Your complete voter guide
Everything you need to register, prepare, and cast your ballot in the Maryland general election.
General Election: November 3, 2026
Register to Vote
Maryland allows online and mail-in voter registration, and same-day registration in person, with proof of residency, during early voting or on Election Day at your assigned polling place. You must be a U.S. citizen, a Maryland resident, and at least 16 years old (18 to vote).
Registration deadline: October 13, 2026 (online, finish by 11:59 PM)
Know Your Voting Options
Early Voting
October 22, 2026 through October 29, 2026 · 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day, including the weekend
Vote at any early voting center in the county where you live. No excuse needed. If you are in line by 8:00 PM, you can vote.
Election Day
November 3, 2026 · 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Vote at your assigned polling place. Most voters are not asked for ID; some first-time voters are (see the ID question below).
Mail-in Ballot
Request by October 27, 2026 to have it mailed or faxed to you (a request sent by mail or fax must arrive by then), or online by October 30, 2026 to get a Print-At-Home ballot by email
Any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot. No reason required.
Request Mail-in BallotReturning a Mail-in Ballot
Postmarked on or before November 3, 2026, or in a drop box or handed in by 8:00 PM that day
Sign the oath, then mail your ballot early (a mailbox on Election Day may not postmark it that day), put it in a State Board drop box, or hand it in at an early voting center, a polling place or your local board of elections. You cannot return it by email or fax. If you were sent a mail-in ballot and decide to vote in person, you will vote a provisional ballot.
Find Your Polling Place
Enter your address and we'll look up your assigned polling place. Your districts and address are saved on this browser only, so the rest of the site can show your races without asking again.
Voter Knowledge & FAQ
Do I need to show ID to vote?
Most Maryland voters are not asked for ID. Some first-time voters are. If you are asked, show a current photo ID (such as a Maryland driver's license, MVA ID card, student, employee or military ID, or U.S. passport), or a copy of a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document with your name and address, dated within 3 months of the election.
Can I bring notes or my phone?
You can bring printed notes, including a marked sample ballot or your printed Ballot Builder sheet. You cannot use a phone in the voting area except to translate, show ID or proof of residency, review election information, or take a picture of your own marked ballot for personal use.
Can I change my party affiliation?
Party affiliation does not affect the general election ballot - every registered voter can vote for any candidate. To change your affiliation for the next primary, the deadline is 21 days before that primary.
What's on my ballot?
Federal, state and local races, three statewide ballot questions (constitutional amendments), and in some counties and Baltimore City, local questions. Our Ballot Builder covers the candidates for your address, and our ballot questions page has every question in the official wording from the State Board of Elections.
Need Help?
Contact the MD State Board of Elections for questions about registration, mail-in ballots, or polling locations.
1-800-222-8683