Last update: Aug 01, 2025 04:31 a.m. EDT
Last update: Jul 31, 2025 04:31 a.m. EDT
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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.
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Registration Summary
Maryland offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Maryland by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.
Voting Summary
Maryland allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Maryland offers early voting.
Registration Top Actions
Voting Top Actions
Can I register to vote online?
- Maryland offers online voter registration.
- You need an ID issued by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and a Social Security number to use Maryland's online voter registration system.
How can I check the status of my mail ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Maryland’s website.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Use the National Voter Registration Form
- Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- Box 6 - ID Number: If you have a current, valid Maryland driver's license or a Motor Vehicle Administration identification card (MVA ID), you must enter your driver's license or identification number. If you do not have a current, valid Maryland driver's license or MVA ID, you must enter the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: If you want to participate in Maryland partisan primary elections, you should register with the party whose primary you would like to vote in.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
- Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
- Sign the form.
- Send the completed form to your local election office.
- If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes:
- current and valid photo identification or
- current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address (dated within three months)
- More information here
How do election officials keep voting secure?
Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.
Visit the Maryland State Board of Elections website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can register to vote in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
- You can also register to vote and cast a ballot in person on Election Day.
- Learn more by visiting the Maryland State Board of Elections website or contacting your local election office.
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.
Who can register to vote?
To register in Maryland you must:
- be a U.S. citizen
- be a Maryland resident
- be at least 16 years old (you must be at least 18 years old on or before a general election to vote)
- 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
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Maryland does offer in person registration on Election Day.
Can I register to vote before I turn 18?
You can register to vote in Maryland before you turn 18 if you:
You must be at least 18 years old on or before a general election to vote. You may vote in a primary election if you are at least 17 years old and you will be at least 18 years old on or before the corresponding general election.
- are at least 16 years old
- are a United States citizen
- are a Maryland resident
- have not been convicted of buying or selling votes
- are not under guardianship for mental disability and found by a court to be unable to communicate a desire to vote
- are not currently serving a sentence of imprisonment for a felony conviction
You must be at least 18 years old on or before a general election to vote. You may vote in a primary election if you are at least 17 years old and you will be at least 18 years old on or before the corresponding general election.
Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?
Yes, you can register online on the Maryland State Board of Elections website.
To register using the Maryland online voter registration system, you are required to provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number and ONE of the following:
- Maryland driver’s license number
- Maryland state ID number
Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?
Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote by mail on the Maryland State Board of Elections website.
When submitting your application by mail in Maryland, you are required to provide your Maryland driver’s license or state-issued ID card number. If you do not have a Maryland-issued ID, you must include the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?
Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote in person on the Maryland State Board of Elections website.
You can complete a voter registration application in person at any of the following public agencies in Maryland:
- Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offices
- local board of elections
- Maryland public higher education institutions
You can find a full list of in-person voter registration locations on the Maryland State Board of Elections website.
If you are registering to vote in person, you are required to provide Proof of residence. Acceptable forms include:
- MVA-issued license, ID card, or change of address card
- paycheck, bank statement, utility bill, or other government document with your name and address
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 offers 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.
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 the following documents when you vote in person.
Acceptable forms include:
- Maryland driver's license
- State or Federal ID card
- US passport
- 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 second 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.
Watch this video about voting in person from the Maryland State Board of Elections.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Maryland offers 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.
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 the following documents when you vote in person.
Acceptable forms include:
- Maryland driver's license
- State or Federal ID card
- US passport
- 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 second 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?
You can use the online Mail-in Ballot Request portal to request your mail-in ballot if you have a Maryland driver's license or MVA-issued ID card. You can also request your mail-in ballot with a mail ballot application form. Your form can be submitted by mail, fax, or email, or you can deliver it in person to your local election office. Contact your local election office for more information.
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 can return your ballot by mail or in person by visiting your local election office, an early voting location, a polling place, or a drop box. 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. 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.
- You can also return your ballot in person by visiting your local election office, an early voting location, a polling place, or a drop box. Contact your local election office for more information and when and where to return your ballot.
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.
Watch this video about voting by mail from the Maryland State Board of Elections.
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 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 mail-in 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 mail-in 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 your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, 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 mail-in ballot, you should complete and mail your mail-in 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
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.