Maryland’s primary election has been postponed to Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the Coronavirus pandemic, we advise those concerned about voting in person on June 2, 2020 to consider voting by absentee ballot.
On June 2, 2020 all Marylanders will have an opportunity to vote on their preferred presidential candidate, national convention delegates, and other down ballot contests.
We understand that updates regarding the Covid-19 response are coming at a rapid pace, but we want you all to know that we are doing what we can to support your right to vote as well as positive public health outcomes.
Here’s what you need to know:
*NOTE: The advice below does not apply to voters in the 7th Congressional District who will be voting by mail during the April 28, 2020 CD7 special general election. It applies to voters wanting to vote absentee in the rescheduled June 2, 2020 primary.*
Checking your voter registration
Anyone registered to vote in Maryland may vote by absentee ballot!
- To check your voter registration, use the Maryland State Board of Elections Online Voter Lookup tool
- If you are not registered to vote, click here to learn how to register to vote
How to request an absentee ballot
There are three ways to request an absentee ballot:
- Online with a Maryland driver’s license or MVA-issued ID card (this is the preferred way to request an absentee ballot. Local boards of elections WILL continue to process absentee ballot requests during the Coronavirus pandemic)
- Print out, complete and return an absentee ballot application to your local board of elections. While local boards have procedures in place to continue processing paper absentee ballot requests, requesting a ballot online is preferred.
- Visit your local board of elections to fill out and turn in an absentee ballot application. Please check before visiting your local board of elections to ensure they are open. Office closures vary by county. For a list of local boards of elections look here.
Deadlines to request an absentee ballot
For the 2020 Presidential primary election, there are two deadlines for requesting an absentee ballot, depending on how you want to receive your blank ballot:
- Tuesday, May 26, 2020, if receiving your ballot by fax or mail (the Tuesday preceding the election)
- Friday, May 29, 2020, if downloading your ballot from the State’s website (the Friday preceding the election)
- All absentee ballots must be postmarked by June 2, 2020 or received physically by the local board by 8 p.m. on June 2, 2020.
Election dates to know
Early Voting Period for Maryland Primary
- Thursday, May 21, 2020 – Thursday, May 28, 2020
- Polls open 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM in a presidential primary
Maryland Primary Day
- Tuesday, June 2, 2020
- Polls open 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Have more questions? Then visit the Maryland State Board of Elections website to learn everything you need to know about absentee voting, and read their Press Release on the primary election delay. Check back often for updates– this is a fluid situation and changes may occur.