With the 2026 Primary Election approaching, the Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) today shared with Marylanders a comprehensive guide to the primary election’s key dates and voting options. To ensure every voice is heard, SBE is highlighting three convenient ways to exercise your right to vote, along with the critical deadlines to help voters plan.

“An informed electorate is the foundation of a successful election,” said State Administrator Jared DeMarinis. “Whether you choose to vote by mail, cast your vote at an early voting center, or head to the polls on Primary Election Day, we want every Marylander to have the information they need to cast their ballot with confidence.”

Three Ways to Cast Your Ballot

Marylanders can choose one of three voting methods:

1.     Early Voting In-Person Avoid the Election Day rush by voting early.

Dates: Thursday, June 11 through Thursday, June 18

Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Note: If you are in line by 8 p.m. you will be permitted to cast a ballot. A complete list of early voting centers is available online (Spanish version).

2.     Mail-In Voting: Voters who prefer to vote by mail should take note of the following application deadlines:

·   By Mail or Fax: Requests to receive a mail-in ballot by mail or fax must be received (not postmarked) by Tuesday, June 16.

·   By Email: Requests to receive a mail-in ballot via email must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 19.

·   Submitting Your Ballot: Completed ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, June 23. If returning by hand, ballots must be deposited into an official ballot drop box or delivered to your local board of elections by 8 p.m. on Primary Election Day, Tuesday, June 23. Find ballot drop box locations at vote.md.gov/vote2026.

3. Election Day In-Person The third option is to vote in person at your local polling place on Primary Election Day, Tuesday, June 23.

·     Hours: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

·     Location: Voters must report to their assigned polling place. You can locate your polling place on the SBE website (English and Spanish).

Voter Registration

The preliminary deadline to register to vote or update registration information is Tuesday, June 2. Residents are encouraged to verify their status early to ensure a seamless experience at the polls. Residents not registered to vote can do so using the online registration system. Those who prefer not to register online may print the registration form (English version and Spanish version) and submit it at the local board of elections office.

If you miss this deadline, you can register the same day you vote. Make sure to bring a document that proves where you live when you attempt to vote at your local polling place or early voting center.

Additional information about Maryland’s Primary Election can be found at vote.md.gov/vote2026 or by downloading the free Go Vote Maryland! app from the Google Play store or the Apple store.