What You Need to Know Before You Vote
VOTER REGISTRATION
Registering to vote is the first step to making your voice heard.
To register in Maryland, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a Maryland resident
- Be at least 16 years old (you must be 18 to vote)
You can register online, by mail, or in person. The fastest and easiest way is online through the Maryland Voter Services website.
If you have moved, changed your name, or need to update your party affiliation, you should update your registration as soon as possible.
Maryland also allows same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day. You must bring proof of your current address, such as a driver’s license or a document that shows your name and address.
FIRST-TIME VOTER GUIDE
Voting for the first time does not have to feel confusing. Follow the steps below to get prepared. Click each step to learn more.
Make Sure You Are Registered
Before you can vote, you need to confirm that you are registered.
You can check your registration status online.
If you are not registered, you can complete your registration in just a few minutes.
If your information has changed, update it as soon as possible.
Maryland allows same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day with proof of residence.
Choose How You Want to Vote
You have multiple ways to vote. Choose the option that works best for you.
- Vote on Election Day – Go to your assigned polling place
- Vote Early – Vote in person before Election Day at a designated location
- Vote by Mail – Request a ballot, complete it at home, and return it by the deadline
Each option has specific deadlines, so plan ahead.
What to Expect When You Vote
If you are voting in person for the first time, here is what to expect:
- You will check in with an election worker
- You will receive your ballot
- You will follow instructions to complete your vote
- You will submit your ballot before leaving
If you have questions, election workers are there to help.
Be Prepared Before You Go
Before you vote, take a few minutes to prepare:
- Confirm Your Registration
- Know your polling location or voting plan
- Review what may be on your ballot
Being prepared helps your voting experience go smoothly and confidently.
YOUR VOTING STATUS MATTERS
Before you vote, it is important to understand how elections work in Maryland and how your registration affects your ability to participate.
Primary Elections
Primary elections are used to choose each party’s candidates. In Maryland, these are party-based elections.
- You must be registered with a political party to vote in that party’s primary
- If you are registered as unaffiliated (independent), you generally cannot vote in primary elections
Important Deadline
If you want to vote in the upcoming primary election, you must update or change your party affiliation by June 3.
Changes made after this deadline will not apply to this election, so it is important to act early if you plan to participate in a primary.
General Elections
General elections decide who will hold office. All registered voters can participate, including unaffiliated voters.
Ways to Vote You can vote:
- In person on Election Day
- During early voting
- By mail
Local elections affect schools, public safety, taxes, and community decisions, so participating in all elections is important.
LOCAL ELECTIONS MATTER
Local elections shape your day-to-day life—whether you realize it or not. In Calvert County, the officials you vote for help make decisions about:
These decisions affect your daily life, your family, and your future. Understanding what is on your ballot and who is running helps you make informed choices when you vote. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about local elections, including candidates, polling locations, and deadlines, use official sources.