En español | Maryland offers both no-excuse mail-in voting and early voting, as well as several ways to register to vote.
The 2022 midterms decided races for governor and seats in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and state Legislature. The next statewide election is in 2024, with Baltimore’s municipal election that same year.
Essential info:
- Upcoming elections: Information about statewide elections is available on the state board of elections website.
- Mail-in voting: All registered voters can request a no-excuse mail-in ballot and vote from home.
- Early in-person voting: Vote early and in person at an early voting center in your county. Locations will be available on the state board of elections website closer to an election.
- Voting at the polls: You may be asked to show a valid photo ID if you’re a first-time voter.
Have there been recent changes to voting in Maryland?
Registered voters will automatically receive an application for a mail-in ballot under a law signed in 2021. Also, redistricting has changed certain boundaries of state legislative and U.S. congressional districts.
How do I register to vote?
Register online, by mail or in person:
- Online: Use the state’s voter registration portal to register or check your registration status. You’ll need a valid Maryland driver’s license or state-issued ID — unless you’re a member of the military or a member’s spouse or dependent. If so, you can provide the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- By mail: Print a voter registration form, complete it and mail it to your local board of elections. Or call your local board or the state board of elections to request an application. You’ll need a Maryland driver’s license, state-issued ID or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- In person: Go to your local board of elections, the state board of elections or your local Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office. You can also register at your local Area Agency on Aging office or at several other locations listed on the state board of elections website.
Voter registration deadlines will be available on the state board of elections website closer to an election. After the voter registration deadline passes, you still can register at an early voting center in your county or at your polling place on Election Day. Bring a Maryland driver’s license, state-issued ID card, paycheck, bank statement or other document that confirms your name and address.
Check if you’re registered to vote through the state’s voter information portal.
Does my party affiliation matter when I vote in the primary?
Yes. Only people who are registered with a particular party can participate in their party’s respective primary. Unaffiliated voters cannot participate, though they can vote for candidates in nonpartisan contests like school board races.
How can I get a mail-in ballot?
Any registered voter can request a no-excuse mail-in ballot if they do not automatically receive one. Apply online, by mail or in person:
- Online: Use the state’s voter services portal to complete an application. Or email or fax a signed and completed application to your local board of elections.
- By mail: Download, print and complete a ballot application, then mail it to your local board of elections. Or contact your local board to request an application by mail.
- In person: Visit your local board of elections to pick up and complete an application or return a ballot application you completed at home. If ballots are available at that time, you can take one with you. You can request a ballot in person up to and including Election Day.
You also may go online or send a request through the mail to receive an emailed ballot that you may then print, complete and mail or hand-deliver.
You can designate an agent to deliver your ballot application, pick up your ballot and bring it to you. You and the person you choose must complete a mail-in ballot agent form and take it to your local board of elections.
How do I return a mail-in ballot during an election?
Return completed ballots by mail or in person, including those received via email.
- By mail: Send your completed ballot to your local board of elections by the deadline listed at the state board of elections website. Prepaid postage is provided.
- In person: Drop off your completed ballot at your local board of elections, at any early voting center or at an official ballot drop box by the deadline.
Use the state’s voter services portal to track the status of your ballot.
Can I vote in person before Election Day?
Maryland offers early in-person voting. Locations and hours of early voting centers will be available at the state board of elections website closer to an election.
What do I need to know about voting at the polls on Election Day?
Use the state's voter information portal to find a polling place near you.
All voting locations have special equipment to assist the visually or physically impaired. The state board of elections website has more information about resources available to people with disabilities.
Do I need identification to vote?
Some first-time voters may be asked to show a valid photo ID, like a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, student ID or U.S. passport. A list of acceptable documents is available on the state board of elections website.
If you’re registering to vote during early voting or on Election Day, bring an acceptable document that verifies your name and address.
Editor’s note: This guide was updated on Nov. 29, 2022, with more information about voting in Maryland. The guide was first published on Aug. 12, 2020.
Also of Interest
- Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections
- Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at states.aarp.org/maryland