Maryland Mail-In Ballots: Your Guide

Leana Rogers Salamah

-Nov 5, 2025

Are you a registered voter in Maryland? Wondering how to vote by mail? You've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about Maryland mail-in ballots, from eligibility and registration to deadlines and tracking your ballot. In our experience, understanding the process is key to ensuring your voice is heard. This article provides actionable insights to help you navigate Maryland's mail-in voting system.

Who is eligible to vote by mail in Maryland?
How do I register to vote and request a mail-in ballot in Maryland?
Key Deadlines for Maryland Mail-In Ballots
How to Fill Out and Return Your Maryland Mail-In Ballot
How to Track Your Maryland Mail-In Ballot
What Happens After You Mail Your Ballot?

1. Who is eligible to vote by mail in Maryland?

Maryland allows all registered voters to request a mail-in ballot. There are no specific requirements or excuses needed to vote by mail. This system is designed to provide convenient and accessible voting options for all eligible residents. Maryland’s mail-in voting is available to all registered voters in the state, offering a convenient way to participate in elections. — Canelo's Next Opponent: Who's Stepping Into The Ring?

Eligibility Requirements

Registered Voter: You must be registered to vote in Maryland. Check your registration status on the Maryland State Board of Elections website.
Age: You must be 18 years old or older on Election Day.
Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Residency: You must be a resident of Maryland.

2. How do I register to vote and request a mail-in ballot in Maryland?

First, you need to register to vote. If you're already registered, you can simply request a mail-in ballot. Here’s a detailed guide: — Partners In Health Murrysville: Your Guide

Registering to Vote

Online: Visit the Maryland State Board of Elections website to register online.
By Mail: Download a voter registration application, fill it out, and mail it to your local board of elections.
In Person: Register at your local board of elections office, the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), or other designated locations.

Requesting a Mail-In Ballot

Online: Use the Maryland State Board of Elections website to request a mail-in ballot.
By Mail: Download a mail-in ballot application, complete it, and return it to your local board of elections.
In Person: Request a mail-in ballot at your local board of elections office.

Note: You can request to receive mail-in ballots for all elections or for specific elections. — Bears Vs. 49ers Tickets: Your Ultimate Guide

3. Key Deadlines for Maryland Mail-In Ballots

Meeting deadlines is crucial to ensure your vote is counted. Missing a deadline means your ballot will not be processed. We recommend that you mark these important dates in your calendar. Below are the key deadlines to keep in mind:

Voter Registration Deadline: Register to vote at least 21 days before an election.
Mail-In Ballot Request Deadline: The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is 7 days before an election.
Ballot Return Deadline: Your completed mail-in ballot must be received by your local board of elections by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Important: Returning your ballot early is always a good idea to avoid any postal delays and to ensure your vote is counted. The easiest way to avoid any issues is to return your ballot as soon as you receive it.

4. How to Fill Out and Return Your Maryland Mail-In Ballot

Make sure that your vote is counted by carefully following these instructions. Filling out and returning your mail-in ballot is a straightforward process, but attention to detail is essential. Here's how to do it correctly:

Filling Out Your Ballot

Read the Instructions: Carefully read all instructions provided with your ballot.
Mark Your Choices: Fill in the ovals or bubbles completely next to your chosen candidates and/or ballot questions.
Review: Double-check your selections before sealing the ballot.

Returning Your Ballot

Sealing the Ballot: Place your completed ballot into the secrecy envelope, and then seal the envelope. Place the sealed secrecy envelope into the return envelope.
Signing the Return Envelope: Sign the voter's certificate on the return envelope. Your signature is essential for verifying your ballot.
Returning Your Ballot: You have several options for returning your ballot:
- By Mail: Mail your ballot to your local board of elections. Postage is usually pre-paid.
- Drop Box: Drop your ballot off at an official drop box location. These are secure and convenient.
- In Person: Deliver your ballot in person to your local board of elections office or an early voting center.

5. How to Track Your Maryland Mail-In Ballot

Tracking your mail-in ballot provides peace of mind and allows you to confirm that your vote has been received and counted. Here's how to track your ballot:

Online Tracker: Use the Maryland State Board of Elections website to track your ballot. You can enter your name and date of birth to check the status.
Email or Text Alerts: Sign up for email or text alerts from the Board of Elections to receive updates on your ballot's status.

This system allows you to monitor your ballot's progress, from the time it is mailed to the time it is counted.

6. What Happens After You Mail Your Ballot?

Once your ballot is received, it goes through a series of steps to ensure it is counted accurately and securely. Here’s a breakdown:

Receipt and Verification: Your local board of elections receives your ballot and verifies your signature on the return envelope.
Ballot Processing: Election officials remove the ballot from the return envelope and secrecy envelope.
Counting: Your ballot is counted along with all other ballots cast in the election.
Official Results: The final results are certified after the election, and the information is available to the public.

Security Measures

Maryland uses several security measures to protect the integrity of mail-in ballots:

Signature Verification: Signatures are compared to those on file to ensure they match.
Tracking Systems: Ballot tracking systems allow voters to monitor the status of their ballots.
Audits: Post-election audits are conducted to verify the accuracy of the vote count.

FAQ Section

Can I vote in person if I requested a mail-in ballot? Yes, if you haven’t yet returned your mail-in ballot, you can vote in person at an early voting center or on Election Day. Your mail-in ballot will be voided when you vote in person.
Where can I find the Maryland State Board of Elections website? The official website is https://elections.maryland.gov/. This site offers comprehensive information about voting in Maryland.
How do I update my voter registration information? You can update your information online through the Maryland State Board of Elections website, by mail, or in person at your local board of elections office.
Is my mail-in ballot confidential? Yes, your ballot is confidential. It is placed in a secrecy envelope to protect your privacy.
What if I make a mistake on my mail-in ballot? If you make a mistake, contact your local board of elections to request a replacement ballot.
Can someone else return my mail-in ballot for me? Yes, a voter can designate someone to return their ballot, but the person must be 18 years or older and cannot be paid to do so.
How do I know if my mail-in ballot has been received? You can track your ballot online through the Maryland State Board of Elections website.

Conclusion

Voting by mail in Maryland is a convenient and secure way to participate in elections. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently cast your ballot and make your voice heard. Remember to register, request your ballot, meet the deadlines, and track your ballot to ensure your vote counts. For further information and updates, always refer to the official Maryland State Board of Elections website.