Early and mail-in voting in Maryland’s 2024 general election proved immensely popular. Over 1.6 million voters participated early, either in person or by mail, representing 38 percent of eligible active voters.
An essential function of Maryland’s county governments is to fund and oversee elections — overseeing polling places and coordinating poll workers every two years. This vital work ensures that elections run smoothly and securely, meeting the needs of Maryland’s diverse communities and evolving voter preferences.
Looking Toward a Record Turnout
The State Board of Elections believes Maryland could see record-setting voter turnout in 2024, potentially surpassing 3 million total voters. In 2020, voter turnout reached 75 percent of the state’s registered voters, but this year’s early engagement suggests turnout could exceed 80 percent — a level not seen since 1992, when it reached 81 percent.
Mail-In Voting Trends
Mail-in voting drew strong engagement across Maryland. Election officials distributed over 878,000 mail-in ballots statewide, and voters returned nearly 670,000, a 76 percent response rate.
Montgomery County led with residents returning 134,771 of 191,961 ballots. Baltimore County followed, with voters returning 94,056 of 126,735 ballots.
Smaller counties posted impressive numbers as well. Garrett County voters returned 2,363 of 2,764 ballots, achieving an 86 percent return rate. Dorchester County voters returned 2,862 of 3,335 ballots, showing strong engagement even in less populated areas.
Early Voting Participation
Early voting saw widespread participation, with 994,663 Marylanders casting ballots in person, equaling 24 percent of eligible active voters. The final day of early voting set a single-day record, highlighting the growing demand for voting flexibility.
Montgomery County had the most early voters, with 156,468 residents participating, representing 23 percent of its eligible voters. Prince George’s County followed, with 150,215 early voters, accounting for 25 percent of its voter base. Anne Arundel County saw 102,552 early voters, 25 percent of eligible voters.
Rural areas also saw substantial turnout. Queen Anne’s County and Calvert County led by percentage, with 34 percent of voters casting early ballots. Talbot County also showed strong participation, with 33 percent of eligible voters voting early.
Despite recording a lower early voting rate at 13 percent, Baltimore City still attracted over 53,000 early voters. The robust turnout illustrates the growing popularity of early voting across counties with both large and small voter populations.
Shaping Future Elections
Early and mail-in voting accounted for about 38 percent of total voter turnout, showcasing a clear trend toward accessible and flexible voting methods. This shift will likely influence future election strategies as Marylanders continue embracing new ways to participate in the democratic process.
Stay tuned to Conduit Street for a comprehensive update once the State Board of Elections certifies the final numbers, including detailed analysis and insights into Maryland’s voter turnout trends.
