Maryland

Open your Maryland ballot

Enter your ZIP code in the guide to add your local races. Your picks stay on your device.

Local guides in Maryland

• Baltimore City

Key dates

• Last day to register online: Tue, Oct 13Advance registration closed Tuesday, October 13 (the SBE calendar lists 5 PM; the SBE general-election page says 'the last day you can register to vote online or by mail'). That deadline has passed. You can still register in person at your polling place on Election Day.
• Last day to register by mail: Tue, Oct 13'Mail-in registrations must be postmarked on or before October 13, 2026.' A properly postmarked application that arrives late is still timely if received by 8 PM on November 3. That postmark deadline has passed.
• Early voting: Thu, Oct 22 to Thu, Oct 29Thursday, October 22 through Thursday, October 29, every day including the weekend, 7 AM to 8 PM. 'As long as you're in line by 8 pm, you'll be able to vote.' Vote at any early voting center in the county where you live (Baltimore City is its own jurisdiction with 9 centers, including the University of Maryland Engagement Center at 16 S. Poppleton St.). SBE: 'If you vote early, you cannot vote on election day or by mail-in ballot.' Same-day registration is available at every early voting center.
• Last day to ask for a mail ballot: Tue, Oct 27The deadline to have the ballot mailed (or faxed) was Tuesday, October 27 (SBE calendar: 8 PM for mailed requests, 11:59 PM for fax or email; the SBE page says the request must be 'received, not just mailed'). To get a Print-At-Home ballot delivered over the internet: request by Friday, October 30 (calendar: 5 PM by mail, 11:59 PM by email or fax). Last resort: you or your agent can pick up a mail-in ballot in person at your local board until 8 PM on Election Day, November 3.
• Last day to register in person: Tue, Nov 3Same-day registration. SBE calendar: 'After this date, unregistered individuals must visit an early voting or election day polling location in person to register and vote.' Early voting ended October 29. Election Day: your assigned polling place, 7 AM to 8 PM. Bring proof of where you live.
• Mail ballot deadline: Tue, Nov 38:00 PM ET for drop boxes and hand delivery. Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before November 3 and received by 10 AM on Friday, November 13.
  • official ballot drop box: 'your ballot must be in a ballot dropbox by 8pm on Election Day' (list of boxes: https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2026/2026_General_Drop_Box_Locations.pdf)
  • mail (USPS): 'your ballot must be postmarked on or before election day'; it then has to reach your local board by 10 AM on November 13
  • hand delivery to your local board of elections: 'you must deliver your ballot by 8 pm on election day'
  • Not by email, fax, or online: 'You cannot return your voted ballot online, by email, or fax.'
• Election Day: Tue, Nov 3You can vote from 7 AM to 8 PM. If you are in line at 8 PM, stay in line. You get to vote, during early voting or on Election Day. SBE's 'Life of a Ballot' guide: 'If a voter is in line before 8, they may stay in line until they cast their vote.'

How voting works in Maryland

You vote in person (early or on Election Day) unless you ask for a mail-in ballot. Anyone can ask for one, no excuse needed, but you have to request it.

Where to vote

• Find your Election Day polling place
• Find a ballot drop box
• Track your mail ballot
• Check your registration
• See official sample ballots

What to bring

ID needed only for some first-time voters.

• Most voters show no ID. SBE: 'Some first time voters in Maryland will be asked to show ID before voting.' Everyone else confirms name, address and birth date verbally.
• If you are asked: a current and valid photo ID (Maryland driver's license, MVA ID card, student, employee or military ID card, U.S. passport, or other government photo ID)
• Or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document. 'Current means that the document is dated within 3 months of the election.'
• Check whether you will be asked at the voter lookup: https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch

No ID? If you are asked for ID and do not have it, you vote a provisional ballot. Bring ID or proof of where you live to your local board before 10 AM on Wednesday, November 11 (SBE provisional voting page: 'before 10 am on the 2nd Wednesday after election day'). The 2026 SBE calendar lists the provisional canvass on Thursday, November 12, so November 11 is the safe date. The ballot is counted after the local board verifies your eligibility.