Maryland Voter Registration: Everything You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

Maryland voter registration is easy; basic requirements include being a U.S. citizen, a Maryland resident, and at least 16 years old.
You can register online, by mail, or in person at designated locations throughout Maryland.
Key deadlines include 21 days before Election Day for regular registration and same-day registration options available on Election Day.
If you’re already registered, verify your details using the Maryland Voter Registration lookup tool.
After registering, you will receive a voter registration card that confirms your registration and polling place.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Whether you’re a first-time voter or a longtime resident who just moved to a new address, completing your Maryland voter registration is easier than you might think. Maryland makes the process straightforward. You just need to know where to start.

Who Can Register to Vote in Maryland?

Before you dive into the maryland voter registration process, make sure you meet the basic requirements. You must:

Be a U.S. citizen
Be a Maryland resident
Be at least 16 years old (you can pre-register at 16, but cannot vote until you turn 18)
Not be under guardianship that restricts your right to vote
Not have been convicted of buying or selling votes

How to Register

Maryland gives you three convenient ways to register:

Online: Head to the Maryland State Board of Elections website at elections.maryland.gov and complete your Maryland voter registration entirely online. You’ll need a Maryland driver’s license or MVA-issued ID to finish the process digitally. It takes less than five minutes.
By Mail: Download the voter registration form from the State Board of Elections website, fill it out, and mail it to your local board of elections. Make sure you sign and date the form — an unsigned form won’t be processed.
In Person: Visit your local board of elections office, any Maryland MVA location, or a variety of public assistance agencies across the state. Staff at these locations can help walk you through the form.

Key Deadlines You Need to Know

Missing the deadline is the most common reason people can’t vote on Election Day. Don’t let that happen to you.

Regular registration deadline: 21 days before Election Day
In-person registration: Maryland allows same-day voter registration at early voting sites and on Election Day itself at your polling place, so even if you miss the regular deadline, you still have options.

Check or Update Your Registration

Already registered? Take two minutes to verify your information is current, especially if you’ve moved recently. Visit the Maryland Voter Registration lookup tool at elections.maryland.gov and search by your name and date of birth. If your address or name has changed, you’ll need to submit an updated form. The same methods above apply.

What Happens After You Register?

Once you submit your Maryland voter registration form, the State Board of Elections will review your application and mail you a voter registration card. This card confirms your registration and tells you your polling place. Hold onto it, because it’s a handy reference come Election Day.

Elections are decided by the people who show up. Completing your Maryland voter registration is the first step toward making your voice heard on the issues that matter most to you. The whole process takes just a few minutes, and the payoff lasts a lifetime.