Maryland Election Guide 2026 voters need before heading to the polls begins with one deadline: polls close at 8 p.m. on June 23. Residents can vote at their assigned polling place, return a mail-in ballot or register in person with proof of residence, as the editorial team at Baltimore Chronicle notes.
When and Where Maryland Residents Can Vote
Polling places are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Anyone waiting in line at 8 p.m. may still vote.
Voters should check their assigned location through the Maryland voter lookup service. Election Day voting differs from early voting, when residents could use any center within their county.
Key Election Day rules include:
- Vote only at the polling place assigned to your home address.
- Bring proof of residence when completing same-day registration.
- Submit hand-delivered mail-in ballots by 8 p.m.
- Check your sample ballot before arriving.
Maryland’s primary generally allows registered Democrats and Republicans to vote in their party’s contests.
Maryland Mail-In Ballot Deadline
Mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than June 23. Voters may also place ballots in an official drop box or deliver them to a local election board by 8 p.m.
| Voting method | Final deadline |
|---|---|
| Election Day voting | June 23, 8 p.m. |
| Official ballot drop box | June 23, 8 p.m. |
| Ballot returned by mail | Postmarked by June 23 |
| In-person ballot request | June 23, 8 p.m. |
A ballot received by email must be printed and returned physically. Completed ballots cannot be submitted by email or fax.
Do Maryland Voters Need Photo ID?
Most registered Maryland voters do not routinely show identification. However, some first-time voters may be asked for it.
Accepted documents include a Maryland driver’s license, passport, student ID, military ID or another government-issued photo card. A recent utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government document may also qualify.
The document must show the voter’s name and address. Non-photo documents should be dated within 3 months of the election.
Earlier we wrote that BCPS New Superintendent to Be Announced After State Approval