ANNAPOLIS (September 9, 2026) — As the 2026 General Election approaches, the Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) has released a comprehensive guide to this year’s election. The Guide contains key dates and deadlines, and information on the three secure ways to cast a ballot in Maryland.
“An informed electorate is the first step toward a secure and successful general election,” said State Administrator Jared DeMarinis. “I encourage every Marylander to familiarize themselves with upcoming deadlines and secure ways to cast your ballot. The Maryland State Board of Elections is your trusted source for information during the election season. Our website vote.md.gov/vote2026 and our Go Vote! Maryland app are available 24/7 to help Marylanders make a plan to vote.”
Three Ways to Cast Your Ballot
Marylanders can choose one of three voting methods:
- Early Voting In-Person Avoid the Election Day rush by voting early.
Dates: Thursday, October 22 through Thursday, October 29
Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Note: If you are in line by 8 p.m. you will be permitted to cast a ballot. A complete list of early voting centers is available at vote.md.gov/vote2026.
- Mail-In Voting: Voters who prefer to vote by mail should take note of the following application deadlines:
· By Mail or Fax: Requests to receive a mail-in ballot by mail or fax must be received (not postmarked) by Tuesday, October 27.
· By Email: Requests to receive a mail-in ballot via email must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, October 29.
· Submitting Your Ballot: If returning by the USPS, completed ballots must be postmarked by General Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Ballots may also be returned either by depositing them in an official ballot drop box or delivering them to your local board of elections by 8 p.m. on November 3. Find ballot drop box locations at vote.md.gov/vote2026.
3. Election Day In-Person The third option is to vote in person at your local polling place on General Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.
· Hours: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
· Location: Voters must cast their ballot at their assigned polling place. You can locate your polling place on the SBE website (English and Spanish).
Voter Registration
The preliminary deadline to register to vote or update registration information is Tuesday, October 13. Residents are encouraged to verify their status early to ensure a seamless experience at the polls. Residents not registered to vote can do so using the online registration system. Those who prefer not to register online may print the registration form (English version and Spanish version) and submit it at the local board of elections office.
If you miss this deadline, you can register or update your residential address the same day you vote. Make sure to bring a document that proves where you live when you attempt to vote at your local polling place or early voting center.
Additional information about Maryland’s General Election can be found at vote.md.gov/vote2026 or by downloading the free Go Vote Maryland! app from the Google Play store or the Apple store.
