-issued ID card.
- If you have a Maryland driver’s license or MVA-issued ID card, then you are able to request a mail-in ballot be delivered to you via email. You will receive an email with a downloadable ballot that you can print at home. You must mail or hand deliver your voted ballot to your local election office, and you cannot submit your voted ballot online, by email, or fax.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Maryland’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Maryland does offer in person registration on Election Day.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the Maryland State Board of Elections's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Maryland. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Maryland's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In Maryland, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The State Board of Elections oversees elections and election administration in Maryland. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.