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Maryland elections in 2026

This page lists Maryland statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Maryland​

Start with the official Maryland voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Maryland voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted. Same-day registration may also be available where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • June 2, 2026 — Deadline to Register to Vote Online or by Mail: This is the last day you can register to vote online or by mail. Mail-in registrations must be postmarked on or before June 2, 2026.

Online​

You can use Maryland's Online Voter Registration System (OLVR) to register to vote

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

You can submit a voter registration application to your local board of elections or the State Board of Elections. The mail-in application must be postmarked 21 days before Election Day

Deadlines

In Person​

Voters may register in person at designated election offices or voter registration agencies.

Special registration options​

Same Day Registration: Available

Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during Early voting period through Election Day. MD Code, Election Law, § 3-305, 3-306. Go to an early voting center in the county where you live during early voting, or go to your assigned election day polling place and bring a document that proves where you live.

Military Overseas: Available

Military and overseas voters may have additional registration options.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. Check your voter registration status online by visiting this site

Absentee and early voting in Maryland​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • June 2, 2026 — Deadline to Register to Vote Online or by Mail: This is the last day you can register to vote online or by mail. Mail-in registrations must be postmarked on or before June 2, 2026.
  • June 11, 2026 — Early Voting Begins: The week ahead of Election Day, you can vote at an early voting center. Polls are open from 7am to 8pm. As long as you're in line by 8 pm, you’ll be able to vote.
  • June 16, 2026 — Deadline To Request a Mail-in Ballot Delivered by Mail or Fax: If you want to receive your mail-in ballot via mail or fax, your request must be received (not just mailed) or submitted online by June 16, 2026.
  • June 18, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends June 18
  • June 19, 2026 — Deadline To Request a Mail-in Ballot Online: If you want to receive your mail-in ballot via email, submit your request online by Friday, June 19, 2026.
  • June 23, 2026 — Deadline to Return a Mail-in Ballot: You have two ways to return your mail-in ballot: BY MAIL: Make sure your mail-in ballot is postmarked by or before June 23, 2026. We recommend you return it as soon as you've filled it out. BY HAND: You can also hand-deliver your ballot to an approved dropbox or local board of elections by 8pm on Election Day.

Voter ID requirements in Maryland​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Maryland voter ID requirements.

Maryland election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — June 23, 2026​

The Democratic and Republican Parties are required to use primary elections to choose their candidates for the general election. Generally, you must be registered with either the Democratic or Republican Party to vote in the primary election. If there are non-partisan offices that are elected in a primary election (i. e. , school board), any voter can vote for these offices.

Important dates​

  • June 2, 2026 — Deadline to Register to Vote Online or by Mail: This is the last day you can register to vote online or by mail. Mail-in registrations must be postmarked on or before June 2, 2026.
  • June 11, 2026 — Early Voting Begins: The week ahead of Election Day, you can vote at an early voting center. Polls are open from 7am to 8pm. As long as you're in line by 8 pm, you’ll be able to vote.
  • June 16, 2026 — Deadline To Request a Mail-in Ballot Delivered by Mail or Fax: If you want to receive your mail-in ballot via mail or fax, your request must be received (not just mailed) or submitted online by June 16, 2026.
  • June 18, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends June 18
  • June 19, 2026 — Deadline To Request a Mail-in Ballot Online: If you want to receive your mail-in ballot via email, submit your request online by Friday, June 19, 2026.
  • June 23, 2026 — Deadline to Return a Mail-in Ballot: You have two ways to return your mail-in ballot: BY MAIL: Make sure your mail-in ballot is postmarked by or before June 23, 2026. We recommend you return it as soon as you've filled it out. BY HAND: You can also hand-deliver your ballot to an approved dropbox or local board of elections by 8pm on Election Day.

General Election — November 3, 2026​

November General election is held the Tuesday after the first Monday of November

Important dates​

  • October 13, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: You can submit a voter registration application to your local board of elections or the State Board of Elections. The mail-in application must be postmarked 21 days before Election Day.
  • October 13, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: You can use Maryland's Online Voter Registration System (OLVR) to register to vote.
  • October 22, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early Voting Begins on the Second Thursday before a primary or general election Day.
  • October 29, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends the Thursday before Election Day.
  • November 3, 2026 — Election Day Voter Registration Deadline: Qualified individuals may register to vote at the polling place during Early voting period through Election Day. MD Code, Election Law, § 3-305, 3-306. Go to an early voting center in the county where you live during early voting, or go to your assigned election day polling place and bring a document that proves where you live.

Official Maryland election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.