Three Ways To Vote For 2024 Primary Election

The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) has released important voting information for the 2024 primary election, including the three ways Marylanders can cast their vote and important deadlines to ensure every voter can exercise their right to vote.

“It’s never too early for Marylanders to learn about the three ways to vote in this year’s primary election and make a plan to vote,” said State Administrator Jared DeMarinis. “Whether voting early in person, voting by mail, or voting at their local polling place on Primary Election Day, I encourage every Marylander to familiarize themselves with the important election deadlines to ensure their voices are heard.”

Three Ways to Vote

Marylanders have three ways to cast their vote in the primary election: in-person early voting, mail-in voting, and in-person voting on Election Day, Tuesday, May 14. The key dates below will help Marylanders register to vote and cast their vote.

Important Deadlines for Three Ways to Vote

Vote Early In-Person: In-person early voting begins May 2 and ends May 9. Polls are open from 7:00am to 8:00pm. Voters who are in line by 8:00pm will be able to cast their vote. A list of early voting locations can be found at www.elections.maryland.gov. Please note that some locations have been changed or added since the last election.

Mail-In Voting: Requests for a mail-in ballot via mail or fax must be received (not just mailed) or submitted online by May 7. Requests for a mail-in ballot via email must be submitted online by 11:59pm on May 10. Learn how to request a mail-in ballot online. Mail-in ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by or before 8:00pm on May 14. If returned by hand, ballots must be dropped at a ballot drop box or local board of elections by 8:00pm on Primary Election Day, May 14. The first batch of mail-in ballots began to be transmitted to Maryland voters who requested them on Monday, April 1.

Vote in Person on Primary Election Day: The final day to cast a vote is Primary Election Day, May 14. Polls are open from 7:00am to 8:00pm. Voters who are in line by 8:00pm will be able to cast their vote. Find your polling place online.

Register to Vote

The last day to register to vote, update voter registration or change party affiliation online or by mail is April 23. Registrations being mailed must be postmarked by this date. Residents not registered to vote can do so using the online registration system. Those who prefer not to register to vote online may print the registration form and submit it at the local board of elections office.

If you miss this deadline, you can still register the same day you vote in person. Make sure to bring a document that proves where you live when you visit your local polling place. You cannot change your party affiliation after the deadline. Maryland is a closed primary election, meaning only registered voters of the Democratic and Republican parties can vote in those primary elections. Be sure to check your party affiliation prior to the deadline if you are a registered voter.

Ballot Drop Boxes Installed

SBE has completed the installation of 286 ballot drop boxes in all counties and the city of Baltimore. A list of locations is available online. Voters may submit their completed mail-in ballots at any official drop box until Primary Election Day, May 14, at 8:00pm. Ballot boxes will be locked at 8:00pm.

Additional information about Maryland’s primary election can be found at vote.md.gov/vote2024. Part of the SBE’s VOTE!MD campaign, the website includes a voting checklist, important deadlines that can be added to your calendar, and information on how to apply to be an election judge.