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Voting Tips

 

CollegeAssemblyVote

1. Register to Vote 

In Maryland

Register, confirm, or update your address and other info using the link below by October 15th, 2024 to be eligible to vote in the General Election.

To prove where you live, you will need one of the following:  your MVA-issued license, ID card, or change of address card, or your paycheck, bank statement, utility bill, or other government document with your name and address.

If you are a new voter, you can also do “same day registration” when you vote in person during Early Voting or on Election Day.

Some cities in Maryland allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in municipal (local) elections, including: Chevy Chase, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Mount Rainier, Riverdale Park, Somerset, and Takoma Park. Contact your local board of election for more information. 

To register to vote in Maryland, you must be: 

  • A U.S. citizen
  • A Maryland resident
  • At least 16 years old (This is called “pre-registration”.)

You can vote in statewide elections if you will be 18 on the day of the general election, which is Nov 5th, 2024.

There are many ways to register, check, or update your registration. We recommend UMDTurboVote.

If you prefer, you can register in person or online with the state. Check out these options.  

To prove where you live, you will need one of the following:  your MVA-issued license, ID card, or change of address card, or your paycheck, bank statement, utility bill, or other government document with your name and address.

You cannot register to vote in Maryland if you:

  • Are currently serving a sentence of imprisonment for a felony conviction
  • Have been convicted of buying or selling votes
  • Are under guardianship for a mental disability and found by a court to be unable to communicate a desire to vote
Not planning to vote in Maryland?  UMDTurboVote is still an excellent resource!  Visit UMDTurboVote to register to vote, confirm if you’re already registered, update your address, and to opt-in to important reminders. 

 

2. Get Ready to Vote

Decide how you'll vote for the General Election

Maryland General Election Information

Vote by Mail
a.k.a. Absentee Ballot Voting

  • Request a mail-in ballot by October 29th to receive a hard copy in the mail or by November 1st to print yourself.
  • Go to vote.md.gov/needballot
  • Complete your ballot at home
  • Print and sign your ballot and put it in the provided envelope. Add a stamp to the envelope.
  • Mail-in ballots must be postmarked or placed in a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on November 5th.

Early Voting – in person

October 24 - 31 from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. every day

Election Day – in person

  • November 5th from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • You can only vote at your assigned polling place
  • Check your polling place at: vote.md.gov/search or TurboVote

For states other than Maryland, check TurboVote for voting options and deadlines.

 

Learn about the candidates and ballot questions with these nonpartisan resources

vote.md.gov

Official Maryland State Board of Elections site. Register to vote, request a mail-in ballot, a sample ballot, find where to vote.

vote411.org

The League of Women Voters publishes printed and online side-by-side comparisons of candidates answering the same questions in their own words. (Even if they submit typos!)

ballotready.org

Check your registration, make a plan to vote, and research every name and question/measure on the ballot.

Local sources

Public libraries, local news outlets, and many community groups have info and events to help you learn about the candidates and ballot questions.

If you are voting in Maryland, review a sample ballot that is specific to the county where you will vote. 

 

3. Vote

Mark your calendar now and remember to vote!

See the chart above for information about your options for voting, various deadlines, locations, and instructions.