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2026 Elections
How to Vote in Maryland: 2026 Deadlines, Early Voting & Poll Hours
Everything you need to vote in Maryland for the November 3, 2026 general election — when to register, when early voting opens, how to vote by mail, and when polls close.
Rules as of September 17, 2026 · verify at Maryland's official election site
Election Day
November 3, 2026
Quick Answer
- Register By
- ≈ Oct 13, 2026 (21 days before Election Day)
- Early Voting
- Opens ≈ Oct 22, 2026
- Mail Ballot Request By
- Tuesday before Election Day (mail/fax); Friday before (online); Election Day (in-person)
- Polls Close
- 8 p.m. ET
- Election Day
- November 3, 2026
Build your Maryland voting plan
Choose how you plan to vote and we'll narrow the checklist below to the steps and dates that apply to you.
- 1
Oct 13, 2026
- 2
Oct 13, 2026
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Same-day registration
Same-day registration is available during early voting and on Election Day.
Official source →Nov 3, 2026
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≈ Oct 22, 2026
approximate
- 5
See rule
- 6
Nov 3, 2026
What's on Your Maryland Ballot
Every U.S. House seat is up for election every two years. Whether a U.S. Senate seat is also on the ballot depends on the state.
U.S. House of Representatives
All of Maryland's U.S. House seats are on the 2026 ballot. View Maryland's current delegation →
U.S. Senate
Not this cycleMaryland has no U.S. Senate race in 2026. Senate seats rotate on a six-year cycle across three classes. Learn how Senate classes work →
Find your Maryland representative and senators
Enter your address to see exactly who represents you before you vote.
Voter Registration in Maryland
To vote in the November 3, 2026 general election, register by ≈ October 13, 2026 — 21 days before Election Day.
Maryland also allows same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day.
Dates marked ≈ are computed from state statute and can shift with county practice. Confirm your exact deadline and check your registration status at Maryland's official site.
Early Voting in Maryland
Early voting opens ≈ October 22, 2026 — Second Thursday before Election Day. It runs through Thursday before Election Day.
Confirm exact locations and hours — which vary by county — at Maryland's official election site.
Voting by Mail in Maryland
Any registered voter in Maryland may request a mail ballot — no excuse required. Request deadline: Tuesday before Election Day (mail/fax); Friday before (online); Election Day (in-person).
Return rule: Postmarked on or before Election Day; must be received within 10 days, by 10 a.m.
Details and request forms are at Maryland's official election site.
Voter ID Requirements in Maryland
No identifying document is requested to vote in person; the state verifies identity by other means, typically a signature match.
See the full list of accepted ID at Maryland's official election site.
Poll Hours in Maryland
Polls are open until 8 p.m. ET on November 3, 2026.
See how Maryland's closing time compares nationwide on the full poll closing times by state page, or confirm your local hours at Maryland's official election site.
Live on Congress Countdown
Live countdown to Election Day — and every date in between
Registration deadlines, early voting, and the full 2026 election calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline to register to vote in Maryland?
Online, the deadline is approximately October 13, 2026 (21 days before Election Day). Always confirm the exact date at https://www.elections.maryland.gov/voter_registration/application.html.
Can I vote early in person in Maryland?
Yes. Early voting opens around October 22, 2026 (Second Thursday before Election Day) and runs through Thursday before Election Day.
Do I need ID to vote in Maryland?
No identifying document is requested to vote in person; the state verifies identity by other means, typically a signature match.
When do polls close in Maryland?
Polls close 8 p.m. ET on November 3, 2026.
How do I vote by mail in Maryland?
Request a ballot (no excuse needed) — Tuesday before Election Day (mail/fax); Friday before (online); Election Day (in-person). Postmarked on or before Election Day; must be received within 10 days, by 10 a.m.
What if I miss Maryland's registration deadline?
Maryland offers same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day, so missing the standard deadline does not cost you your vote — bring proof of residence.