by Kate Shunney
Maryland voters began casting ballots in the 2026 General Election last Thursday, October 22. In-person voting in local precincts will be held on Tuesday, November 3 on Election Day.
Early voting—when & where?
Early voting in Washington County takes place at select centers from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. through this Thursday, October 29. County residents can cast an early ballot at any of these locations, regardless of where they live in the county.
Four Early Voting centers will operate in Washington County – at the Boonsboro American Legion, Clear Springs American Legion, Washington County Election Center and Washington County Free Library.
Election Day
Voting in person at local precincts will take place on Tuesday, November 3.
On election day, Hancock voters can make their selections at the polling place at Hancock Middle-Senior High School. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The ballot
Voters will see a ballot featuring federal, state and district seats up for grabs, along with a handful of county offices.
Governor Wes Moore is seeking another term in office, defending against a challenge by Republican Dan Cox, Green party candidate Andy Ellis and Cathy White of the Working Class Party.
Voters will choose a State Comptroller from candidates Democrat Brooke Elizabeth Lierman and Republican Sonya Dunn.
The office of Maryland Attorney General is on the ballot, with Democrat Anthony Brown facing a challenge from Republican James Rutledge III.
Voters in the 6th congressional district, which includes Washington County, will choose a representative in Congress. Incumbent April McClain Delaney, Democrat, is in a race against Republican Robin Flicker and third-party candidate Moshe Landman of the Green Party.
Running for the Maryland State Senate in District 1, which includes Hancock, is incumbent Mike McKay, a Republican, who is being challenged by Democrat Ashley Emerick.
Candidates for the House of Delegates representing District 1C, which includes Hancock, are incumbent Terry Baker, a Republican, and Democrat Seth Funk.
Voters will also choose a member of the Supreme Court of Maryland and a judge for the Appellate Court of Maryland At Large.
Washington County voters will choose five members of the Board of County Commissioners during the General Election from a generous field of candidate. Candidates include Democrats Jonathan Fish, Les McIntosh, Sr., Teri Pailen, Lara Shepherd and Dave Williams. Republican candidates include John Barr, Charles Burkett, Jeffrey Cline, Randy Leatherman, and Dan Young. Unaffiliated candidate Taj Smith is also listed as a candidate for the county board.
Also on the Washington County ballot are school board members, and the post of county Treasurer and State’s Attorney, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Register of Wills – all uncontested races.
Sheriff Brian Albert is seeking re-election amid a challenge from Democrat Junior McLeod.
Mail-in ballots
Registered voters can request an electronic mail-in ballot through Friday, October 30. Registered voters can request a mail-in ballot in person at a local election board on Election Day.
All mail-in ballots must be postmarked or placed in an election drop box by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3 – General Election Day.
The Washington County Election Center is located at 17718 Virginia Avenue in Hagerstown. They can be reached by phone at 240-313-2050. Their website is https://washingtoncountymdvotes.gov/
