In-person early voting for Maryland’s 2026 Gubernatorial General Election begins today, Thursday, October 22, giving voters eight days to cast a ballot before Election Day. Early voting runs through Thursday, October 29, with voting centers open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm each day, including Saturday and Sunday.

Voters can cast a ballot at any early voting center in the county where they live. Anyone in line by 8:00 pm will be allowed to vote.

“Early voting provides Marylanders with a secure, convenient, and flexible way to cast their ballots,” State Administrator of Elections Jared DeMarinis said in announcing the start of early voting.

Counties play a central role in administering and funding Maryland’s elections. Local boards of elections administer early voting and Election Day operations, voter registration, mail-in voting, and ballot canvassing in each county and Baltimore City.

Marylanders who missed the earlier voter registration deadline can still register and vote during early voting. Voters registering at an early voting center must bring a document showing where they live, such as an MVA-issued driver’s license or ID card, a change of address card, a paycheck, a bank statement, a utility bill, or another government document with their name and address.

Registered voters who moved can also update their address during early voting. Voters cannot change their party affiliation at an early voting center.

Marylanders still have other ways to vote in the general election. Requests for a mail-in ballot delivered by mail or fax are due Tuesday, October 27, while requests for electronic delivery are due Friday, October 30.

Completed mail-in ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Tuesday, November 3. Voters may also return a ballot to an official ballot drop box or local board of elections by 8:00 pm on Election Day.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, and voters who need to register can also do so at their assigned polling place with proof of residence.

Voters can find early voting centers, polling places, ballot drop boxes, mail-in ballot information, and other election resources at vote.md.gov/vote2026.

Useful Links

Maryland State Board of Elections: Early Voting

2026 Gubernatorial General Election Information

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