Maryland

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in Maryland by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on Maryland’s Board of Elections website.
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the State Board of Elections website or picking up a paper form at your local elections office. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: Visit an office where elections are administered in your area and register there in person. You must register 21 days before the election.
• On Election Day: Maryland has same-day voter registration. You’ll be able to complete a voter registration form at your polling place.

The application is available in English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, in-person, or during same-day voter registration. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in Maryland varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide your Maryland driver's license number or nondriver's ID number. If you do not have either, then the last four digits of your Social Security number. If none of these documents have been issued to you, stating 'none' on the application will be accepted.

Registering to vote by mail

If you do not have a current, valid Maryland driver's license or MVA ID card, you must enter the last 4 digits of your social security number. The statutory authority allowing officials to request the last 4 digits of your social security number is Election Law Article, § 3-202. The number will only be used for registration and other administrative purposes. It will be kept confidential. 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: a current and valid photo identification or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. You may be exempt from this requirement if you submit a COPY of this identification with your mail in voter registration form.

Registering to vote online

You will need your Maryland driver's license number, ID number, or Learner's Permit number.

Registering to vote on Election Day or during early voting

Bring a document listing your name and address. This document can be your MVA-issued license, ID card, or change of address card, or a paycheck, bank statement, utility bill, or other government document.

If you’re under the age of 18, you may still be eligible to register to vote! If you can pre-register, you’ll need the following documents:

Pre-registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide your Maryland driver's license number or nondriver's ID number. If you do not have either, then the last four digits of your Social Security number. If none of these documents have been issued to you, stating 'none' on the application will be accepted.

Pre-registering to vote by mail

If you do not have a current, valid Maryland driver's license or MVA ID card, you must enter the last 4 digits of your social security number. The statutory authority allowing officials to request the last 4 digits of your social security number is Election Law Article, § 3-202. The number will only be used for registration and other administrative purposes. It will be kept confidential. 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: a current and valid photo identification or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. You may be exempt from this requirement if you submit a COPY of this identification with your mail in voter registration form.

Pre-registering to vote online

You will need your Maryland driver's license number, ID number, or Learner's Permit number.

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org.  

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of Maryland can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit Maryland’s voter registration page on the State Board of Elections website. 
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

In Maryland, when registering by mail or online, the deadline is 21 days before an election. 

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• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes, Maryland has same-day voter registration. If you are unable to register by the online or mail deadline, you may register to vote at a polling place. You will be able to cast your ballot immediately after completing your voter registration.

Can I register to vote during early voting?

Yes, in Maryland, you can complete voter registration during early voting. At your early voting location, be sure to register to vote before completing your ballot.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

Maryland residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• Be a U.S. Citizen
• Be 16 years old and 18 years old by next general election to vote
• Be a Maryland Resident
• Cannot have been convicted of buying or selling votes
• Cannot have been under guardianship for mental disability and found by a court to be unable to communicate a desire to vote
• Cannot have been convicted of a felony and currently serving a court-ordered sentence of imprisonment

In Maryland, you can register to vote, even if you’re under the age of 18! Future voters who are 16 or 17 may pre-register to vote. They will be eligible to vote for the first election after they turn 18. 

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

Maryland gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. It is not required to register, but choosing “no party preference” could limit your ability to participate in presidential primary elections and caucuses.