Maryland voter guide: early voting dates, where to vote, ID laws, more

The 2026 general election is coming up Tuesday, Nov. 3 in D.C., Maryland, Virginia — and across the country.

Check here for quick details on early voting, hours and voter registration info for Maryland. We'll update this page soon with even more information. (Not in Maryland? Here's voter info for D.C. and for Virginia.)

Early voting dates in Maryland for 2026

Early voting began in Maryland on Thursday, Oct. 22 and will continue through Thursday, Oct. 29.

Early voting locations in Maryland

You may vote at any early voting center in the county where you live. Find locations on the Maryland State Board of Elections website.

Early voting locations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week of early voting. As long as you're in line by 8 pm, you'll be able to vote.

Do you need ID to vote in Maryland in 2026?

Some first-time voters in Maryland may be asked to show ID before voting, Maryland election officials say. If you are asked to show ID, you'll need one of the following:

• a copy of a current photo ID — such as a Maryland driver's license; an MVA-issued ID card; a student, employee or military ID; a U.S. passport, or any other state-or federal government-issued ID card
• or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and address, dated within 3 months of the election

How to register to vote in Maryland

Not sure if you're registered? You can check here.

The deadline to register online or by mail was Oct. 13.

However, same-day registration is available by using a provisional ballot. If you're planning to register in person at an early voting location, bring a document that proves where you live, such as:

• your MVA-issued driver's license, permit or ID card
• a paystub
• a bank statement
• a utility bill
• or another government document that shows your name and address

How to get a mail-in ballot in Maryland in 2026

Want to request an absentee ballot? You can do that on Maryland's elections website here.

Here are the deadlines to request a mail-in ballot:

• If you want your ballot delivered by mail or fax: Oct. 27
• If you want it delivered by email: Oct. 30

(See other important dates and deadlines for voting on the Maryland State Board of Elections website.)

When's the deadline to return a mail-in ballot in Maryland?

If you're returning your ballot by mail, it must be postmarked on or before Nov. 3, 2026. "We recommend you return it as soon as you've filled it out," elections officials say.

They warn: "Putting your ballot in a mailbox on election day does not mean it is postmarked that day."

If you bring your ballot to an approved drop box or your local board of elections, you must do so by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Here's a PDF of ballot drop box locations in Maryland.

When is Election Day in 2026?

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and same-day in-person voter registration will available.

Who's on the ballot in my area?

Check the list of all offices on the ballot, as well as any ballot initiatives in your area.

Also, here's our guide to ballot initiatives in the DMV this election season.