Maryland (MD)
Eligibility
Age: 18 (may pre-register at 16)
ID Requirements
To Register: MD driver's license or MVA ID card number, or last 4 of SSN. Online registration requires a MD DL or state ID. If neither, leave blank; first-time voters who registered by mail must show photo ID or a document with name and address when voting.
To Vote: No photo ID required for most voters; first-time voters who registered by mail may need ID
Registration Methods
- Online: Residents can submit a voter registration application electronically through the state's website, rather than by mail or in person.
- Mail: Residents can register to vote by completing a paper registration form and submitting it by mail to the appropriate election office.
- In Person: Residents can register to vote by visiting a designated government office, such as a county clerk's office or DMV, and completing a registration form on site.
Early Voting
A period before Election Day during which voters can cast their ballots in person at designated polling locations. The length of the early voting period varies by state.
Early voting runs for 8 days, ending the Thursday before election day.
Mail-In / Absentee Voting
A voting method where ballots are automatically mailed to all registered voters without requiring a specific request. States that use this approach conduct elections primarily or entirely by mail.
No-excuse mail-in voting available for all registered voters.
Felony Voting Rules
State laws governing whether and when people with felony convictions can vote. Policies range from no restrictions to permanent disenfranchisement, with most states restoring rights at some point after sentencing.
Rights restored automatically upon release from incarceration.
Documentation Needed
- MD DL number or last 4 of SSN
- Proof of residency for same-day registration
Recent News
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Maryland Lawmakers Discuss Voting Access and Election Reforms
Maryland legislators are advancing voting access bills including measures to expand voter access and proposals for voter identity verification.
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Maryland Voting Rights Act of 2026 (SB 255)
The Maryland Voting Rights Act of 2026 would create state-level protections for minority voters in local elections.
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Maryland ballot petition modernization (HB 642)
Maryland's HB 642 expanded petition signature rules to allow electronic signatures and permit voters to use derivatives of their given names.
Sources
Last verified: Feb 24, 2026
Change Log
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Recent NewsAdded recent news items